Marquette Modifies Admission Procedures as University Becomes
More Selective

Released: 6/21/04

Marquette University 's incoming freshman class is the most competitive in the university's history. An all time record of 10,201 students applied for the approximately 1,800 available spots. This is a 26% increase over last year which was also a record year. Because of this unprecedented demand and the university's desire to shrink the size of its freshman class compared to recent years, Marquette is dramatically more selective this year. The acceptance rate (the percentage of students who apply and are accepted) dropped significantly from 83% last year to 67% this year. A lower number translates to increased selectivity.

“It is never enjoyable to tell a bright student that we cannot accept them,” says Roby Blust, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions. “This year we had to deny admittance to students we would have eagerly accepted in the past. Prospective students need to know that it is a different era now and Marquette is more selective than it has ever been.”

In response to increased demand, Marquette is modifying its admissions procedures for this fall. The university is moving up the priority application deadline from February 1 to December 1. This is the date by when an application must be received to guarantee consideration. Any applications received after December 1 will be considered only if space remains available. The first admissions decisions for top candidates who apply early will be made starting in December. The university strongly encourages students who are interested in Marquette to apply early this fall.

Number of Applications To Marquette is growing dramatically:

2000: 6,915
2001: 6,954
2002: 7,593
2003: 8,232
2004: 10,200