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Boston College experienced a nearly 12-percent spike in applications this year, receiving a record 26,000-plus applications for the 2,250 spots in the Class of 2010.
Marking the University's highest applicant count in its history, this milestone also distinguishes BC as one of the top 10 schools in the nation for most applications this year. Neighboring Harvard University exhibited a decrease in students seeking admission.
According to a recent article in The Crimson, dean of admissions and financial aid William R. Fitzsimmons reported that there were 77 less applications bringing the total number of applicants to 22,719. This number represents an approximately 4,000-student difference in comparison to the applications received by BC. BC is just one example of a Catholic college showing an increase in applications.
For rival school, University of Notre Dame, assistant provost in admissions Daniel Saracino estimated approximately 12,600 applicants, according to the school's newspaper, The Observer. This represents an 8 percent increase. According to Georgetown University's The Hoya, the admissions office projected 15,200 applicants, a 2 percent increase from the previous year.
Fitzsimmons also told reporters that with the rise in applicants last year, many guidance counselors and students might have been wary or discouraged to apply, exemplifying a universal problem facing admissions offices in colleges around the country.
"This means it will just be more difficult to gain admission to Boston College this year, because we have more qualified and deserving applicants," said John Mahoney, Director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, in an e-mail.
"The number of high school graduates has been steadily rising for years and will continue to do so through 2009. So this factor is expanding applicant pools at many colleges."
Mahoney believes many factors account for the rise in applicants and considers the role of his office as crucial in drawing applicants to the University.
"My personal opinion is that the increase is attributable to the institution - the faculty, the physical plant, the resources here. My staff hasn't done anything different this year. We see it as our role to know the institution as thoroughly as possible so we can portray it to prospective students in the best possible light," said Mahoney.
The task of looking at applications this year is an even greater challenge, as Mahoney explained. While the members of his office look first at academic performance, other factors make their way into the decision process.
"Once we have identified the most academically competent students, then we are seeking people who will enrich the community with their talents and personal qualities," said Mahoney.
"We see it as our role to ensure that this community is full of people with a rich array of abilities. This is what makes the atmosphere exciting and inspiring," he said.
Academically speaking, one of the newest challenges facing the Office of Admission is how to judge students' scores on the new SAT.
The new test includes three sections: critical reading, math, and writing, and, according the CollegeBoard Web site (www.collegeboard.com), "assesses how well you analyze and solve problems - skills you learned in school that you'll need in college."
Mahoney commented on the new exam, calling high school graduates in the Class of 2006 "test cases," but reassuring applicants that the university has taken measures to ensure they interpret and consider scores carefully.
"I've had CollegeBoard representatives speak to my staff several times in recent years as the new test was being prepared and then administered. We've read mounds of materials published by CollegeBoard in order to be ready," he said.
He said that his office will need time to evaluate what the new SAT is actually telling them about students. With much time and work required to make admissions decisions, Mahoney reminded the Boston College community why he does his job.
"From my standpoint, given everything that is happening here at Boston College right now, it's a pleasure to promote the University," he said.
Regular decision admission letters will not be mailed until the end of March.
Mahoney said, "To those admitted to Boston College's Class of 2010, I would simply say - consider the abundant opportunities available to you here. Then make the decision that is right for you."
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