An improved image for Ball State University might cause students to notice a few more faces in their classes next fall.
Tom Taylor, vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications, said the number of applications received for the Fall 2007 freshman class has increased 21.6 percent and admissions have increased 12.5 percent compared to the total numbers for Fall 2006.
Honors College applications have also increased 25 percent, he said.
"The emphasis on immersive learning and the buzz reputation we're getting, whether its prestige, scholarships or awards, people see not only that kind of quality but that activity," Taylor said. "It makes the campus very compelling."
Acting director of admissions Chris Munchel said Ball State has received about 12,700 applications and admitted about 8,600 incoming freshmen.
The increase is part of a trend, Taylor said. Applications and admissions for Fall 2006 increased 10 percent from Fall 2005, he said.
Taylor said Ball State has so far rejected twice as many applications as it did last year. Because more applications are coming in, Ball State is being more selective than it has in the past.
Increased marketing, TV advertisements, new and revised recruitment materials and a more aggressive search process are all reasons why admissions have increased, he said.
Munchel said the "Education Redefined" brand initiative has improved Ball State's reputation. Billboards and TV commercial campaigns featuring the slogan have helped create a brand for the school and promote its immersive learning programs, he said.
"I think with the new 'Education Redefined' and opportunities for students through immersive learning it's definitely given Ball State differentiation," he said.
Taylor said Ball State's prestige also rose last year because it was named the No. 1 wireless campus in the nation.
"A lot of people are saying 'Gosh, I didn't expect that at Ball State,'" he said.
A more aggressive travel schedule for recruiters has also contributed to the rise in admissions, he said.
Recruiters traveled more often to college fairs at high schools all around the Midwest, he said.
Recruiters also frequently travel to college fairs along the East Coast and Florida. Those areas have a lot of alumni who help promote Ball State, which makes recruiting more successful, he said. Recruiters have traveled as far as Puerto Rico, he said.
"When we develop our strategy, we look to see where we've had a lot of enrollment application inquiries in the past," he said.
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