The number of applicants for the Class of 2012 has almost doubled the amount from two years prior. This year the number of applicants has continued to rise, with more than 11,000 high school students filing applications. Vice President for Enrollment Jim Nondorf stated that he is “very happy and excited, for in every targeted cohort that we are trying to expand,” the Office of Admissions has seen success.
The increase in applications is also complemented by a broadening of the applicant pool. When compared against the pool from three years ago, there have been significant jumps in applications from underrepresented minorities at 650 percent and international students at 1,100 percent, as well as from students interested in non-engineering disciplines such as science and biotechnology at 250 percent and the arts, humanities, and social sciences at 900 percent.
According to Nondorf and Director of Undergraduate Admissions Karen Long, the Office of Admissions has continued to reach out to the different regions of the United States and has had a significant presence in each region from this past June through today. Staff and volunteers have conducted over 700 events and have visited over 500 schools across the country. These events include attending high school college fairs and participating in panels. Prospective students of the Class of 2012 have not been the only focus of their efforts; Admissions has communicated with current high school sophomores and juniors as well. Nondorf states that reaching outside of the Northeastern region of the United States is especially important as there is a projected decline of high school graduates from 2008-2018. According to “Moody’s Public Finance—2008 Higher Education Outlook,” more states in the Southeast and Western areas, such as Florida and Texas, are expected to have increasing numbers of high school graduates.
In addition to increasing efforts across the country, there is also a continued effort to attract international students. Some staff and faculty who have traveled abroad, such as Vice Provost Prabhat Hajela and Professor Gwo Ching Wang, assisted in the effort by reaching out in their respective destinations. Long also stated that there is an international trip planned for sometime this September.
Several of the new opportunities for research, study, and student life have also attracted more students. According to a statement released by the Office of Admissions earlier last week, “... applicants have been showing a greater interest in opportunities for undergraduate research,” as the new Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and the Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations have recently been opened. In addition, the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center and the East Campus Athletic Village have also garnered the attention of applicants.
Another potential reason for the increase in applications is the greater accessibility and variety in programming for prospective students visiting campus. According to Long, there has been a significant increase in students coming to campus as compared to last year, close to 100 percent. Prospective students have now been able to attend programs throughout the weekend and also attend activities such as the STAR program, which provides students with opportunity to stay overnight and experience life at Rensselaer.
As the review process begins and applicants consider their choices, Nondorf looks to the Rensselaer community to reach out to admitted students. With regard to the admissions process, Nondorf states that “attracting applicants is phase one,” and that “we rely on academics and student life” for convincing students to attend Rensselaer. Nondorf also looks to keep up the momentum and to continuue to increase the diversity of applicants interested in Rensselaer. One of the next big events of the admissions process is the Accepted Student Day Celebration, to be held on April 12. The Office of Admissions anticipates an influx of accepted students starting March 14 through May 1.
