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Archived Document

NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION 2004

Ted Spencer, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
September 2, 2004

Good evening, I’m Ted Spencer, the Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

As the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, I have the responsibility of identifying and admitting outstanding students to the undergraduate programs here at the University of Michigan.

  • This year, we received over 21,000 applications for some 5,500 positions, which meant that the selection process was one of the most competitive ever.

    But, one of the greatest rewards of my job this year, was being able to select an outstanding class of students from one of the most well-qualified pool of applicants we have ever had—and, equally impressive—the Class of 2008 has the distinction of being the largest classes in our history.

    • And, perhaps one of the reasons for this year’s record class size is that, our admissions process became even more personalized than ever before—Because we gave you the opportunity to tell us more about yourselves. We all heard your voices and we are very pleased that you are here.

    • Now, each year when I give this presentation, I say to the entering class, “this is the most talented class in the history of the University.”

  • Well, once again, I can say without hesitation, “this year’s class is stronger than any other class in the history of the University of Michigan.”

The Class of 2008 is truly outstanding, because its members have accomplished so much during their years in high school.

This year's entering class will perform well at Michigan because it consists of students who are exceptional in both academic and extra curricular endeavors, and who will contribute to the vitality of the University of Michigan.

  • Consequently, I can assure the faculty and administration that the Class of 2008 meets or exceeds all the measurements we use for admission.

Let me now share with you some of the exceptional achievements of this class.

In high school:

  • Last year, 25% of the Class of 2007, were elected to at least one student government office. This year, 28% of you held leadership positions in student government.

  • Approximately 25% of the class received all-city, all-league, all-county or State awards in athletics.

  • And while in high school, some 45% presented musical recitals at places such as Carnegie Hall— And, almost 55% of you played a musical instrument.

  • Your well roundedness and leadership potential are further illustrated by the following data:

  • Almost 56% of the class have participated in civics projects, and 35% have volunteered in a community health setting— which is up 1% from last year.

  • And some 30% have received an award for community service.

  • This year, approximately 25% have published poems, stories, essays, and articles, and almost 20% have worked as editors of their high school newspapers or yearbooks.

  • And, astonishingly, once again this year approximately 10% of the class have started their own businesses.

Now, while all of this may sound remarkable, there is even more:

  • Close to 1600 members of the class scored between 650 and 800 on the Verbal portion of the SAT, and an amazing 2543 scored 650 or better on the Math portion.

    Among those who took the ACT:

    • This year, 31% of the class had a composite score between 30 and 36—up 1% from last year. While, only 4% of students nationwide achieved that outstanding level.

    • In addition, among this class, there were 340 perfect scores of 36 on at least one section of the ACT.

Now, while test scores are important in the admissions process, academic grade-point average carries the greatest weight.

  • This year, the average HS GPA for the entire entering class is 3.80.

  • Also, approximately 22% of the Class of 2008 is in the Top 1% of their graduating high school class—an increase of 2% from last year!

    • Furthermore, 90% ranked in the Top 10% of their graduating class—an increase of 15% from last year!

    • In addition, more than 1900 students were members of a high school academic honor society.

And, perhaps, one of the most incredible achievements of this class is that over 3,760 received 3 or higher on Advanced Placement tests, which means that most will be eligible to enter the University of Michigan with college credit. -- And, by the way, this is an increase of 12% from last year! I am proud to also say that this year's class is once again very diverse ---- adding to our rich and vibrant campus community with strong representation of students from every racial, ethnic, social, and religious background.

  • Also, women now comprise 51% of the entering class.

  • Further evidence of this class's diversity is illustrated with incoming students from approximately 1,860 different high schools, which is up 9% from last year…ALSO…the incoming class has students from all 50 states and almost 60 countries —joining a student body that represents over 100 countries from around the globe.

    • And, because diversity comes in many different forms. This year, almost 16% of the incoming class are from a socio-economically disadvantaged background, a single parent home, or are the first generation to attend college.

    • And, I’m also pleased to report that approximately 70% of the entire freshmen class receives scholarships from the University of Michigan or from outside sources.

Finally, let me again congratulate both you and your parents for your outstanding achievements.

So, to the administration, faculty and staff of the University of Michigan, I present to you some of the best and brightest students in this country as well as the world. I present to you the Class of 2008.

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