Applications for admission to Mercy College of Health Sciences this fall reached a new record, and new student enrollment reached its second-highest level for any term in its history, the college announced. Applications for the fall semester totaled 1,054, an 8.5 percent increase over 2017. Of those, 252 enrolled as new students. “There is great need for health care professionals in our communities and across the country,” Mercy College President Douglas Fiore said. “Our unique community partnerships enable us to provide students with the necessary education and clinical rotations. With our history dating back to 1899, it’s hard to break records, but we look forward to exceeding enrollment targets for terms to come.” As of early November, spring applications and new student projections are also expected to exceed past historical records.