Applications for this fall's freshman class have surpassed 4,800, the highest total ever, admissions officials reported this week.
Applications are running 9 percent above last year's 4,373, the largest one-year jump in the past 10 years.
The applicant pool is also stronger, with admissions evaluation staff noting a marked increase in the number of students who are performing well in demanding class rosters.
“The top-end is growing and the bottom is our ‘old middle,'” said Geoff Bowman, assistant dean of admissions.
Last year, the College joined a growing list of top schools nationwide that have made the SAT and the ACT optional for high school seniors who apply for admission. The decision about test scores, which is effective starting with the Class of 2011, came after months of discussions between campus administrators, faculty and high school guidance counselors, who urged the College to maintain its high standards by emphasizing academic achievement.
International applications increased by 100 and in-state applications edged up by 50, meaning most of the growth came from outside New York state, in keeping with the College's outreach plans.
In addition, applications from female high school students are at 46 percent, compared to 44 percent a year ago.
VP for Admissions
“Our staff and volunteers continue to work hard to recruit the nation's most talented students,” said Dan Lundquist, vice president for admissions. “This record is a great validation. However many of our competitor colleges are seeing similar gains, and we will not rest on our laurels.”
Approximately 560 students will be admitted into the Class of 2011.
Union College, founded in 1795 as the first college chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, offers programs in the liberal arts and engineering to 2,100 undergraduates.
The College also is included in the top tier of the country's leading liberal arts colleges, according to U.S. News and World Report's annual rankings. The College is ranked 39th out of 215 schools in the 2007 edition of America's Best Colleges. Last July, the New York Times included the College on its list of 20 “hidden gems” in the higher education landscape.