Ramapo Receives Record Number of Applications

The Ramapo Admissions Office recently announced via Twitter that they have received a record number of applications for next year's incoming freshman class.

"To date, the Admissions Office has received 6,598 applications for the incoming class, which is a new record," said Stephen Hudik, the assistant vice president of communications and public relations. "The figure exceeds the previous record by approximately 300 applications."

In addition to increasing their usual recruitment efforts, the Ramapo Admissions Office has been looking at different ways to attract incoming freshmen and transfer students. Over the past couple of years, Admissions has utilized new and unique marketing initiatives to help put Ramapo on the map.

"We are starting to see a rise in applications now as a result of various cultivation efforts with prospective students and parents over the last few years," said Hudik. "These and other reasons, coupled with the success of our alumni, help to increase the visibility of Ramapo College among prospective students."

The rising number of applications will raise the bar for those students looking to join the 2014 freshman class and future incoming classes.

"The increased number of applications will lead to an increase in the school's selectivity when it comes to extending offers," said Hudik.

The increase in applicants will result in many positives, including more recognition for the College and the expansion of the Ramapo community.

"I think this is really good for the school because more students means more money," said Jessica Ross, a senior.  

However, current Ramapo students are also wary that the large amount of incoming freshmen and transfer students could have some downsides.

"Although I think this is a great thing for the school because they are getting more recognition, I think they may need to eventually expand housing and eventually campus because, even though a good amount of students commute, it is best that the school has more housing than not enough," said Ross.

Brandon Molina, a sophomore, agreed that an increase in applicants can have both positive and negative effects.

"I think it's a good way to expand the student body and make it more competitive. However, I feel by accepting more incoming students, the school can't really provide the extra room," said Molina. "Speaking as a commuter, parking is already a nightmare, and I think by accepting more incoming freshmen, this is one of the many aspects of campus life that could become overcrowded."

jwrixon@ramapo.edu