A reason to celebrate

With admissions numbers skyrocketing, the University deserves to celebrate. 4,148 students applied for early admission and about 20,300 applied for regular decision spots.

The recently released regular decision numbers represent a more than 8 percent jump in applications -- and the University is still riding high with a 21 percent leap in early applications.

Apparently, Penn's admission strategy is paying off.

For more than a year now, University President Amy Gutmann has been pushing the Penn Compact, a three-pronged outline of goals for the school's future.

She has so far made some progress on her lofty ideas: engaging the local and global community, encouraging interdisclipinary study and increasing financial aid. However, Gutmann can now point to Penn's uptick in applications as further proof of her success.

If this success continues, Penn will surely become well known outside of the Northeast.

As evidence, applications hail from all 50 states, and the Admissions Office received a record number of applications from 23 states. And, while international applications are on the decline nationally, international applicants here increased by more than 7 percent.

The University should be especially lauded for a 17 percent increase in black applicants and a 12 percent increase in Latino applications.

Although Penn has done a terrific job in attaining racial and regional diversity, one major hurdle still remains: ensuring representation from all economic classes.

In visits to schools, admissions officers should be pushing the University's financial aid opportunities -- so that in Philadelphia, for example, students will apply not only from Central High School, but West Philadelphia High School as well.

Penn undoubtedly has an astounding pool of applicants from which to choose, but if those students who are offered admission can't attend because they lack the financial resources, it's a major loss for the University, its applicants and its current students.

Donors and the administration should take notice.

Largely thanks to University officials, Penn's reputation has grown by leaps and bounds.

The ability to afford a Penn education should as well.

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