Lamorinda (Moraga, Orinda, and Lafayette) is one of the most academically focused communities in the Bay Area. High school students at Campolindo, Miramonte, and Acalanes apply to some of the country's most competitive colleges, and families here are deeply invested in getting the process right.

Working with a Lamorinda college advisor ensures your student has a clear roadmap before the process gets overwhelming.

But in 2026, the college admissions process looks much different than it did just a few years ago. With AI considerations, test-optional policies moving back towards test-required at many schools, and a changing landscape at UC campuses, there's a lot for Lamorinda families to understand heading into the next cycle.

In this post, we cover what's changed and what hasn't, so Lamorinda students can focus on what they should be doing right now.

What Has Changed in 2026 College Admissions

Test scores are back:  They actually matter

After several years of test-optional policies, the landscape has shifted significantly. A number of selective universities have reinstated standardized testing requirements, and many more seem to be heading in that direction. For Lamorinda students, this is significant: the bar for competitive scores from highly academic schools is high, and students who haven't prepared will be at a disadvantage.

We recommend beginning SAT/ACT preparation no later than the winter of sophomore year, with the goal of taking a first official test in the spring. This allows plenty of time for a retake(s) in junior year. For most students at Campolindo or Miramonte who are aiming for selective universities, two serious attempts at testing is now standard practice.

AI in college admissions is real:  Use it carefully

Admissions officers at many schools have become significantly more skilled at identifying AI-assisted writing. At the same time, student use of AI for essay drafting has grown. The result: personal and specific essays are more valuable than ever, and generic, polished writing is being flagged more often. Lamorinda students who tend to be strong academic writers are well-positioned here, but only if they focus on telling honest, personal stories instead of trying to make their writing sound perfect.

CSU Direct Admission creates new options

Through California's CSU Direct Admission Program, eligible students can receive automatic admission to certain CSU campuses based on their high school academic performance, without completing a traditional application. For some Lamorinda students, this may change their college list approach: certain CSU campuses now have a clearer, earlier pathway, which can free up time and energy to work on applications for reach and target schools. Check our guide on CSU Direct Admission for current eligibility and timeline details.

What Hasn't Changed for Lamorinda Students

Despite shifting policies, the basic components of a strong college application remain the same and Lamorinda students have consistently strong fundamentals.

• Academic rigor matters. Campolindo, Miramonte, and Acalanes offer robust AP and honors courses. Selective colleges want to see students challenging themselves, not just taking the path of least resistance.
• Depth is more important than breadth when it comes to extracurriculars. One of our current Lamorinda students built a youth environmental nonprofit with a local Orinda chapter. Another has been competing in DECA while also building a resume and exploring career interests. That type of sustained commitment to a project or organization is exactly what differentiates an application. 
• Authentic essays remain the biggest differentiator. Lamorinda students live in a community that values achievement which can sometimes push their essays toward generic, overused themes. The essays that truly stand out are the ones about something genuinely specific to the student’s life experience.

A Lamorinda-Specific Comment About the UC Application

East Bay students apply to UC campuses at exceptionally high rates, particularly UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, and UC Santa Barbara. This means Lamorinda students are competing against each other in an application pool that UC admissions readers are very familiar with.

The Personal Insight Questions are the most important variable that Lamorinda students can actually control. We start working with students on their PIQs in the spring of junior year, well before the November deadline. Students who wait until senior year rarely have enough time to write essays that are thoughtful and polished.

What We Recommend Right Now (By Grade)

• 7th & 8th grade: Start building study habits, explore genuine interests, and get a sense of what high school will look like. No college pressure, just focus on building a strong foundation.
• Freshmen & Sophomores: Focus on course selection, explore extracurriculars intentionally, begin SAT/ACT prep, and identify summer opportunities that align with your interests.
• Juniors: This is the most important year. Build your college list, begin essay/PIQ brainstorming, make meaningful summer plans, and take those standardized tests if you haven’t already.
• Seniors: September through November is crunch time. StrivePath students who plan early arrive at this moment prepared and confident, not scrambling.



Ready to build your student's plan?

StrivePath offers personalized academic and college advising for Bay Area students from 7th grade through senior year. Book a free consultation with our team today.

👉 mystrivepath.com: StrivePath: Happier students. Less stressed families. Better admission outcomes.