Wittenberg University to participate in Common App

Wittenberg University is now one of nearly 70 institutions in the United States that is participating in the Common App direct admissions program, which is aimed at increasing the numbers of minority and first-generation students who are able to access and attend higher education.

According to an article on Wittenberg University's website, Maribeth Stevens, who is the vice president for enrollment management at Wittenberg University, said, “We are thrilled to be participating in Common App’s Direct Admissions program as one of only two selected institutions in Ohio. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to removing as many barriers as possible for students pursuing higher education, particularly from underrepresented populations. Through this program, we are hopeful that students and families will realize that a Wittenberg education can be both accessible and affordable to students of all backgrounds.”

The Common App Direct Admissions program has existed since 2021, and it aims to target students who are low-income or first-generation college students with accessible resources and direct admissions offers. Using Common App, the schools that are participating set their academic requirements, and then Common App finds students who meet those requirements and emails them with direct admissions offers. Students will have the opportunity to meet with counselors to discuss what the offers mean, and then can submit their Common App. If the student applies, their admission is guaranteed, but they are not obligated to enroll.

In a previous pilot program, 33,000 offers were sent out to low-income and first-generation students, and 800 students accepted offers. 

Discussing how Common App can help students achieve their dreams, the president of Wittenberg University, Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D., said, “We want to show even more students that they belong at Wittenberg, and the Common App Direct Admissions program helps us do that. Together, we can work to change the narrative around college access and equity, as we help students see that a college education is well within reach and full of resources to support their passion and purpose.”

The president and CEO of Common App, Jenny Rickard, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are excited for Wittenberg University to join our Direct Admissions program, where even more students will now know that they are worthy and wanted on a college campus.”

For more information about Wittenberg University, visit the school’s website.