With the deadline for fall 2016 still a few days away, Temple University has already shattered the record for number of freshman applications, while also breaking records for academic strength and diversity.

The 32,655 prospective students who have applied eclipse the previous high of 30,043, set just last year. Compared to this time a year ago, freshman applications are up more than 15 percent and deposits are up 16 percent.

The freshman application deadline is March 1. Dozens of new applications are still coming in every day.

“It looks like it’s going to be an exciting finish,” said William Black, senior vice provost of enrollment management.

Across the board increases
Black said the rise in applications is happening at nearly every school and college at Temple. “It’s across the board.”

He added that the fall 2016 applicants have the strongest academic credentials in Temple history. Average high-school GPA for admitted freshmen is 3.63, up from 3.61 in 2015. Average SAT scores for admitted freshmen have increased 10 points to 1195.

“The quality of the applicant pool is better even than last year,” Black said. “Those that have deposited thus far are showing stronger qualifications as well.”

Diversity in the applicant pool has also increased. Applications from African-American students are up more than nine percent from a year ago and 24 percent from 2014. Applications from Latinos are up roughly 17 percent and 30 percent in that same time.

Admissions drivers
The growth in applications follows years of record-breaking admissions. The Class of 2019, which entered Temple this past fall, was the university’s largest ever, with 4,900 students.

One driver of the growth is the Temple Option, a test-optional admissions pathway, which saw a spike in applications of nearly 11 percent so far this year. About 20 percent of current freshmen were admitted through the Temple Option.

The success of Temple athletics this fall cast a national spotlight on the university, which brought Temple into more prospective students’ view. The football team made national headlines this past season by tallying a 10-4 record and earning the program’s first win over Penn State in 74 years.

Improvements to Main Campus are also helping to drive interest in Temple. The university is currently implementing both the Visualize Temple campus plan and Verdant Temple landscape plan.

Undeniable momentum
All of these factors contribute to an undeniable sense of momentum. “Our academic reputation is soaring, and people everywhere are taking notice,” said Karin Mormando, EDU ’04, director of undergraduate admissions.

The enthusiasm about Temple was on full display this past weekend at the first Experience Temple Day of 2016. Nearly 2,700 admitted students—another record—attended the event.

Natalie Divers of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, said campus visits helped convince her that going to Temple was the right choice. She’ll join the university as an honors freshman this fall.

“Honestly Temple hadn’t been my first choice until I visited it a couple times and talked to faculty and students,” Divers said. “Now I’m just really excited to get there.”

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