With students scarce, college admissions offices get friendlier, less intimidating

Facing declining student numbers, universities and colleges are adopting more welcoming admissions strategies, including waiving application fees, offering additional financial aid for campus tours, and making direct admissions offers to students who haven't formally applied. This shift is transforming the admissions process from an "ivory tower approach" to one that emphasizes wanting students to be there, with some institutions even enlisting faculty to help recruit.