Since 1994, the number of students applying to Wesleyan through this route has increased by 84 percent. Wesleyan is benefiting from a commitment to increase the number of faculty, from excellent write-ups in college guides, and from an attractive new admission building. As part of this strategy, Wesleyan is pursuing a computer-enhanced advising system that makes it easier for undergraduates and their advisers to select individual curricula and register for courses. The new system is credited with helping Wesleyan achieve a 96 percent retention rate from the freshman to sophomore year-the highest in nearly 20 years. Guidance counselors and prospective students pick up on it and are intrigued.
Current students talk to their friends in high school.
Wesleyan also has an attractive new admission center in the Stewart M. Reid House which Wilson and members of her staff believe is helping to create a strong first impression of Wesleyan among visitors. Campus visits are important-91 percent of prospective students who applied early decision visited the campus, she says. Early decision allows students who are certain of their choice to apply in the fall to one institution and no others. Wesleyan has two rounds of early decision, with deadlines on Nov. 15 and Jan. 1.