| Admissions Continue to Rise at Pacific |
The number of applications for admission to the University of the Pacific has risen significantly over the past few years. From 5450 freshman applicants in 2008 to 14,970 in 2009, Pacific has seen a peak at 18,324 freshman applicants for the school year beginning in August 2010. According to Associate Provost for Enrollment, Robert J. Alexander, Pacific has already sent out 4,000 admission offers. Alexander describes Pacific as “a place with exceptional professors [who deliver] a more personal, student-centered learning experience,” which is becoming more recognized amongst prospective students and their families. Pacific has been gaining credibility, and admission into the university is becoming much more competitive. Alexander states, “When I arrived, Pacific was admitting nearly 70% of freshman applicants, and last year we only admitted 42%; this year will likely be even less.” Along with the increase in applications, the admissions committee is seeing a rise in the average SAT scores and high school grade point averages of those who are being admitted. In regards to applications for pre-dental and prepharmacy student programs, he explains that admission into these programs becomes more competitive every year. The applications for these prospective students are still under review, and he compares this admission process to that of an Ivy League university. The number of students admitted into these programs generally stays constant, resulting in no “need to adjust the number admitted.” When asked the reason for such a dramatic increase in applicants, Alexander explains that it was due to a lot of hard work: “My team in the Offices of Admission, Financial Aid, and Registrar have been working hard to implement a new recruitment/enrollment plan that increases awareness and interest in Pacific. When I arrived a year and a half ago, Pacific was considered a ‘well kept secret,’ so we decided to get the word out!” The last day to apply to Pacific was Feb. 15, and accepted students must declare their intention to enroll by May 1.
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