The University of Vermont has received a record 14,558 early applications for fall 2015, 48 percent higher than last year’s early total and 40 percent higher than early applicants for fall 2013. Early applications, which waive the standard application fee, were due Nov. 1. 

The number of Vermont applications, 1,419, also a record, increased 78 percent over last year’s early applications and 25 percent over 2013. 

“This is a remarkable increase in early applications over the last two years,” said Beth Wiser, director of admissions at UVM. “It’s an early sign that students are attracted to UVM’s strong academics and high value and are hearing about positive experiences from current UVM students when they go back home. It’s evidence that we are among the schools of choice for high school students, especially in New England.”

The university was projecting a four percent increase in applications by the end of the admissions cycle in mid-January. The early returns suggest the increase is likely to be higher.  

The increase in early applications, and in applications overall, wouldn’t translate into a much larger first-year class next year, Wiser said, since the university has committed to keeping the incoming class at roughly the same size as in previous years.