This year, more college-bound students from within the state and around the nation are showing interest in attending West Virginia University to obtain their higher education.
Several key metrics including applications for admission by first-time freshmen, payment of academic deposits and enrollment in new student orientation sessions are all on the rise, indicating that the University is on track to achieve the goal of 4,800 new students in the fall.
The number of freshman applications has increased by more than 7.5 percent compared to this time last year. The University has received an all-time high of more than 16,600 applications from freshman for enrollment in fall 2008.
An important part of that growth is coming from in-state resident applications which have increased by nearly 6 percentthis despite a trend of declining numbers of high school graduates attending college.
Further adding to the diversity of the University, the number of international students that have applied for admissions has also increased by more than 58 percent.
West Virginia University continues to provide an incredible array of educational opportunities in over 175 degree areas,said Russell Dean, WVU senior associate provost.These numbers are representative of WVU s reputation for academic excellence, great faculty and success in job placement.
The continued growth in academic programs, technology and infrastructure make an education at WVU a tremendous value and worthwhile investment in ones future,he added.I believe that todays student understands the value of a WVU education, and that is why we continue to see our numbers grow.
The number of students that have completed the application process and paid their academic depositthereby reserving a place in the fall classhas increased by 397, or 8 percent. Students that have paid their academic deposit are eligible to apply for on-campus housing and orientation sessions.
Another key metric pointing to an increase in students is the number participating in new student orientation sessions. Attendance has increased 4 percent to its highest level in two years, and the two sessions in April for local and transfer students were filled to capacity. Officials continue to prepare for orientation sessions in June that are also expected to be well attended.
Although the preliminary figures are very positive, officials caution that the current level of increase does not guarantee record-breaking numbers in the fall.
It is important to note that the number of applications received does not always translate proportionately to the final enrollment figures,said Dean.We are pleased, however, with the current trend which should result in favorable attendance results and state support for the University.