<p>According to statistics from the Office of Admissions, this year the College received the highest total number of applications in its history, with a significant increase in applicants from China.</p>
<p>Overall, the applicant pool increased by 8.6 percent since last year, yielding a total of 3,325 applications. International applicants increased by 23.6 percent, while applications from China increased by 38.6 percent.</p>
<p>We are very interested in China, just as we are interested in any number of other regions, said Dean of Admissions Diane Anci. We have a strong interest in China, and China has a strong interest in us.</p>
<p>Anci said the College has not expanded its recruiting efforts in the country.</p>
<p>We have been traveling regularly to China for at least the last five to seven years, said Anci. Its about our presence there, she added. It's about our work there.</p>
<p>In 2009, 33 percent of international applicants held Chinese citizenship, or about 293 students. This year, 37 percent of international applicants, or about 406 students, were Chinese citizens.</p>
<p>Through various outreach programs, the College sends representatives to meet high school students who could be prospective international and domestic students. Some representatives travel to other countries in order to meet prospective students and promote the College. </p>
<p>By hosting receptions, college fairs and other events, as well as conducting interviews and visiting high schools abroad, the College representatives make connections with prospective students in an environment that is familiar to them, Anci explained.</p>
<p>The fact that we can assemble a community that is as diverse as ours in every possible wayracial and ethnic diversity, religious diversity, economic diversity, diversity among political beliefs and students talents and goalsis a wonderful thing, said Anci.</p>
<p>FROM MHC News
2/11/10</p>