This year, Princeton and other universities are expected to receive a record number of applications, as the nation's population of college-bound high school seniors reaches a demographic peak. Despite a moderate increase in the size of entering classes, the result of this demographic bulge will be many tough choices for the University's Office of Admission. Nonetheless, in the face of the most competitive college admissions season in years, Princeton has an unprecedented opportunity to diversify and enhance its student body.
The University is, of course, already one of the most selective in the nation, and scarcely could be said to have trouble in admitting a qualified freshman class. Nonetheless, there are continued gaps in representation among the University's student body. Despite sincere efforts, Princeton lags behind some peer institutions in representation from socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Moreover, as major initiatives like the Lewis Center for the Arts progress, the University must make a special effort to recruit students who can best take advantage of new opportunities at Princeton. The implementation of the four-year residential college system should also impact selection decisions, as the University seeks to provide a broader array of social and residential options on campus. Academic and artistic merit should thus be emphasized within the context of a highly diverse entering class.
Taking these considerations into account may require changes to the University's admissions "formula," such as it is. It may require admitting fewer "academic ones" and more exceptional thespians, or fewer students from elite schools and more from diverse locations across the country and around the world. Nonetheless, matching changes at the University with changes in the composition of the entering class only makes sense and is the right way to take the institution into the future. As the Office of Admission sits down to review an especially large body of talented applicants this fall, it should be mindful of its opportunity to further diversify an already vibrant student body.
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