University of Cincinnati Reflects A National Trend In Online Applications

For the first time ever since the University of Cincinnati offered electronic applications in 1995, more students are choosing the Web over paper to apply to the university. To date, UC’s Office of Admissions reports that 60 percent of students who have applied to UC this fall have done so online, according to Tom Canepa, assistant vice president of University of Cincinnati Admissions. The news reflects a national and international trend in online applications to higher education institutions.

In the 2005 annual State of College Admission report from the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the report found that colleges and universities around the nation received an average of 57 percent of their college applications online in 2004. The report is based on surveys of colleges and universities nationwide.

Here’s a look at the climb in e-applications at UC:

• Fall 2005 – 60 percent (As of June)
• Fall 2004 – 40.9 percent
• Fall 2003 – 33.5 percent
• Fall 2002 – 23.4 percent

When UC first launched an early version of e-applications in 1995, only 11 percent of the incoming fall students selected the feature.

“The advantage to applying online is that you’ll have fewer errors, because it is going through fewer people’s hands,” explains Canepa. “If the student submits the information electronically, then the system will directly take the information that’s delivered, which eliminates data entry errors. Plus, if they have a question about the application process, they can get help online.”

Jon Mays, associate director of Admissions adds that the speedy delivery of electronic applications results in the immediate acknowledgement that the application was received along with the credit card payment of the application fee. “E-applications eliminate lost application possibilities, such as delivery to the wrong address or even forgetting to mail it.”

Applications for fall quarter at the University of Cincinnati are open through Sept. 1. Canepa adds that the volume of applications to UC’s Uptown West Campus this fall has exceeded the total number of applications received last year through Sept. 2004.

UC’s rise in online applications reflects trends across the nation and the world. UCAS, the organization responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, announced it’s moving towards a 100 percent e-application service for students entering institutions in 2006. UCAS reports that electronic applications rose to 85 percent at the beginning of the year. The service assists nearly 500,000 prospective students annually.