Now that the Early Decision letters have been mailed out, the University knows that its incoming class of 2009 is at least 502 freshmen strong, a number swelled by various economic factors.
This number represents a six percent increase in the number of admitted Early Decision applicants, up from 42 percent in 2008 to 48 percent this year. Because Hopkins hopes to keep its final incoming class size around 1,200 freshmen, the 502 students admitted early represent an approximate 41 percent of the total incoming class.
These statistics have grown in the recent years. John Latting, dean of Undergraduate Admissions, said that the applicant pool for the incoming class of 2009 is enormous, ahead of all previous years. However, this year fewer students applied Early Decision than last year, and more were admitted.
"The number of applicants admitted has increased, but the applicant pool has grown, and the academic quality of applicants has also increased," Latting said. A more important factor contributing to the increased numbers of accepted Early Decision candidates is the flagging economy. Citing it as a long-term trend, Latting explained that the economy has been the driving force, the "momentum behind the idea of admitting more early."
The University's monetary concerns have factored heavily into admissions decisions this year. Hopkins's early decision is binding, and once a student is admitted to the University, he or she is obligated to attend unless extenuating financial circumstances are demonstrated. Thus, by admitting more applicants early, the University is guaranteed tuition from those 502 now-committed students.
The process of admitting more students early has benefitted the University, according to Latting. Latting said that many universities were negatively affected by the downturn in the economy, and their applicant pools suffered. However, as indicated by the increase in total applicants for the fall of 2009, Hopkins has only had success with its admissions process so far.
"I have a good feeling about this year's applicant pool," Latting said.
As the regular decision process continues, Latting said he noticed a so-called "non-trend" in this year's applicants, meaning that the current applicant pool is very similar to last year's.
Other trends include an increase in applicants for the Whiting School of Engineering as opposed to the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. Again reflecting the economic crisis, more students are applying for financial aid than ever before.
