The In Crowd -- APU In Focus

By Maureen Riegert '90, M.A. '00

For all college-bound students, the world of admissions thrusts them into an intense competition where GPAs, SATs, class rank, and AP courses serve as the rubric by which potential success at most of the nation's leading institutions is measured. But higher academic standards reveal only part of the story.

Across the country, public and private colleges alike report surging enrollments and struggle to manage growth responsibly. According to the U.S. Department of Education, undergraduate enrollment experienced huge gains between 1990-96: 4 percent at public schools, 5 percent at private colleges, 11 percent at institutions with a religious affiliation, and 24 percent at Council of Christian Colleges and Universities member institutions.

The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Admissions staff attributes increased numbers to a nationwide population boom and improved reputation, among other factors. A recent article in U.S. News & World Report points to an additional reason, namely the popularity of applying to numerous schools, compounded by easier accessibility to application materials online.¹

Deana (Garrett '88) Porterfield, M.A. '96, APU's dean of enrollment, concurs, adding a critical distinction for this university: "Those interested in Azusa Pacific recognize the intrinsic value of a Christian higher education, where teaching is a priority, faith infuses rigorous academic programs, holistic development is emphasized, and students are challenged to forge a deeper relationship with Christ."

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Heavy Load -- Dean of Enrollment Deana (Garrett '88) Porterfield, M.A. '96 holds the dreams and applications of hundreds of prospective students.

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