Quinnipiac University’s admission saw a 32.7 percent increase in the number of applicants for the fall 2011 semester, but the class size will only expand by 60 students, according to Dean of Admissions Joan Isaac Mohr.
Out of the 18,430 undergraduate applicants, a record count for Quinnipiac, class size is expected to increase from 1,643 in 2010 to about 1,700.
Mohr said the number of applicants has increased due to the university broadening its search for prospective students, and students giving themselves more options to find the best scholarship. She added that the medical and law schools and the opening of the York Hill campus also contributed to the increase in applicants.
Quinnipiac’s medical school isn’t expected to welcome its first class until 2013 or 2014, but it will be only the third in Connecticut along with University of Connecticut and Yale University.
Both Heidi Erickson, senior associate director of admissions, and William Romano, associate director of admissions, agreed the medical school drew more interest to the university.
“It certainly helps to have the addition to the medical school, as Quinnipiac has already made a strong reputation for itself in the field of health sciences on a national level,” Romano said.
Quinnipiac’s Polling Institute has garnered national attention, drawing widespread recognition for the Quinnipiac name, according to Romano.
There was a 50 percent jump in applications from students of color, as there were 5,000 this year, compared to 2,500 last year.
Mohr said the decision for students to attend QU depends on their interest rather than financial aid.
Associate Director of Residential Life Melissa Karipidis said the changes in student housing on the Mount Carmel and York Hill campuses over the past two years helped make residence halls less crowded.
“I do not believe it will significantly impact housing,” Karipidis said, despite the expected increase in the incoming freshman class. “We believe there is enough room for everybody even with 1,700 students.”
“Bringing in the incoming freshman class is a product of the entire university from security, when a student drives through the gates, to the tour guides given by students and staff, and the faculty who take the time to connect and talk with applicants,” Mohr said.
