In response to the evolving landscape influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and broader societal shifts, the Office of Admissions (OA) has undergone significant transformations in its approach to the new student admission process over the past year. These adaptations are emblematic of the OA’s commitment to remaining responsive to contemporary challenges and ensuring inclusivity in its policies. The Stute conversed with the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Carlos Cano, at the OA to delve deeper into these changes.
The revised student admission process, implemented in the Fall of 2023, was unveiled through an article by Stevens, signaling the Division of Enrollment Management’s proactive stance toward enhancing accessibility for undergraduate applicants. A central theme underpinning these reforms is improved access, as underscored by introducing an early action program. This initiative empowers students to demonstrate their interest in joining the Hoboken community without the constraints of a binding decision. Moreover, the OA extended the test-optional policy—a measure initially instated during the pandemic—until the fall semester of 2027, providing applicants with additional flexibility in showcasing their academic prowess.
In alignment with contemporary societal dynamics, OA also revamped the personal essay prompts on applications, tailoring them to reflect current issues and aligning them more closely with the ethos of Stevens. This adjustment affords applicants a more comprehensive platform to articulate their motivations and aspirations. Additionally, by joining the Coalition for College program akin to Common App, Stevens has expanded its reach, particularly in regions where its presence may be less pronounced, fostering a more diverse applicant pool.
These changes have been in effect for applicants seeking enrollment in the Fall of 2024, offering them an array of options such as test-optional submissions and utilizing the Coalition for College platform. Although it’s still early to ascertain definitive outcomes, Cano notes some promising trends emerging from the ongoing admissions cycle. Notably, there has been an upsurge in the caliber of applicants under consideration, indicating a positive response to OA’s revamped approach.
OA has made significant strides in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in its policies through its revamped approach to the new student admission process. These developments reflect OA’s commitment to remaining responsive to contemporary challenges.
