Western gets more freshman applications than ever

Western Washington University has received its highest-ever number of freshman applications.

The deadline for freshman applications for fall quarter 2012 was Jan. 31. As of that date, Western had received 9,631 freshmen applications for about 2,800 freshman slots for fall quarter, up by more than 500 applications from last year and exceeding all previous years’ totals.

“Western’s reputation for academic quality and the university’s culture of collaborative learning are increasingly being recognized and appreciated by prospective students and their families,” said Western President Bruce Shepard. “The premier education offered to students at Western represents an enormously important investment in the future of Washington state.”

The record number of applications is particularly noteworthy considering that Western moved its freshman application deadline to Jan. 31 from March 1, which can have the opposite effect.

“More students are seeking to gain admission in Western’s freshman class for a variety of reasons, including academic excellence, a strong tradition of personal attention to students, great value, respect for diversity and incredibly beautiful surroundings,” said Clara Capron, acting director of Admissions and director of Financial Aid.