Colleges aim to increase enrollment by admitting students who didn’t apply

To combat a downward trend in college enrollment, some universities are offering admission to students who have not applied.

Through the new direct admissions practice, higher education institutions identify students based on their academic achievements, location, and other factors – and offer them admission to the school, no application necessary.

Washington and Jefferson College, a private institution in Pennsylvania, saw positive results after it began direct admissions two years ago, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Tracey Sheetz, vice president of enrollment, told the newspaper the college adopted the new method to “meet students where they are today.”