By Akeem Mellis

An early look at freshman application numbers shows that hosting the last presidential debate increased the University’s national profile.

Over the past seven years, the amount of undergraduate applications have generally increased, said Jessica Eads, the dean of admissions and financial aid. From the 2006 application year through the 2008 application year, applications increased by 43 percent, she added.

Eads, who is also the vice president for Enrollment Management, attributed the rise to the University’s growing popularity. “The increase has occurred due to the growth of Hofstra, as well as its rising popularity, so it’s very telling that more students want to attend the University, though other schools have seen increases in applications as well.”

The increase in applications also reflects the academic profile of the entering freshmen class. A report from the Board of Trustees released Tuesday shows that the Class of 2012 looks to be the strongest academic class for the University in recent memory.

The 1,652 students who enrolled this year-making it the largest class in school history-have the highest average SAT score (1182), the highest grade-point average from high school (3.35 out of a 4.0), and 26 percent placed in the top 10 percent of their graduating classes, according to the trustee report.

Peter DiSilvio, president of the Student Government Association, said it is incredible that the University’s enrollment, applications and academic rigor are going up. “It’s a testament to the brilliant leadership of President [Stuart] Rabinowitz,” he said.

“It improves the prestige of the University, as we are among the few schools in the country that are truly growing. It warms my heart.”