"I feel quite proud to be part of the largest class in Longwood history," said Christian Taylor, freshman theatre major. "My favorite part about being at Longwood so far has got to be meeting new people and the friendly environment Longwood provides."
Taylor is one of the 1,090 freshmen accepted into Longwood for the 2011-2012 school year. According to an Aug. 18, 2011 press release from Longwood University, the 1,090 students of the class of 2015 are the largest incoming class Longwood has received in all its history, despite the acceptance rate being five percent lower than last year.
The previous largest freshman class was this year's graduating class of 2012, who began their time as Lancers in 2008. The class of 2012 entered Longwood at 1,053 students strong. This large class size is projected to bring the university's overall population to around 4,900.
Over the past ten years, Longwood has held at least a 78 percent retention rate for enrolled students. According to Interim Dean of Admissions Sallie McMullin, this year, the university accepted 3,041 students in comparison to last year's 3,207. The number of acceptances the university gives out has increased since 2001 to fall of 2010.
These increasing numbers are in fact due to the 2020 Master Plan, in which McMullin stated that by then, the university hopes to have 5,600 by that year. However, McMullin noted the increasing class sizes would be monitored to ensure that the university still has the ability to accommodate all its students while attempting to expand according to plan.
Admissions also hopes to bring in a larger number of international students. Through a joint effort with the Office of International Affairs, the Admissions Office has reached out to international areas such as Latin America, China, and India, and plans to further spread out to other countries.
Higher numbers also mean higher credentials. According to the press release from the university, this year's incoming class has an average grade point average (GPA) of 3.43 (in comparison to last year's 3.39) with an increase in freshmen with GPAs over 3.5 and a decrease of GPAs lower than 2.9. Despite the increasing numbers, there will be no changes in the admission standards for incoming students.
So, why Longwood? "I chose Longwood as my first school to go to and was the only I applied for. I chose it for its good reputation, its small campus, and its amazing theatre program," said Taylor. On why Longwood received such a high acceptance rate this year, McMullin stated in the press release, "We found the right students and delivered the right messages at the right time. Students received their acceptance letters sooner […] which allowed us to build relationships [with them]."
What's also noteworthy is the success that the university had in maintaining its enrollment rate for incoming freshmen this year. McMullin thanked the "1839" program for this. The "1839" program is the online orientation that all students undergo stepping onto campus in the fall.
This program precedes their extended orientation of New Lancer Days (in which students move-in days before classes start to get themselves acquainted with the campus). "With housing and class sign-ups, they were very easy to understand and use," said Taylor.
"The professors [during the sign up process] were right there to help me."
In contributing to the freshman enrollment rate, McMullin also cited the increase of campus visits for potential students. "Students who visit our campus are more likely to enroll," said McMullin. She believes if the rate of campus visits is maintained from last year, "We can anticipate as large a class next year."
Also from the university press release, Longwood University President Patrick Finnegan noted, "Our faculty were more involved during campus visits than in the past."
"I enjoy Longwood immensely," said Taylor. "It has a certain small close community feel to it, the staff and faculty are very good and also show that they care for the their students and what they do, all of the students that I've met are quite friendly, and overall Longwood has been pretty amazing and I look forward to my coming years at this proud university."
