This fall, Trinity University welcomed the Class of 2027, a diverse cohort who, in addition to breaking the record for the lowest admissions rate in University history, represent a record number of students who chose Trinity as their first choice college.
A total of 150 out of the 659 incoming students enrolled through Trinity’s binding Early Decision program. This number represents almost a quarter of the entering class, a 39% increase compared to the previous enrollment cycle.
Trinity’s early application plans allow prospective students to get ahead of the competition and stand out among a smaller applicant pool. Being admitted early also means students are notified early and can fully enjoy their senior year knowing they are officially a Tiger.
Trinity offers three early application plans: Early Decision (ED) I and II, which are binding decisions, and Early Action (EA), which is a non-binding option. ED I and EA applications are due on November 1, 2023, and students are notified of admissions decisions by mid-December. ED II applications are due on February 1, 2024, and students are notified by mid-March.
"We find that high school students who begin to thoughtfully craft their college list during their junior year put themselves in a more competitive position for admission as a senior," says Justin Doty, dean of Admissions. “Early Decision applicants often tell us that Trinity emerged as their top choice after visiting multiple colleges. When Trinity appears to be the best match academically, socially, and financially, applying ED places applicants in the most competitive position for admission. Knowing the overall acceptance rate was a record low 28% this year, applying Early Decision is a strategic move for a growing number of students.”
This year’s ED cohort boasts not only a higher enrolled number but also a higher academic profile (average GPA, testing, class rank), a higher percentage of students of color (53%), and a higher percentage of Pell-eligible students compared to previous ED populations.
“We are absolutely thrilled by the increased volume, academic caliber, and composition of our ED population this year,” Doty says. “These are students who are ‘all in’ and committing themselves to Trinity early in the process. In turn, we are offering our full support to them.”
Trinity understands that one of the biggest questions students need answered before they can fully commit to a college is, “Can I afford it?” Thanks to the Office of Admissions’ option for ED-interested students and families to request an early financial aid estimate, all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can feel comfortable deciding to make Trinity their new home. The Office of Admissions is able to provide both merit scholarships and need-based financial aid estimates to students before applying ED who want to ensure Trinity is an affordable option.
"We have been intentional the past few years about providing access opportunities for students from under-resourced high schools and low-income neighborhoods to apply to Trinity through Early Decision,” Doty says. “The cost of attendance is typically the most significant barrier for many of these populations, which prevents high-achieving students from applying Early Decision because they haven't received financial aid packages at that stage of the process.”
For more information about scholarships and need-based aid, visit Trinity’s financial aid website. To request an early financial aid estimate, click the button on our ED website.
The above photo was taken at Playfair 2023.
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