This Friday, anxious high-school seniors will find out whether they have been accepted to Penn early decision. The number of early applicants is the highest it has been in three years, and applications have increased for the first time since 2005. While this news may not ease high-schoolers’ nerves, it demonstrates the success of recent recruitment efforts.
The Admissions Office has worked hard to reach out to potential applicants successfully. Initiatives included sending materials to prospective students as early as sophomore year and sending special letters to high-school seniors. A greater number of applicants will hopefully lead to a more academically talented, engaged and diverse student body.
What is especially satisfying about the more-than-6-percent application increase is that it happened during this difficult economic period. At a time when many families will have trouble paying the high tuition of any private college, it is encouraging that many people who consider Penn their clear first choice can still make a binding commitment. Penn’s financial aid office has done a lot to make the school more affordable, and it should continue to do all it can.
To the University: select a strong and talented Class of 2014. And to those waiting to hear if they will be attending Penn in the fall: good luck!
