2008 Woodie Awards
Acceptance rate for freshman slim
Nick Przybyciel
Issue date: 9/15/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The University of Washington, Tacoma's first-ever freshman class may have some bragging rights over their peers at other Washington State public universities, as UWT was the most selective school in the state this year when it came to picking its frosh.
Only 354 students of the 520 who applied were accepted, giving UWT a 68 percent admittance rate for freshmen. By contrast, Washington State University admitted 73 percent of its applicants and Western Washington University admitted 72 percent.
UWT's acceptance rate was also slimmer than nearby Pacific Lutheran University, a private institution that admitted 72 percent of its freshmen applicant pool.
"There was tremendous interest in our freshman offering, particularly when you consider the program was established just over a year ago. The demand confirms our belief there is a strong need for a four-year public university option in the South Sound," said Dan Garcia, UWT associate vice chancellor for enrollment services.
As of Sept. 9, there were 190 students from the pool of 354 who were registered for classes. The rate of students who accepted UWT's invitation to enroll - 59 percent - far exceeded the national average of 41 percent.
"When it comes to how offers of admission were determined, applicants were evaluated on a number of factors as part of a comprehensive review. This review looked at students' successful completion of high school core-subject requirements, the rigor of that curriculum, their grades and standardized test scores, their activities, leadership experiences and other accomplishments, personal essays regarding educational goals, diverse life experiences and finally, first-generation college status," Garcia said.
A committee comprised of faculty and staff, mostly from the Office of Admissions, reviewed and scored each file. Each factor was weighted differently and no single factor was sufficient enough to result in an offer of admission, Garcia said.
Originally plans for underclassman programs called for 100 freshmen to be enrolled full-time in 2006, with an increase to 550 freshmen and sophomores by 2014, according to a report released in 2004. This slow-growth formula would allow the campus to build infrastructure to match its growing student population.
Last year, planners re-adjusted the number to 180 expected full-time enrollments. No new major projects to increase campus space have been completed since the addition of the freshman class. However, the UWT acquired the Artist's Lofts building over the summer, creating room for campus growth.
"Our short-term plans for campus construction involve other buildings, but we try to be in a position to purchase property within our footprint when owners are ready to sell, to support our long-term goals for campus expansion," said Mike Wark, a UW Tacoma spokesperson.
Other projects planned include creating a recreation center at the Longshoreman's Hall and the eventual replacement of the Dawg Shed with a $12.5 million assembly hall.
Only 354 students of the 520 who applied were accepted, giving UWT a 68 percent admittance rate for freshmen. By contrast, Washington State University admitted 73 percent of its applicants and Western Washington University admitted 72 percent.
UWT's acceptance rate was also slimmer than nearby Pacific Lutheran University, a private institution that admitted 72 percent of its freshmen applicant pool.
"There was tremendous interest in our freshman offering, particularly when you consider the program was established just over a year ago. The demand confirms our belief there is a strong need for a four-year public university option in the South Sound," said Dan Garcia, UWT associate vice chancellor for enrollment services.
As of Sept. 9, there were 190 students from the pool of 354 who were registered for classes. The rate of students who accepted UWT's invitation to enroll - 59 percent - far exceeded the national average of 41 percent.
"When it comes to how offers of admission were determined, applicants were evaluated on a number of factors as part of a comprehensive review. This review looked at students' successful completion of high school core-subject requirements, the rigor of that curriculum, their grades and standardized test scores, their activities, leadership experiences and other accomplishments, personal essays regarding educational goals, diverse life experiences and finally, first-generation college status," Garcia said.
A committee comprised of faculty and staff, mostly from the Office of Admissions, reviewed and scored each file. Each factor was weighted differently and no single factor was sufficient enough to result in an offer of admission, Garcia said.
Originally plans for underclassman programs called for 100 freshmen to be enrolled full-time in 2006, with an increase to 550 freshmen and sophomores by 2014, according to a report released in 2004. This slow-growth formula would allow the campus to build infrastructure to match its growing student population.
Last year, planners re-adjusted the number to 180 expected full-time enrollments. No new major projects to increase campus space have been completed since the addition of the freshman class. However, the UWT acquired the Artist's Lofts building over the summer, creating room for campus growth.
"Our short-term plans for campus construction involve other buildings, but we try to be in a position to purchase property within our footprint when owners are ready to sell, to support our long-term goals for campus expansion," said Mike Wark, a UW Tacoma spokesperson.
Other projects planned include creating a recreation center at the Longshoreman's Hall and the eventual replacement of the Dawg Shed with a $12.5 million assembly hall.
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