UConn Sets Another Applications Record

STORRS, CT - The University of Connecticut has set another record for freshman applications.

More than 35,900 applicants competed for about 3,800 spots at Storrs and about 1,400 at the Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury and Avery Point campuses, UConn officials said Monday. That is a new a new applications record for Connecticut residents a year after setting one in the spring of 2015, UConn officials said.

With additional applications still coming in for the regional campuses, the total will exceed 36,000, UConn officials said.

The average SAT score of this year’s applicants is 4 points higher than last year’s average of 1,234, and applications came from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and 109 countries, UConn officials said.

"The explosive growth in applications to UConn over time and this year’s record-high numbers are directly tied to our ability to provide an exceptional academic experience at a competitive cost," UConn President Susan Herbst said. "These numbers are a strong vote of confidence in UConn from talented prospective students and their families. Maintaining and building on our academic quality to ensure this trend continues is our challenge in the years ahead."

UConn will continue to accept applications until July 1 for its regional campuses, school officials said.

Initiatives such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs and the Honors Program have drawn interest from high-achieving students, UConn officials said.

Biomedical and mechanical engineering, computer sciences, and other STEM programs are among the applicants’ popular choices as potential majors, along with perennial favorites in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business, and other schools and colleges.

“With more than one of every three Connecticut high school seniors applying to UConn, it is fair to say that students recognize the incredible opportunities that await them here,” said Nathan Fuerst, UConn’s director of undergraduate admissions.

The numbers have increased steadily since 2001, when the University received about 13,600 applications, university officials said.