This year, the total number of applicants was 7,667, 78 fewer applications than the year before. The acceptance rate has risen slightly to 15.1 percent from 14.2 percent overall rate last year. With a 38 percent yield rate, Dean of Admissions Tom Parker expects to have 465 students enrolled for next fall.
While the economic crisis has impacted admissions of many institutions, the College has made no changes to admissions policies for the Class of 2013, according to Parker. The College remains committed to providing for students with the no-loans policy and need-blind admission for international students. In fact, Parker anticipates having the same number of students on Financial Aid or more. However, admissions policies are in review for the Class of 2014.
Many other institutions have had a delicate balancing act this year. The New York Times reports that because many more students are applying for financial aid, and often need more than before, many institutions have reevaluated their financial commitments and have decided to actively seek a higher number of students who are able to pay full tuition. Other institutions are seeking alternatives — Middlebury has removed its need-blind policy for international students.
On another note, national college trends include an increase in female enrollment. At many institutions, women comprise more than 50 percent of students. But, with the Class of 2013, Amherst continues to maintain a one to one male to female ratio.
As usual, Admissions has a long list of interesting facts about the accepted class. A handful of American servicemen, including Army Rangers and an Iraq War veteran, have been admitted in conjunction with the debut of The Veterans Scholarship Fund. In addition, the mode SAT score, or single most common SAT score, is an 800 for each of the Writing, Critical Reading and Math sections.
As the end of the school year approaches, the College will welcome admitted students with two open house weekends, one on April 13 and a second on April 18 and 19.