Committee chair Gary Love ’76 introduced Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Maria Laskaris ’84 who provided an update on the newly admitted Class of 2019. This year, 20,504 students applied to Dartmouth, a 6.3 percent increase in applications over last year. 2,120 students were offered admission (early and regular decision) for an overall 10.3 percent rate of admission. After the record yield of last year and the matriculation of the large class of 2018, the decision was made to admit fewer students and grow the class slightly from the wait list. The Class of 2019 now stands at 1,120, with a goal to reach a total of 1,135 students by June 30.
The Admissions staff is working to optimize the Dartmouth campus visit experience. There were three Dimensions programs offered this year. While 60 percent of Dimensions attendees will matriculate, 86 percent of Dimension participants who also attended one of the 35 admitted student events (ASE’s) decided to attend Dartmouth.
The Admissions-Alumni Relations partnership aimed to increase the number of interviews that are conducted; improve training and communication; broaden volunteer roles and opportunities; enhance stewardship; and increase the level of volunteer satisfaction. The number of alumni interviews and interviewers increased this year, and the number of young alumni interviewers increased by 28 percent. The percentage of students who had a completed interview increased by 5 percent, and the number of districts completing 90 percent or above increased by 25 percent. A Skype interview pilot program was very successful and will be expanded next year.
Director of Admissions Paul Sunde gave an update on FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act). Sunde then spoke about the online interview management tool Slate.
Next, director of market research Jean Romeo presented the results of the recent Moosilauke Forum alumni survey that was focused on Admissions. There are several key take-ways. The top benefit alumni perceive is providing information to the Admissions Office about the applicant. “Helping the applicant get to know Dartmouth” is a concept which resonates with many younger graduates. Everyone believes Dartmouth should conduct interviews. The top reasons alumni don’t volunteer are awareness and perception of time involved. Their motivation to volunteer is to promote positive perceptions of Dartmouth and help applicants choose Dartmouth (being “Ambassadors”). They want to understand the time commitment (what does the interview report look like?) and how Admissions uses the feedback.
Current vice-chair Kim Buresh ‘90 will serve as the new committee chair, and John Banks ‘90 was elected as the new vice-chair.