On Sunday, Nov. 8, Temple University shattered its previous record for attendance at an open house event for prospective students. More than 6,000 attendees visited Main Campus, making it the most successful Admissions event in university history. The previous record was 4,700, set in 2014.

 

The event took places on the heels of a number of momentous occasions, breakthroughs in research and record national rankings—including those of the Temple football team, which has considerable appeal to prospective students. 

 

This season, the team had the best start in the history of the program and was ranked in the top 25 for the first time since the 1979 season. The spotlight was further amplified during the national broadcast of Temple’s home game against Notre Dame. The attention cast the Owls as ambassadors for the university, sparking a more widespread interest in Temple than ever before. 

 

The rising awareness has resulted in admission inquiries from a record number of prospective students from across the country. “It gives us a great opportunity to shine a light on the strength of our academic programs,” Director of Admissions Karin Mormando, EDU ’04, said about the increased focus on Temple. 

 

Another factor attracting future Owls is the innovative Temple Option, an admissions pathway that allows students an alternative to submitting standardized test scores. Niki Mendrinos, EDU ’03, ’15, senior associate director of undergraduate admissions, said interest in the test-optional program is a big draw. 

 

“Three in every 4 people [at the open house] who had questions asked about the Temple Option,” said Mendrinos. “It was rolled out last year, but it’s starting to spread like wildfire.” 

 

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—Hayden Sammak