At WSU, the decline in the number of graduate student applications from international students following the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attack mirrored the national trend.
However, the number of applications at WSU rebounded in fall 2006, increasing by 21 percent. That is almost twice the 12 percent increase for universities nationally as reported by the Council of Graduate Schools (ONLINE @ www.cgsnet.org). And WSU applications for fall 2007 far exceed last year’s total.
“The concerns raised by the Sept. 11 events have eased up now,” said Steve Burkett, associate dean of the Graduate School. “Nationally, we are seeing an increasing number of applications from international students — and WSU is doing better than most universities in recruiting those students.”
Applicant data from both the national report and from WSU show the same trend of increasing numbers after the 2001 attack through 2003, and then a significant drop-off in applications for the next two years. When asked to explain that lag between 9/11 and the application decline, Burkett listed factors both national and international.
First, the full impact of the post-9/11 U.S. screening process for international students was not felt until 2004. Enacted in 2002, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was not made mandatory until 2003.
Also, some prospective international students did not bother to apply because of perceived barriers and problems with the new system.
Finally, Burkett said, other countries at that time began to emphasize and market their own graduate education offerings.
To explain the reasons for the recent increase, Burkett noted that the Graduate School has established a more user-friendly application process. The inquiry response system has been streamlined to be more immediate and centralized.
A more attractive information packet for international students has been created.
In addition, the university offers a mix of graduate programs — in agriculture, engineering and business, for example — that are in high demand. Also, Burkett speculated, the security of a rural campus may be attractive to international students.
Continuing effort will be needed to maintain the application numbers, he said, because competition for high-achieving graduate students is increasing worldwide.
“Australian universities are working hard to recruit these students,” he said. “The Chinese universities are trying to keep their students at home. The universities in the European Union are making it easier for their students to stay in Europe.
“But if we continue our strong recruitment work, we’ll continue to do well.”
