‘Early decision’ applications on rise at Miami

Applications for “early decision” prospective students have reached a record at Miami University, the second year in a row, MU officials said Tuesday.

Students applying for early decision status means they have declared Miami as their top college choice and are committed to attending if accepted. Applications designated early decision rose from 916 in 2011 to 1,007 this fall, a 10 percent increase, university officials said.

Miami has experienced unprecedented growth in number of students applying early decision in recent years. From 2010 to 2011, such applications nearly doubled from 531 in 2010 to 916 in 2011, a 96 percent increase, university officials said.

“Students selecting Miami as their top choice when they have such extensive options for higher education is a testament to the quality of the university,” said Michael Kabbaz, associate vice president for enrollment management. “We believe students across Ohio, the country and internationally are clearly recognizing that a Miami education is an investment in their future.”