I have a senior at Denison, and I’ve thought about this question. I think it is probably a combination of factors. Denison has been test-optional for a while, and they do not charge an application fee or require supplemental essays up-front (there is an optional “why Denison” essay that comes up later in the process), so they do make it relatively easy for kids to apply, which probably drives the applicant numbers up. At the same time, I think the high quality of the educational experience at Denison has become more widely-recognized, in part through Adam Weinberg’s efforts. Denison has a big endowment and they have used it wisely to provide both merit and financial aid that attracts a very diverse group of excellent students. We’ve been really happy with the school and the opportunities and encouragement our son has received over the past four years.
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