For release: October 17, 2012
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901-678-2843

The National Research Center for College & University Admissions has awarded the University of Memphis Admissions website an A rating, placing it in the top five percent of all college websites. The site was recognized in the 14th annual My College Options® Enrollment Power Index® (EPI), an analysis of admissions websites of nearly 3,000 colleges and universities.

High School students rated every college website in the country on key features such as how to apply online, how to find information on the community in which the college is located, and how to contact the admissions office to schedule a campus visit. They also graded the websites on the ease of navigation and its design.

The U of M Admissions website (www.memphis.edu/admissions) was redesigned last year by staff of the Division of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing in conjunction with the Office of Admissions. One of the enhancements was the addition of large fly-out menus that make it easier for users to access information within the website. The navigation scheme was organized to walk applicants through the admissions process from recruitment to enrollment. New content was added to ensure that applicants better understand the admissions process. The number of page views has increased dramatically since the site’s reorganization.

MyCollegeOptions.org is the nation’s largest online college planning program. Each summer its staff of college admissions and Internet experts conducts a research-based analysis that measures how well college and university websites provide information to prospective students to assist them through the application process. Of the post-secondary schools whose sites were graded, only 40 percent earned a score of A or B.

The study grades institutions on a 100-point scale, including functionality, design and technology components. The criteria for the study are reviewed and updated annually by internal experts and by high school students. This year’s study examined 38 different criteria in four main categories:ability to find desired information, personal contact with admissions staff and students, online interactive tools, and website design and navigation.

Additional information on the EPI study is available at www.nrccua.org/epi-report.