Applications to BGSU on the rise

Applications for admission to the University next fall are running 9.2 percent higher than a year ago and 10.7 percent above the February 2002 level.

Fueling the increase, administrators say, is the availability of more scholarships and need-based financial aid for qualified students.

Transfer applications, which stand at 540, are up by 32.6 percent from 2003 and 20.8 percent from two years ago. Applications from African-American students, which number 859, are up by 14.2 percent from 2003 and 42.4 percent from 2002.

BGSU also has a record 445 applicants from Michigan, where the University has launched a scholarship program that provides a 50 percent discount on out-of-state surcharges to qualified new first-year and transfer students. That's an increase of 23.2 percent from a year ago and 34 percent from 2002.

Applications from Hispanic students, although fewer than last year so far, remain 21.1 percent above the 2002 level, with 350 Hispanic applicants this year compared to 289 two years ago.
Total applications to the University reached 10,231 as of Feb. 20.

Leading the list of factors in the increase is new scholarship and need-based financial aid, said Gary Swegan, director of admissions. That includes the Michigan Success Scholarship program as well as expanded assistance for new first-year and transfer students, especially academic achievers and those with the most economic need.

Noting that the University expects to enroll 150 students from Michigan this fall—up from 112 each of the last two years—Swegan said BGSU is "making a bold statement about maintaining the value of a Bowling Green education" by bolstering scholarships and other aid.

For instance, the number and amount of merit-based scholarships have been increased for fall 2004. Awards range from $1,500 to full fees, and all are renewable as long as students maintain a 3.0 grade point average and full-time status.

Among the new support for students with significant financial need is the Falcon Soars Access Scholarship Grant, offered to entering freshmen who receive an Ohio Instructional Grant and have at least a 3.0 grade point average. The award will match the dollar amount of the Ohio Instructional Grant up to the students' remaining financial need as established by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In addition, Brown and Orange Access Scholarship Grants of $1,000 will assist recipients of President's Achievement and Faculty Achievement scholarships who demonstrate financial need.

The rise in applications corresponds with a jump in the number of visitors to campus. The admissions office counted 11,020 visitors from July 1, 2003, through last Friday, up by 30 percent from the 8,471 guests during the same period from July 2002-February 2003 and by 21.1 percent from 2001-02.

Visitors include everyone who tours the campus throughout the year plus prospective students who attend the two Preview Days held each fall and the annual Presidents' Day open house.