Undergrad applications increase 20 percent

Applications to the University have increased 20 percent over last year, which also was a record-breaking year for applicants. By early February, 7,929 applications had been received by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

“There are many things that have contributed to the increase,” said Sabena Moretz, associate director of admission.

Some factors she cited include a change in recruiting strategy that started three years ago, implementation of a Web-based University application in addition to the online common application, media recognition in Newsweek and BusinessWeek magazines, and a great football season.

Another reason for the increase is a change in standardized testing requirements driven by changes in the SAT, which makes it easier for students to complete an application, she said. “Applicants used to be required to take three SAT-II exams in addition to the SAT. Now they can submit the SAT alone, so it reduces the number of tests they need to take.” She added that a growing portion of applicants is submitting ACT scores as well.

Moretz also said that there is an especially large number of graduating students this year nationally and that more international students are interested in attending colleges in the United States.

Finally, many selective institutions have ended early decision, which has forced many students who would have otherwise filed only one college application to apply to a longer list of colleges than they would have in years past.