Early decision applications nearly double

Nearly twice as many high school students have applied "early decision" to Miami University, indicating they are committed to attending Miami and will confirm their enrollment if accepted.

Early decision applications rose from 466 in 2010 to 913 this fall, a 96 percent increase.

Early decision applicants can view their admission decision online starting at 12 a.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 15, and will also receive decision notification via mail.

“With students selecting Miami as their first choice university in a very competitive market, we believe these students and their parents are clearly recognizing the value of a Miami education,” said Michael Kabbaz associate vice president for enrollment management.

While all the reasons for the increase aren’t known, university officials believe these have contributed to the tremendous growth in applications:

• It's the second year in a row U.S. News and World Report has ranked Miami as one of the top 3 universities nationwide committed to teaching undergraduates.
• Miami continues to be ranked highly in numerous other national guides, including those citing the value of a Miami degree.
• From 2010 to 2011, Miami made more high school visits both nationwide and in Ohio, with a combined increase from 404 to 546 visits.
• Miami added three regional admission counselors in 2010-2011, one each in the Midwest, West and East.
• Miami has placed its message in more cities via TV, billboards, Facebook, Pandora and cinema ads.

About 14,500 Miami University undergraduate students attend Miami’s main campus in Oxford. Thirty-one percent of this year’s first-year class graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school classes and 26 percent scored a 29 or higher on the ACT.