About 475 freshmen are expected to move into dorms Aug. 23, media relations specialist Christian Kendzierski said.

This is up from 417 students last year.

Nearly 3,600 students applied for admission this year, surpassing last year’s 3,200 applicants. Almost 60 percent of the incoming class is from Maryland, and 21 percent describe themselves as minorities, compared to 17 percent last year.

Mount recruiters are ecstatic about the increase in enrollment, especially in light of the nation’s economic downturn and the difficulties many students have faced in obtaining financial aid, Kendzierski said.

Ninety percent of incoming freshmen received merit scholarships from The Mount. The scholarships are based on academic performance and community service, Kendzierski said.

“That is a pretty impressive number,” he said.

For returning students, the biggest change is the creation of four new schools.

The reorganization took effect July 1, creating the College of Liberal Arts and schools of Business and Leadership, Education and Human Services, and Science.

Each school is headed by its own dean.

University President Thomas Powell described the reorganization as a rebirth for the school, and said the new system re-energizes faculty, students and administrators.

“The reorganization streamlines the levels of responsibility and aids the administration and faculty, offering more efficient and effective service which will enhance the students’ educational experience,” Powell said in a statement.

The Mount celebrated its bicentennial in 2008, and is the second-oldest Catholic university in the United States. Classes begin Aug. 26.