The Citadel sets multiple all-time high admissions records – again
July 25, 2012
CHARLESTON, SC – July 25, 2012 – The South Carolina Corps of Cadets Class of 2016 is on track to smash four admissions records this year.
For the fourth consecutive year a record number of high school seniors and transfer students have sought cadet admission to The Citadel. Among the record-breaking application groups are women, minorities and African Americans. Applications from South Carolina residents are the highest in 10 years.
“We are excited that families see the value in a Citadel education and that more and more students are seeking an educational experience that gives them the opportunity to develop leadership skills as well as earn a degree,” said Admissions Director Lt. Col. John Powell, ’77, USMCR.
As of today, The Citadel Office of Admissions has received 2,760 applications for the cadet Class of 2016, which reports for military training on Aug. 11. The college expects to enroll between 730 and 775 freshmen. The largest known freshman class to matriculate, based on records dating back to 1965, was in the fall of 1975 when 763 freshmen reported.
Powell expects this year to be the sixth consecutive year that the freshman class exceeds 700 students.
“Matriculation Day is an exciting day for us. We look forward to meeting the incoming class and their families and sharing in this exciting time as these students start a new and challenging chapter in their lives,” Powell said.
Applications to The Citadel have been on the rise for a decade. Powell said this trend is a strong indicator that college-bound students are looking for an educational experience that is also meaningful and is rooted in the leadership development opportunities The Citadel provides.
“It’s good to know that students want to be challenged,” he said. “They want to walk away from college with more than a degree. They want to have the leadership skills that are going to set them apart and will be attractive to employers after graduation. The Citadel can help them get there.”
In addition to record total applications, the Class of 2016 will set records for applications from minorities, including African Americans, and from women.
In the fall of 2010, the largest number of South Carolina residents matriculated in 46 years.
Official enrollment tallies will be available in the fall, but the 977 applications from in-state students this year is the highest in 10 years.
“Our graduates go on to work, serve and live in a diverse, even global world,” Powell said. “Their success as educated and principled leaders is enhanced because they have been exposed to diverse perspectives and points of view as part of their Citadel leader development experience.”
