Campus & Community / Magazine Feature

Record number of high school seniors apply to DU

For the first time in the 144-year history of the University of Denver, the number of high school seniors applying to DU has topped 8,200. The total is 33 percent higher than this time last year and 46 percent higher than year-to-date applications in 2006. The total number of inquiries — the step that precedes a formal application — was more than 62,000, which also is a record.

University officials say there are several reasons why the numbers are much higher this year, including the fact that more U.S. high school seniors will graduate in 2008 than any year on record — a result of the long-anticipated demographic peak.

“We also can’t forget that the University of Denver’s reputation is growing nationally and internationally,” says Tom Willoughby, vice chancellor of enrollment. “Students like what they see at DU, including signature programs likeCherrington Global Scholars, which allows students to study abroad at no additional charge above their normal tuition.”

DU is ranked second in the nation among doctoral and research universities for the percentage of students studying abroad, which currently stands at nearly 70 percent.

The incoming fall undergraduate class will total approximately 1,130 in order to maintain DU’s 10-to-1 student-faculty ratio, which, Willoughby says also attracts students to DU. Approximately 4,900 undergraduates are enrolled at DU.

Willoughby says it has become easier for prospective students to apply for admission. On-line tools such as the Common Application have streamlined the process, allowing students to submit the same document to all universities that accept the form. And, for international students, a more streamlined Visa process has made applying to U.S. schools easier.

Highlights of DU’s first-year student application pool for the 2008–09 year include:

  • Applications from students of color are up 56 percent from the same time last year
  • International applications are up 36 percent

The early-action deadline for the University of Denver was Nov. 1 and the regular-action deadline was Jan. 15. Students who are accepted by DU have until May 1 to make a deposit or they will lose their slot.

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