2008 Woodie Awards
Incoming freshman classes reflect changing admission standards
Parice Grant
Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: News
In a social climate where the Common Application is preferred over the campus- specific paper application, the University is constantly working to adapt comprehensive undergraduate admissions standards.
Enrollment rates continue to be an issue throughout many private institutions. In light of recent events, including a student gaining entry into a prestigious university using forged documentation, the University's current trends reflect a response to the issue.
As a recent New York Times article reports, many high school graduates are opting to head straight to college instead of taking time off, which was not the habit of college applicants in earlier years. Pundits contend that rankings are subjective or irrelevant, but the University's standing is not high in the infamous World News Report College Rankings. These rankings could be a reflection of admissions progress.
Freshman accounting major Andre Bennett said, "I wasn't nervous about acceptance."
Bennett graduated from high school with an average GPA and during his short undergraduate study he has managed to maintain a 3.1.
In order to gain acceptance to the University, students must obtain two recommendations from a teacher or counselor, submit a personal essay, SAT/ACT scores and a high school transcript.
These requirements are fairly common among other institutions of higher education. In Bennett's case, he sent in his application with recommendations from a track coach and a social studies teacher. His SAT scores were over 1100 and his extracurricular activities were standard.
"I don't think the admissions office scrutinizes its applicants," Bennett said.
Other freshmen have similar sentiments, "I know someone with a 0.4 GPA," marketing major Matthew Hutchinson said.
"Having people like that in my class just makes me feel smarter," he added.
Many academic programs flourish at the University including the musical theater program. The head of the program picks from many applicants and screens potential students in auditions.
Enrollment rates continue to be an issue throughout many private institutions. In light of recent events, including a student gaining entry into a prestigious university using forged documentation, the University's current trends reflect a response to the issue.
As a recent New York Times article reports, many high school graduates are opting to head straight to college instead of taking time off, which was not the habit of college applicants in earlier years. Pundits contend that rankings are subjective or irrelevant, but the University's standing is not high in the infamous World News Report College Rankings. These rankings could be a reflection of admissions progress.
Freshman accounting major Andre Bennett said, "I wasn't nervous about acceptance."
Bennett graduated from high school with an average GPA and during his short undergraduate study he has managed to maintain a 3.1.
In order to gain acceptance to the University, students must obtain two recommendations from a teacher or counselor, submit a personal essay, SAT/ACT scores and a high school transcript.
These requirements are fairly common among other institutions of higher education. In Bennett's case, he sent in his application with recommendations from a track coach and a social studies teacher. His SAT scores were over 1100 and his extracurricular activities were standard.
"I don't think the admissions office scrutinizes its applicants," Bennett said.
Other freshmen have similar sentiments, "I know someone with a 0.4 GPA," marketing major Matthew Hutchinson said.
"Having people like that in my class just makes me feel smarter," he added.
Many academic programs flourish at the University including the musical theater program. The head of the program picks from many applicants and screens potential students in auditions.
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