NRCCUA NEWS!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/06/2006

YCP’s admissions website ranked fifth

By ADAM ZEWE

York College's admissions website has recently been ranked fifth in a nationwide study of 3,015 post-secondary school admissions websites.

The study was performed by The National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA). Sites were rated by how well the functionality and design of the site allowed prospective students to get information.

"With students more Internet savvy than ever before, it is important for admissions sections of university Web sites to be up to date with the latest technology and have the information students expect," said Don Munce, President of the NRCCUA.

The school sites were rated on a letter-grade scale using the "Enrollment Power Index (EPI)." The EPI measures how well a college's website turns a prospective student into an applicant.

The ranking were also based on 100,000 surveys sent to college bound high school students. Students were asked to rank two different admissions websites. Then, the NRCCUA evaluated the websites, using 34 criteria and a number of statistical tests.

"Our in-depth and comprehensive research tells us that innovative admissions Web sites are increasingly more important to students as they consider their college options," said Ron Morris, NRCCUA Director of Admissions Marketing Research.

Dean of Operations Frank Mussano said, "We're delighted to learn that the York College Web site was ranked number five by NRCCUA." Mussano continued, "The YCP Web site serves as the front door to our campus, and we work hard to present a positive, comprehensive and accurate image of the faculty, staff, students, programs and services available here.

"This year, the number of electronic applications we received surged to an unprecedented level due in part to the creative design and relevant, easily accessible information presented on our Home Page. However, never willing to be complacent, we have already begun the process of redesigning the site for the fall of 2007, starting with a series of focus groups scheduled in October with prospective students and parents, current students, faculty, staff and alumni. We are constantly monitoring, evaluating and updating the York College Web site to meet the ever changing expectations of the various constituents we serve." Dr. George Waldner, president of York College, congratulated Dean Mussano and his staff and considered this ranking a "notable achievement." York College's admissions website was the highest rated in the northern region.

Mount St. Mary's College, Whitman College, Arizona State University, and Covenant College preceded YCP in the top five.