Applications for fall 2009 rise across the board
The University of New Mexico is a contender in the tight competition for the nation’s best students. As of Feb. 16, UNM received 152 applications from National Merit Scholars, National Achievement Scholars, National Hispanic Scholars and National American Indian Scholars for fall 2009, about triple the number of applicants in 2008.
In addition, applications are up 23 percent overall. That includes a 24 percent increase in freshman applications and 18 percent for transfer students.
Applicants in the national scholars programs come from 13 states and have a combined average score of 31 on the ACT and 1361 on the SAT. “They’re the top students in the country,” said Corine Gonzales, associate director of admissions, adding that they’re probably being courted by many schools.
To woo these highly sought scholars, UNM’s Division of Enrollment, Office of Admissions and Recruitment Services has stepped up recruitment efforts and communications, including campus visits, email blasts and a recruiter assigned to give personal attention and assistance to these students throughout the application and registration process.
Transfer students have also been the target of increased recruitment efforts. UNM has entered into several agreements with two year colleges to smooth the transition to the university and has stepped up recruitment visits to community colleges and branch campuses throughout the state.
UNM also launched the new National American Indian Scholars program, the first national scholarship or recognition program of its kind focused on American Indian students, in partnership with the American College Testing program, or ACT.
Students qualify for the national scholars programs based on ACT or PSAT scores.
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at March 2, 2009 11:24 AM