Westminster College Shatters Application Record; Applications Up 125%

The demand for a Westminster College education has never been higher. The 156-year-old, private, liberal arts college in New Wilmington, Pa., is on pace to double the previous record for applications.

Over 2,800 prospective students have applied to Westminster College as of Feb. 28, which is a 125% increase over last year and nearly doubles the previous record of 1,444 undergraduate applications in 2004.

"There are great things happening for Westminster students and alumni," according to Westminster President R. Thomas Williamson. "This success is leading more people to discover the benefits of attending Westminster College."

Dean of Admissions Brad Tokar, a 1991 Westminster graduate, credits the collaborative efforts of the Westminster community for the record-setting campaign. "Our Admissions staff has done an outstanding job and worked extra hours to serve our prospective students and their families. We receive tremendous support from our alumni, faculty, staff, and coaches."

Westminster traditionally limits its incoming classes to 350 freshmen and 25 transfers, but the renovation of residence halls and construction of the Berlin Village student townhouses allows Westminster flexibility to accommodate additional students. Westminster's enrollment includes over 1,500 undergraduate, graduate, and lifelong learning program students.

"We stress quality over quantity, so the increased demand for a Westminster education has forced us to make some tough admissions decisions," Tokar said. "We have discussed implementing a waiting list if our available spots are filled by May 1."

The prospective students have a 3.6 high school grade point average in core subjects and average 1,100 on the SAT, which is over 100 points higher than the average score in Pennsylvania and 83 points above the national average.

"Westminster is small by choice. We strive to keep class sizes level each year and becoming an impersonal mega-university is not part of the Westminster plan," Williamson said.

"Westminster recruits bright, well-rounded students, and then exceed their expectations while they are here," Williamson added. "The unusual level of attention students receive at Westminster has led to our ranking as one of the nation's best liberal arts colleges and recognition as a national leader in graduation rate performance. We are pleased to see that prospective students and their parents value the distinctive attributes Westminster has to offer."

Contact Tokar at (724) 946-7109 or e-mail tokarbp@westminster.edu for more information. 

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