As many of you know, we made a big change this year at the University of Iowa, moving to a self-report system for first year applicants. We did this for several reasons, and thus far we’re happy with the results.
In addition to expediting the admission process and greatly reducing the amount of paper we receive, this change will decrease the amount of paper and envelopes used and postage spent by high schools across the country that previously had been sending us information for every admitted student.
With this new system, applicants receive one of three admission decisions: admitted, not admitted, or deferred, which allows the student to submit a personal statement and transcript for a second review.
We also started admitting students in August, a month earlier than last year, and we are well ahead of last year’s pace for total applications and admits. On the heels of admitting our most diverse class ever (16.2 percent) and reaching record overall enrollment at the university (31,498), we’re optimistic about bringing in another diverse, high-achieving class in the fall of 2013.
For the second consecutive year, we welcomed our first-year students to campus with On Iowa!, an immersion program aimed at introducing students to campus while teaching skills that help them achieve success in and out of the classroom. It’s one of many student success initiatives we’ve implemented over the past two years, and we’ve seen our retention rate rise as a result.
Our outstanding staff members have been calling on your schools and interacting with your students and families. As always, when you contact our office, you’ll speak with one of us. Let us know how we can help you and your students and families in the college search and selection process. The “right fit” is important to us all, and we are delighted that so many great students have found their place as Hawkeyes!
Michael Barron
Assistant Provost for Enrollment Management
and Executive Director of Admissions