Admissions Applications Status
I write to share
the wonderful news that, for the first time in our history, St.
Lawrence has received over 5,000 applications for admission.
Applications for the Class of 2012 were to be submitted electronically
or mailed by February 1, a deadline that is two weeks earlier
than it was last year. During this transition year, we
will continue to accept applications submitted by the former
deadline of February 15. We will have definite numbers
to share in late February or early March. As of today,
we have received, 5,154 applications for admission, which is
a milestone for the University in several ways. It is an
11% increase over last year –an increase that will grow
over the next two weeks. You may recall that we had a record
year for applications last year, with a final tally of 4,645.
That represented an increase of 45 percent over the previous
year. Although the continued annual growth in applications
is certainly impressive, it is more significant when viewed through
the lens of our recent history: five years ago we exceeded 3,000
applications for the first time. Ten years ago, we received 2,275
applications, so we have more than doubled that number in only
a decade, which is a stunning achievement.
There have been reports in the news media about a general increase
in application numbers at colleges across the country, with accompanying
analysis and commentary about the attendant reasons for the surge,
much of which is related to changes in financial aid programs
at the most well-endowed institutions. We will be conducting
our own analysis, of course, and comparing our numbers and rates
of increase with other institutions. We can say, with great confidence,
that the dramatic growth in interest in St. Lawrence is the result
of the investments we have made in facilities and programs. While
the targeted size of the entering first-year class has remained
consistent through the last decade, the addition of new majors
and minors, increased opportunities for international study,
an expanded intercollegiate athletics program, and more musical
performance groups are all features that get the attention of
prospective students. Visits to campus by high school juniors
and seniors have increased, especially in the past two years. Students
and parents cite the impressive facilities--most recently, the
Johnson Hall of Science--and the welcoming atmosphere fostered
by faculty and current students as factors in the students' ultimate
decision to apply. In addition, students frequently mention
the University's commitment to environmental issues and sustainability
as an attractive feature. Prospective students understand
that St. Lawrence is a place where they will find academic challenge,
support for individual initiative, and an atmosphere that encourages
them to develop new interests.
In addition to sharing the wonderful news that this represents
for the University, I also want to thank everyone for the part
that you all have played in helping this to happen – it
would not have happened without the spirit of cooperation and
enthusiasm that prospective students and families have noted.
Daniel F. Sullivan
President
February 5, 2008
