Federal scrutiny of admissions practices intensified as a judge pushed back the Education Department’s deadline for colleges to submit new race-and-sex applicant and admit data. The delay gives the courts time to consider a multi-state challenge from Democratic attorneys general who argue the data request is overly broad. Separately, the House Education Committee moved to investigate alleged bias in prestigious award processes and possible financial-aid fraud, signaling lawmakers’ growing appetite to use oversight powers on admissions, scholarships and aid administration. Committee action could prompt more campus investigations and compliance reviews. Enrollment leaders and compliance teams should prepare to respond to requests for historical applicant-level data, validate internal reporting systems, and coordinate with legal counsel as litigation and oversight escalate around admissions transparency and enforcement.