The over 6,500 high school seniors who were admitted to Cornell on Tuesday have reason to celebrate. The college admissions process is both torturous and maddening; accordingly, the end is always a welcome relief. This admissions season, however, has been ever more tainted by the unfortunate consequences of the economic downturn, and we implore the University not to lose sight of its commitment to financial aid.

This year marked both an all-time high number of applicants and an all-time low acceptance rate. Furthermore, due to economic concerns, the expected class size has increased by 100 people in order to generate more tuition dollars. This was an appropriate step for the University to take, and, in these trying times, a wise method to increase revenue without cutting staff or programs.

We are hopeful, however, that the economic crisis has not clouded the judgment of the University’s admissions office. As The New York Times recently reported, this year a number of colleges are employing methods to accept wealthier students, veering away from past promises to need-blind admissions. In other words, colleges were more eager to accept those who could pay the full price.

Certainly, the economic situation is difficult everywhere. However, now is a more appropriate time than ever for colleges to see the value in reaffirming a strong commitment to financial aid. For example, as The Times reports, Middlebury College is maintaining its financial aid program by asking students to donate a larger portion of work earnings to help foot their tuition bill.

Cornell, to its praise, has maintained its robust commitment to financial aid. As President Skorton recently told students, “The one very important force is not to lose affordability in the school and not to change the nature of the student body to a place where only the privileged can go.” Indeed, Skorton noted that funds secured for the construction of campus buildings have been reallocated to financial aid, and that Cornell had “greatly increased financial aid for families at or below the mean family income.”

Cornell must continue to see its commitment to aid as an investment in the future success of higher education. And thus we agree that Cornell must not become a place accessible only to the most well off and must stand by its founding vow of meritocracy. Cornell ought not bow to the economic crisis and allow financial status to dictate admissions.

Considering the tremendous economic pressure, the University’s actions thus far have been impressive. We hope to see continued constructive thinking in the troubled times to come.