LEXI WEINGARDT CU-Boulder saw a 10 percent jump in freshman applications in the 2016 application process. In 2015 the overall applications were 30,646 while in 2016 the number jumped to 33,661.

As for Colorado residents specifically, there was a three percent increase in applications. CU-Boulder’s director of admissions, Kevin MacLennan said the “university’s brand is stronger than ever.” He believes this will help CU-Boulder become a more selective school and will help increase diversity within the student body.

MacLennan said one reason for the increased number of applicants is due to Common Application because students are now applying to more schools. The University has also continued to reach abroad and 15 percent increase in applications from students abroad this year.

In addition to the things previously mentioned, MacLennan believes the exposure the university gained due to them hosting the Oct. 28 presidential debate contributed to the increase in applicants.

One of Mountain Vista’s counselors, Wendy Strait is an alumn of CU-Boulder. “I looked at CU and CSU and I fell in love with CU right away because of the campus… that it was right in the mountains, and the town. I love the environment,” Strait said.

Strait said she would definitely recommend that Mountain Vista students consider CU-Boulder in their college search.