Amid a difficult economic climate, Union received a record number of early decision applications for the Class of 2014, according to the Office of Admissions.
Early decision applications are considered at two times during the year. A total of 209 students applied in the first round, which ended Nov. 15. This marks a 10 percent increase from a year ago.
The deadline for the second round of early decision is the same as regular admission, Friday, Jan. 15. Students also have until Feb. 15 to change their regular admission application to early decision if they decide Union is their top choice. Students applying under early decision have made a commitment to attend Union if they are accepted.
The record number of early decision applications follows a summer and fall when the College saw a jump in the number of campus visitors. It also comes at a time when more high school seniors are eager to secure their spot in college early. Union fills nearly 40 percent of its incoming class through the early admissions process.
“In this economy, students are looking for great value in their college education,” said Matt Malatesta, director of Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment. “Union provides unparalleled experiences for our students through close interaction with a world-class faculty, opportunities to do research as an undergraduate, a commitment to studying abroad and an interdisciplinary approach across a wide range of academic offerings. As an admissions staff, we have worked to communicate those advantages to prospective students.”
Union is committed to meeting the full financial need of all admitted students. To assist families who may be impacted by the economic downturn, the College set aside $700,000 as a contingency fund to the financial aid budget. The average need-based scholarship at Union is $29,000 and the average merit scholarship is $10,000.
The expected size of the Class of 2014 is 565 students.
Regular decision letters will be sent at the end of March, with accepted students having until May 1 to commit.