Dear Colleagues:
The good news out of Admissions just keeps coming! I have reported previously about a remarkable increase in freshman applications. Today I want to focus on the percentage of students admitted compared to those who have applied—data that US News and World Report will consider when determining our selectivity ranking. Despite some controversy, rankings continue to play a significant role in student decision-making, particularly first-time freshman. (http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Documents/Rankings-Institutional-Behavior-and-College-and-University-Choice.pdf).
One of the metrics USN&WR gathers to determine its rankings is Acceptance Rate, which it defines as “The ratio of the number of students admitted to the number of applicants for fall admission. The acceptance rate is equal to the total number of students admitted divided by the total number of applicants.” (http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2013/09/09/best-colleges-ranking-criteria-and-weights). Both the applications and acceptances count only first-time, first-year students. Remember, we get applications from many students that fall into the transfer category and returning adults learners. Our combined total applications are at 12,000 now (across the main and Lambuth campuses).
Given the rise in applications, the percentage of freshmen admitted to the main campus compared to the number who have applied is strikingly different this year than the past three years:
(as of 3/26) Fall 2014 9,237 applied 4,504 admitted or 49%
Fall 2013 5,862 applied 4,342 admitted or 74%
Fall 2012 6,181 applied 4,116 admitted or 67%
Fall 2011 6,493 applied 4,454 admitted or 69%
These figures apply to the main campus, but the percentages on the Lambuth campus tell a similar story.
In one year the percentage of students admitted of those who applied will go from 74% to under 50%.
Without changing our admission criteria, the increase in applications is the result of a number of initiatives in admission and enrollment management which appear to be making a huge positive impact: more aggressive recruitment; an easier application process, a larger prospective student base broadening the geographic area, and fee waivers for students with financial difficulties. Collectively these efforts are attracting more and more potential well qualified students to UofM.
Betty J. Huff, Vice Provost for Enrollment Services, Stephen J. McKellips, Director of Admissions, and their team emphasize that the proof will be how many students actually show up in the Fall. But their efforts are to be applauded for the encouraging direction the data is pointing.
The message to our prospective students is getting through. One of the series of compelling and attractive Recruitment and Orientation postcards mailed to prospective students sums it up pretty well:
“There is only one Memphis. There is only one you. Find your original path here.”
Go Tigers!
M. David Rudd, Provost