The demand for a Westminster College education has never been higher. The 157-year-old, private, liberal arts college in New Wilmington, Pa., has already shattered its application record and has seen a 200% increase in applicants over the past two years.

Nearly 4,000 prospective students have applied to Westminster College as of Feb. 28, which is a 35% increase over last year's record-breaking year and twice the number of applicants in 2006-07.

The prospective students boast a 3.5 high school grade point average in core academic subjects, and averaged 1100 on the SAT, which is 100 points higher than the Pennsylvania average and 83 points above the national average.

Last year Westminster College implemented a waiting list for admitted students due to the increased demand and is considering that option again this year.

"Westminster is small by choice and we stress quality over quantity," according to Dean of Admissions Brad Tokar, a 1991 Westminster graduate. "The increased demand for a Westminster education has forced us to make some tough admissions decisions and we have already turned away a record number of prospective students. If our available spots are once again filled by May 1, we may implement another waiting list."

Tokar credits the collaborative efforts of the Westminster community for the record-setting campaign. "We receive tremendous support from our alumni, faculty, staff, and coaches, and our Admissions staff has done an outstanding job and worked extra hours to serve our prospective students and their families."

Westminster traditionally limits its incoming classes to 350 freshmen and 25 transfers, but the renovation of residence halls and construction of the Berlin Village student townhouses allows Westminster flexibility to accommodate additional students. Westminster's enrollment includes over 1,500 undergraduate, graduate, and lifelong learning program students.

"Westminster remains one of the great higher education values for those students choosing a high quality, student-focused, and highly personalized college experience," Westminster President Dr. Richard Dorman said. "Our graduation rate performance in providing Westminster students a high quality, liberal arts education is recognized as among the very best in America among all colleges and universities. For the third year in a row, we were named to the President's Honor Roll for excellence in service learning - the federal government's highest recognition for institutions committed to teaching civic engagement. Stellar placement rates for our graduating seniors in their professions or in graduate school further reinforce that Westminster graduates are highly regarded and bring with them a strong work ethic and deep personal values that mirror the character-building efforts we believe is central to a liberal arts education."

Contact Tokar at (724) 946-7109 or e-mail tokarbp@westminster.edu for more information.