Hillsdale admitted 20.74% of applicants to this year’s freshman class, similar to last year’s admissions rate, according to preliminary data, said Senior Director of Admissions Zachary Miller.
“It’s a very strong class, very similar to the one that we recruited last year,” Miller said.
Out of 381 students in the class of 2028, 189 are male and 192 female. They represent 42 states and 11 foreign countries.
The average ACT score of the incoming class is 31 and the average GPA is 3.95.
Among those admitted, 55.5% chose to enroll, in what is known as the “yield rate.” This figure fell by almost seven percentage points from last year, but the class size is still within the range sought by admissions, according to Miller.
The preliminary percentage of in-state students remains at the record low with 19% of the class coming from Michigan.
Miller said while lowering this number is not a goal, it reflects the college’s efforts to gain a national footprint. In the past 10 years, Miller said Hillsdale has doubled the number of admissions counselors and has been able to recruit students across the country and the world.
“We’re seeing a lot of the fruits of that, those relationships that we’re building with high schools and folks that are not just in the Midwestern part of the country,” Miller said.
During the application process, Hillsdale reviews essays, interviews, test scores, GPA, transcript, resume, and recommendations, according to Assistant Director of Admissions Brennan Nokelby ‘22.
“I love our application process because it’s very comprehensive,” Nokelby said. “It doesn’t feel like we’re narrowing someone down to a test score or GPA or list of activities. We’re really getting to know our applicants.”
Nokelby said Hillsdale’s standards for the proper student fit have remained consistent.
Working as an on-campus counselor, Nokelby interviews about 150 students from the upper Midwest each year.
“A lot of students that I interviewed this year are very curious about very big questions,” Nokelby said. “They are unsatisfied with what the mainstream of the culture has had to say about certain life questions.”
Freshman Fara Newell said she knew she wanted to attend Hillsdale if admitted.
“One of the things that really drew me to want to come here was Hillsdale’s dedication to excellence,” Newell said. “I really believe in doing my best to maximize my potential as a person, just be the best that I can be, and use the talents God has given me in the most effective way.”
Nokelby said the incoming class is unique but also fit to cultivate the Hillsdale culture.
“This class is different in their own way, but you’re not going to be able to tell how they’re different until they’ve been on campus a couple of years,” Nokelby said. “Dr. Whalen always says all it takes is two classes to change the culture at Hillsdale. I think that the best part of this place is the culture, so that’s something we’re trying to maintain and cultivate and bring the right students into.”