Although the official Class of 2011 has not arrived on campus, it already has accomplished something noteworthy: It has had a record number of applicants vie to join its ranks. A previously unseen number of students—10,000 to be more precise—have applied, which is almost double the amount from two years ago. Jim Nondorf—vice president for Enrollment—felt that, “More people all around the world have been noticing what’s been going on at RPI.” He stated that there has been growth in applications to departments that the Institute has not previously been widely known for—Humanities and Social Sciences and Biology—and that this may be attributed to excitement for the new Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Students and for the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center.
Other contributions to the growth in admissions may be accredited to outreach efforts on behalf of Undergraduate Admissions. According to Karen Long, the director of Undergraduate Admissions, staff members have traveled across the country in order to reach out to anticipated applicants. In meeting with guidance counselors and high school students, admissions staff members do not focus solely on seniors but interact with sophomores and juniors as well. Long anticipates that such trips will also extend to the international scene. Currently, admissions counselors are assigned regionally, by state or area of the country.
According to Nondorf, the admissions process has always been a “holistic” review process, taking into consideration what kind of student an applicant is. Essays are required along with test scores, recommendations, grades, and a list of extracurricular activities and jobs. According to Long, “We’ve always had a strong applicant pool.” The numbers and diversity of the applicants have increased “in all areas,” from the amount of cultural, ethnic and gender minorities, to even the amount of students from outside of the New England region. Also, the number of students applying for early decision has increased significantly. In addition, the amount of visitors has increased— many of you may have even seen the tours that run during the winter months.
Nondorf stated that another change in the admissions process has been the increased involvement of current undergraduates. Accordingly, the amount of ambassadors has doubled, and more people have been putting in efforts as they get excited about the Institute. Nondorf felt that student involvement in admissions shows that “our number one resource is you, the students.” Enrollment has also been actively working with both the Grand Marshal and President of the Union on several new outreach programs such as overnight hosting for admitted students and the new admitted student web site. James Fisher, President of the Union, says of these new programs, “the caliber and diversity of students now attracted to our campus will ultimately result in a stronger student body and a more enriching experience within the Union.”
