This fall, John Brown University welcomed an all- time record of 378 new first-time students, making it the biggest freshman class the university has ever seen. JBU saw increases among several demographics, including Latin American students, students from Northwest Arkansas, international students and missionary kids.
Hannah Bradford, director of undergraduate admissions, explained that several factors contributed to admissions increases.
In 2022, JBU was down in admissions compared to other Council for Christian Colleges & Universities institutions. Compared to its competitors, JBU had a rigorous test-optional application process. On top of submitting your transcript, test-optional applications once required two references, a writing sample and an interview with Bradford. Beginning in 2023, applicants who have a 3.0 GPA or higher are only required to submit their transcripts.
Each year, the bulk of JBU applications come from students who participate in JBU’s scholarship weekend. Bradford explained that in recent years, JBU was starting to see a decline in the number of students invited to scholarship night. JBU used to require both a score of 29 or higher on the ACT and a 3.9 GPA for high school students to be invited to scholarship weekend. Now, students who meet just one of these requirements are sent invitations. This change increased the attendance of the event by 164%.
Samuel Estrada is the admissions counselor for international students and missionary kids. Estrada is a JBU alum from El Salvador and speaks Spanish. Bradford stressed Estrada’s level of care and flexibility when communicating with international families digitally, and the necessity of a Spanish speaking admissions counselor. For the first time, Estrada traveled internationally, visiting three countries as a part of the international recruiting process.
The university also budgeted more money for scholarships. Bradford explained that this is another way JBU fell behind in competition with other CCCU schools.
More time was spent recruiting students in Northwest Arkansas, specifically Latino students here.
As a result, JBU’s acceptance rates were up about 30% this year. According to Bradford, though the terms by which students apply and the terms on which JBU invites students to scholarship weekend have changed, JBU’s academic profile hasn’t changed much.
There has never been any sort of “capping” system when it comes to admitting students to JBU: no capping particular demographics, no waitlist. Bradford and her fellow admissions faculty work hard to invite committed students to the JBU community. Bradford explains why this is crucial: “It’s important to keep enrolling a healthy number of new students for practical reasons like balancing the JBU budget. But beyond that, JBU is committed to enrolling more diverse groups of students so we can more accurately reflect the kingdom of God on our campus. Each new incoming class is a chance to add amazing students to our community who will help our campus flourish and grow as we seek to honor God and serve others.”
Photo courtesy of John Brown University Communications