This question (not word-for-word) was answered by more than 1,700 members of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) as part as a broader study about college admission.
The good news is that NACAC has just published the results of this study in its latest “State of the College Admission,” a 152-page report available as a free PDF file (careful, it’s 2MB).
Below are the most interesting findings related to the Web:
- In 2004, colleges and universities nationwide received an average of 57 percent of their applications online—a significant increase from 35 percent in 2003. Ninety-three percent of colleges reported that online applications had increased from 2004.
- 36% of the students use the Internet/Email to contact colleges about the admission process (25% mail, 24% college fairs and 19% phone)
- More than 90% of the colleges have websites including online applications, information about campus tours, college cost information, detailed admission information (such as requirements, deadlines, and admission options), online course catalog and online forms for requesting application via mail
You should definitely check the report (the section about the Web starts on page 26) and probably share it with your favorite people in the admission office.
Whether they have already their own copy or not, I’m sure they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.