May 1 was the magic date for next year’s freshmen to send in their confirmation to the college of their choice. That date was designated the National Candidate Reply Date for high school seniors to inform colleges and universities of their choice.

“So far, so good,” said Associate Provost Ned Harris of the confirmations to date. “We’re 28 percent ahead of last year at this time,” he said.

Harris, who has been serving as interim director of admissions since Scott Belobrajdic left the job in January, said that as of Tuesday afternoon, 1,188 confirmations had been received.

The May 1 deadline was the postmark deadline, and as a result, confirmations will likely be received over the next week or so. The University essentially guarantees admission to anyone who confirms his or acceptance and attendance at the University by May 1.

The targeted freshmen enrollment, as set by the University budget, is 1,270. However, Harris said that Admissions has a goal of 1,330 confirmations. These numbers are down from last year’s goal of 1,410 at this time.

Harris explained that the target numbers are lower than last year because Admissions had to work harder throughout the summer, trying to achieve their goal.

This year’s applicant pool sits at approximately 5,800, an increase of 7 percent from last year at this time. “The increase indicates that the University’s programs and reputation continue to grow,” Harris said. He added that campus visits have also increased.

One important observation Harris noted was the continuing increase in applications from outside the St. Louis metro area, defined by SLU as 60-mile radius.

“When I got here [six years ago], two-thirds of the freshmen class was from the St. Louis area; last year, two-thirds were from outside it,” Harris said.

He added that while the shift has taken place, the number of students admitted from the St. Louis area has remained constant.

While the applicant confirmations continue to come in, the Admissions Office still lacks a director. Two candidates visited campus earlier this semester, and an offer was made to one of the candidates. That candidate declined the offer.

Harris said that the search continues and that he would hope to fill the position by “yesterday.”