Though TCU has become more selective over the years, university admissions counselors have not changed their approach when selecting students.
“Similar to years past, TCU is seeking students who demonstrate both academic excellence and intellectual promise and individuals who demonstrate an ability and desire to impact their communities,” said Heath Einstein, the dean of admission.
TCU’s acceptance rate dropped from 48.87% in 2014 to 47.12% in 2019 as the number of applicants increased. The biggest drop came in 2016 when only 37.58% of total applicants were admitted.
Compared to 2014, TCU has seen 1,999 more applicants for fall 2019.
“Our goal is to enroll classes each year that improve our academic profile and continue to push the boundaries of inclusivity,” Einstein said. “If we achieve that goal year after year, selectivity will follow.”
As the next round of admissions begins, TCU admissions counselors will focus on their goal of being a “destination college.”
“A destination college is a place students point to as the ‘hot’ college in their high school communities,” Einstein said.
Garrett James, a first-year movement science major, said he decided to come to TCU because he knew he could succeed.
“I saw TCU more as a catalyst for my career and myself,” James said, “someplace where I can build myself and create great opportunities to succeed.”
This year, Einstein said the admissions office expects to see between 18,000 and 20,000 applications for the class of 2024.
“The Rose Bowl was when we first started to see a boost [in applications],” said David Stein, the associate director for freshman admission.
Stein said the number has remained consistent over years past and they are anticipating the same number this year.
The incoming first-year class has been receiving many forms of communication from TCU as they move through high school, including print and digital collateral, Einstein said.
“It is geared to address students’ various needs, from academics to internships to scholarship and aid,” Einstein said.
To attract students from outside of Texas, admissions counselors travel to 40 states each year.
Admissions counselors tend to get a great response when visiting high schools, whether there are 50 students or only one, Stein said.
“If I meet with one student at a high school who is great and decides that TCU can be home, then it’s a great visit,” Stein said.
TCU also offers campus tours year-round to draw in students.
“When out-of-state students visit campus, they are met with friendly students as well as faculty and staff who are willing to extend themselves to prove what warm a community this is,” Einstein said.
Stein said admissions counselors pitch TCU by showing how genuine they are and what TCU has to offer.
“We’re lucky enough to be a rare breed, so we talk a lot about TCU’s size and experience,” Stein said.
In addition, TCU representatives travel to dozens of foreign countries each year to search for future Horned Frogs.
While TCU does not send the same amount of print material to international students, its messages are largely similar. These messages promise a global community, which appeals to prospective TCU students, regardless of their hometown.
