Wittenberg University has been selected to participate in the expanded pilot for Common App’s Direct Admissions program, which will provide over 200,000 first-generation and low-income students who are college-interested with proactive admissions offers. Common App’s Direct Admissions program also includes tailored outreach and resources to families, and to counselors who have students receiving a Direct Admissions offer.

“We are thrilled to be participating in Common App’s Direct Admissions program as one of only two selected institutions in Ohio,” said Maribeth Stevens, vice president for enrollment management at Wittenberg. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to removing as many barriers as possible for students pursuing higher education, particularly from underrepresented populations. Through this program, we are hopeful that students and families will realize that a Wittenberg education can be both accessible and affordable to students of all backgrounds.”

Common App set a moonshot goal to close its equity gap for low- and middle-income students accessing postsecondary opportunities by 2030. In support of that goal, this program focuses on reaching first-generation and low-income students.

“We want to show even more students that they belong at Wittenberg, and the Common App Direct Admissions program helps us do that,” said Wittenberg President Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D. “Together, we can work to change the narrative around college access and equity, as we help students see that a college education is well within reach and full of resources to support their passion and purpose.” 

Common App has piloted a Direct Admissions program since 2021, offering admission to students who created a Common App account and provided enough academic information– but had not yet completed all of their open applications. The latest iteration of the pilot offered admission to 33,0000 students at 14 participating institutions, and over 800 students accepted the offer. Results showed the impacts of the intervention were strongest for Black or African American, Latinx, and First-generation students.

“We are excited for Wittenberg University to join our Direct Admissions program, where even more students will now know that they are worthy and wanted on a college campus,” said Jenny Rickard, President & CEO of Common App.

Here's how the program works according to Common App website:

• Participating colleges set their requirements, including a minimum GPA for students in their home state.
• Common App finds first-generation and lower-income students who meet these GPA and residency requirements using their Common App responses then emails eligible students with their direct admissions offer(s). Students in some states may receive offers from more than one college.
• The email contains information to help students learn more about their offer(s), including any academic program exclusions or other requirements. It also has details on how to accept the offer, which includes submitting their Common App.
• If a student chooses to apply with this non-binding admissions offer, they’re guaranteed to get in. They don’t have to pay an application fee and aren’t required to enroll if they apply.

For more details, check out Direct Admissions FAQs.