UCI freshman applicants for fall 2013 hit record high of 60,619
UCI attracts record number of applicants — 76,235 — on the strength of academic programs, location and enthusiastic testimonials from student admissions ambassadors.
Irvine, Calif., Jan. 18, 2013 –The number of freshman applications to UC Irvine for fall admission rose to a record high this year, with about 61,000 vying to become Anteaters. More than 15,000 transfer students also applied, bringing the total to 76,235, a 9 percent increase over the previous year and the fourth-highest among the nine undergraduate campuses in the University of California system.
“The numbers demonstrate once again the high demand for a UC Irvine education,” said Brent Yunek, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment services. “It’s exciting to see this level of enthusiasm from California residents, underrepresented minorities, and international and out-of state students.”
Data from freshman applicants show:
- An 11.3 percent increase in overall freshman applications – from 54,465 to 60,619
- A 5.6 percent increase in freshman applications from California residents – from 47,491 to 50,133
- A 50 percent increase in nonresident applications – from 6,974 to 10,486
- Among California-resident applicants, there was a 21 percent increase in underrepresented minorities. This came primarily from a 26 percent increase in Chicano applicants.
Data from transfer applicants show:
- A 1.3 percent increase in applications
- That 52.7 percent of the applicant pool were first-generation students
- Among the California-resident applicants from community colleges, there was a 26 percent increase in underrepresented minorities. African American applicants showed the biggest jump, 30 percent, followed by Chicano applicants, with a 27 percent increase, and Latino applicants, with a rise of 25 percent.
Current UC Irvine students play a key role in bringing the campus story to a wide audience of prospective students.
“More than 50 students enthusiastically work with staff as ‘admissions ambassadors’ by visiting California high schools and communicating through email and blogging,” Yunek said. “Their Anteater pride is strong and contributes largely to this surge of interest in the campus.”
UC Irvine’s range of academic programs sparks student interest as well, he said. The Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences – established in 2002 as the first such school in the UC system – experienced the highest increase in academic-unit applications, at 31 percent. Interdisciplinary studies and nursing science followed, with 29 percent and 18 percent increases, respectively.
“UC Irvine provides a top-flight education at great value for students,” Yunek said, “and this shows in the applicant demand.”
About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is a top-ranked university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Led by Chancellor Michael Drake since 2005, UCI is among the most dynamic campuses in the University of California system, with more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 1,100 faculty and 9,400 staff. Orange County’s second-largest employer, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $4.3 billion. For more UCI news, visit wp.communications.uci.edu.
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