Knox College Shoots Past Application Record Again

Knox College has again received a record number of applications for admission. As of January 26, Knox has received 2,195 applications for 340 openings in the class that enters Knox in the fall of 2007. That's an increase of 22 percent compared to the same date last year and exceeds the final number of 2,182 applications received in total for the 2006 class.

Interest in Knox has continued to grow as the College has garnered national recognition in recent years for its distinctive educational program, which underwent a complete review in 2002. "The Knox faculty reaffirmed the role of the liberal arts in preparing students for the challenges of today's global society," according to Knox President Roger Taylor.

All Knox students must study a second language, develop an understanding of cultures different from their own, and complete some type of service to the community. In addition, half of Knox students participate in off-campus study programs, over ninety percent complete independent study or in-depth research, and all students must apply what they've learned through experiential learning.

"Knox is setting the standard in undergraduate education ? one where classes are taught by real professors, classes are small, and students have the chance to work one-on-one with professors," says Taylor. "This type of education is expensive, but worth it ? and it's absolutely necessary if the next generation is to realize their full potential."

Taylor also credits the growth in applications to Knox's selection as one of just 40 schools recognized in the book "Colleges That Change Lives," by former New York Times education editor Loren Pope. "Knox is a college that changes lives through a personalized education with an outstanding faculty of scholar-teachers, providing extensive opportunities for in-depth research and creative projects," Taylor says.

Last year's total of 2,182 applications for entry in the fall of 2006 was also a record, and nearly 20 percent higher than the 1,836 total applications received for the fall of 2005. Knox has achieved new records for the number of applications in four of the past five years. Last fall's incoming class also set a record for enrolling students: 438 new students entered Knox in September 2006. Next fall, the College expects to enroll 340 new students, maintaining a total college enrollment at the current level of 1,350.

The increase in applications, combined with the goal of a smaller entering class, will mean increasing selectivity as admission decisions are made, according to Paul Steenis, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission. "There will undoubtedly be students who are well-prepared to be successful at Knox and who may have been admitted in previous years who will find themselves offered a place on the Wait List."

Those offered admission have until May 1 to accept their offers of admission for classes that begin in the fall. Students on the Wait List will be reconsidered if spaces in the class become available after May 1.

"Even though we are receiving record numbers of applications, Knox continues to have a personalized application process," Steenis says. "We look at each application individually, and take into consideration what each applicant can bring to the Knox community. We're seeking academically strong, motivated students from a variety of backgrounds, who can add intellectual energy and diverse perspectives to the campus."