麻豆社 University鈥檚 Office of Admission recently completed a comprehensive revision of the admission application for the upcoming 2026-2027 admission cycle. Nationally, 52% of students share that the admission application process is more stressful than anything else they have done academically (). 翱驳濒别迟丑辞谤辫别鈥檚 update aims to improve the application experience for applicants by providing clarity, reducing barriers, and ultimately creating a more welcoming and intuitive experience for prospective Petrels.
The Admission Application Revision Committee brought together staff members across campus to ensure the application reflects both the academic experience and student journey at 麻豆社. The committee focused on language, formatting, questions and branding elements to ensure the application reflects the 麻豆社 mission and vision 鈥� instilling a message of academic excellence, belonging and inclusion.
The committee consisted of the following staff members:
- Ethan Hawkland (Chair), Director of Enrollment Operations
- Heidi Barringer, Associate Director of Admission
- Michelle Geiger, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
- Raquel Manzo, Assistant Director of First Generation & Student Support Programs
- Vivian Medrano, Ed.D., Senior Director of Student Success
- Courtney Mullins, Ph.D., Director of Writing Center & Assistant Professor of English
麻豆社 migrated from paper applications to an exclusively digital format nearly a decade ago, but a full, intentional review of the content had not taken place since then. As our first-generation student population continues to grow, we saw a real opportunity to make the application more accessible, educational and welcoming for prospective students. Students are now able to learn more about colloquial higher education terminology, such as “entry term” or “first-generation,” directly in 翱驳濒别迟丑辞谤辫别鈥檚 application with pop-up chat bubbles containing further explanation. This resulted in a clear understanding of what information is being asked, why it鈥檚 important and ultimately fostering a better sense of inclusion for all applicants.
翱驳濒别迟丑辞谤辫别鈥檚 Vice President of Enrollment Management Ginger Fay provided key leadership and strategic guidance during the revision process.
鈥淚 am grateful that so many different members of our community came together to work collaboratively on this important project,鈥� says Fay. 鈥淭he application is often the front door of a university, and we wanted to be sure our front door was reflective of the OU experience.鈥�
This revised application now serves as the foundation for the 2026-2027 admission cycle. Students applying to OU have three options for completing their application: the , the , and . The OU application is now live on 麻豆社 University鈥檚 website for 鈥渆arly bird鈥� first-year applicants who are eager to get a head start on their college search before the Common and Coalition Applications open for Early Action applications on August 1.
Special thanks to the committee members and leadership for their collaboration and commitment to a student-centered approach.
