More students are making York University their number one choice for postsecondary studies despite an overall softening in the growth of university applications for 2004, according to preliminary figures released by the Council of Ontario Universities.
York led Ontario universities in resisting a decline in applications following the year of the double cohort. While most universities saw a 30 per cent reduction in the number of applications over 2003, York’s numbers fell by only 16.2 per cent.
“It’s important to realize that this is just a slow down in the growth of student applications after an extraordinary year,” said Sheila Embleton, York vice-president academic. “Overall the proportion of students choosing to attend university is still rising and we anticipate another healthy intake this fall.”
Right: Sheila Embleton, York vice-president academic
The number of students attending Ontario universities will rise by 5.1 per cent over 2003-2004 with York receiving a large share of applications from the 71,000 secondary school students planning to enrol for the 2004-2005 academic year. The figures also show increases in the number of students who put York as one of their top three choices. The proportion of students who indicated York as their number one choice grew 20 per cent over 2003.
“In an environment where students have so many choices for postsecondary studies, these numbers confirm York’s growing reputation as a forward-looking, innovative university and leading centre for interdisciplinary teaching,” said Embleton. “We’re delighted to see so many young people looking to the future and choosing York as the place where they can best prepare for it.”
For a full list of application figures visit the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre Web site.