THE CARROLL NEWS: 

Class of 2012 applicants up
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Cassandra Larson on 03 April, 2008 02:00:00
 
Things are looking good for John Carroll University’s recruitment of the class
of 2012.
The University has received a 65 percent increase in committed students
compared to this point last year. The University has received 3,360 total
applications and have accepted 2,654 students for the freshman class of 2012. As
of March 31, JCU admissions had received 185 enrollment deposits. On the same
date last year, the department had only received 115.
“The early signs of enrollment are very encouraging,” said Brian Williams,
vice president of enrollment.
Of the incoming freshmen who have already made their commitments as future JCU
students, there is a strong presence of students from across Ohio. The
admissions department has received more applications from Columbus and
Cincinnati than in previous years, as well as western Cleveland suburbs.
The general increase in enrollment may be, in part, due to changes made within
the admission department.
Members of the admission staff have made a strong effort to make the JCU
experience more personal for prospective students.
Some of these changes include sending personalized acceptance letters, an
increased number of mailings and arranged visits with professors and coaches.
“The admissions department has been making progress in representing the
university properly,” said Williams.
“We feel as if students who decide to come to John Carroll know what type of
college experience they are committing themselves to,” he said.
There are many factors that may influence a student’s decision to attend JCU,
including cost of tuition, courses of study available, location and size.
“When I visited John Carroll as a high school senior, I noticed how people
either knew or recognized everyone on campus,” said Andria DiBacco, a freshman
from Youngstown, Ohio.
“The fact that John Carroll is a smaller university is one of the major
reasons why I came here,” she said.
Only 25 percent of the class of 2012 secured their places here at the
University.
As the May 1 deadline for college selection approaches, the admission
department will be using their remaining time wisely to attract the remaining 75
percent of prospective students.
“April will be a crucial time for the admission and financial aid department
of the University,” said Williams. “It is a time when our staff members are
fully committed.
On April 5, JCU will be hosting an open house for 300 prospective students who
are still debating their upcoming decision.
This open house will include speakers, tours and lunch with faculty.
This is the second year of the open house.
Twice the response was received by the admission department compared to last
year’s open house response.
Faculty, alumni and current undergraduates will also be making personal phone
calls and additional mailings will be sent to prospective students.
The class of 2011 had 721 freshmen, and Williams is anticipating an incoming
class of 750.
Williams emphasized the important role current students play in swaying the
decision of a high school senior.
“John Carroll has really opened itself up in an amazing way to prospective
students,” said Williams.
“Seeing members of the current student body excited about their school adds
more appeal to the University and helps shape incoming classes.”
Current students are optimistic about the future of John Carroll and the
incoming class of 2012.
“I think that increased enrollment is good for the University,” said JR
Santosdiaz, a freshman from Chicago.
“It is more evident that people are applying to John Carroll because of its
reputable education. Increasing enrollment reassures me that I have made a good
decision in coming here,” he said.