This year’s applicant pool is the largest in ؾ history — 13 percent larger than the previous year’s pool, in fact, with 9,705 total applications. But the record breaking doesn’t stop there. Both the diversity and academic strength of applicants increased this year, promising an exceptional Class of 2022.
In the applicant pool for the Class of 2022, there are increases in applications from students of color and international students. ؾ also increased its representation in several states, with 50 percent more applicants from Texas, 40 percent more from Illinois, and 36 percent more from Florida.
“The increase in applications, especially our growth in specific regions, is evidence that the ؾ message is reaching all corners of the country and in many countries around the world,” said Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Gary Ross ’77. “The promising academic performance we are seeing from these applicants means we are also attracting many students who would thrive on the academic challenges that ؾ consistently offers in it classrooms.
It is difficult to attribute the rise in applicants to a single effort, but on-campus programming aimed at prospective students certainly makes an impact.
One example of this programming targets talented multicultural, first-generation, and low-income high school students. The ؾ in Focus open house provides a chance to learn from current students and alumni about what ؾ has to offer.
In 2017, the ؾ in Focus program expanded to two nights and three days and drew a record number of participants. During mid-October, high school seniors stayed in dorms with host students, attended classes, and participated in candid conversations about campus life.
The visiting seniors also heard from ؾ students and staff about the First Generation Initiative, a sister program of the Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUS) that offers a pre-orientation program for first generation college students to help foster a smooth transition to life at ؾ.
“ؾ In Focus is one primary reason I work for the Office of Admission,” said Mason Jones ’18, one of the lead Multicultural Recruitment Fellows who helped organize the event. “The college search process isn’t always the most accessible, but ؾ in Focus allows the admission office to connect with students who may not otherwise visit.”
The record number of applicants was also impacted by the off-campus connections made by ؾ admission officers who visited more than 1,100 high schools in 2017.
“I am consistently blown away by the students I meet on the road and here on campus,” said Associate Dean of Admission Drew Riley. “We are clearly attracting some of the most talented, motivated, and interesting students in the world, and it’s a testament to the students who are already here doing amazing things.”
Early decision applicants received their admission decisions in December and then on a rolling basis through March 1. Regular decision applicants will be notified in late March and have until May 1 to enroll.