Admissions experts have been predicting that the binding nature of early decision would discourage students and families in a year when many are uncertain about their finances, according to InsideHigherEd.com in an article, The Bubble That Didn't Burst, posted on Nov. 18. Disproving this theory, Hamilton, along with several other colleges and universities including George Washington, Dartmouth, Northwestern and Dickinson, has experienced an increase in early decision applications.
The article speculated that colleges are focusing more on the applicants most likely to enroll. Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Monica Inzer was quoted in the article about the preparations Hamilton had made in anticipation of demographic and financial changes. "We've been preparing for a smaller top of the funnel for a couple of years." She explained that with demographics shifting, it may be more important for colleges to focus on students with the right fit, and that means valuing different measures. For instance, the college has had fewer inquiries about applications, but more visits from potential applicants and their families. Because of high "conversion" for those who visit, and enhanced financial aid efforts, Inzer is confident of attracting a great class.
The article speculated that colleges are focusing more on the applicants most likely to enroll. Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Monica Inzer was quoted in the article about the preparations Hamilton had made in anticipation of demographic and financial changes. "We've been preparing for a smaller top of the funnel for a couple of years." She explained that with demographics shifting, it may be more important for colleges to focus on students with the right fit, and that means valuing different measures. For instance, the college has had fewer inquiries about applications, but more visits from potential applicants and their families. Because of high "conversion" for those who visit, and enhanced financial aid efforts, Inzer is confident of attracting a great class.
