The "Will effect"

It wasn't long ago that St. Andrews University boasted about record highs in applications. Back in Feb 2006 the University of St. Andrews recorded a 11.1% rise in applications, making them the highest in Scotland and one of the highest in the UK. However this is no longer the case as the university has experienced the "Will effect".

St. Andrews University hosted Prince William at the university for the past 4 years, since his graduation from the university applications to the school has fallen over 6%. Prince William was amongst several other famous graduates such as James II of Scotland, feminist writer Fay Weldon, and leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party, Alex Salmond. Other claims to fame of the University and the town of St. Andrews is the golf course, the castle, the abbey and of course the opening scene to Chariots of Fire.

Thanks to Prince William the school experienced an 44% increase in applications during his term there but recently the school has been hit with what many Brits call the "Will effect". I has been over a year now since Prince William graduated from the school and there has been a reported decrease of 6% in applications since his departure. This decrease in applications is actually the highest in comparison to other universities in Scotland.

Looks like St. Andrews is going to have to re-address their recruitment and application process!