Highlights of the U-M Entering Class of Fall 2006

Ted Spencer, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions

This year, we received over 25,000 applications for some 5,400 enrolling freshmen, which meant that the selection process was one of the most competitive ever. And this year, we were able to select an outstanding class of students from one of the most well-qualified pool of applicants we have ever had.

Again this year our admissions process was personalized because we gave applicants the opportunity to tell us more about themselves.

Once again, this year's class is more actively engaged and academically well-qualified than any other class in the history of the University of Michigan.

The Class of 2010 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 I feel will contribute to the vitality of the University of Michigan.

Consequently, I can assure the faculty and administration that the Class of 2010 meets or, in most cases, exceeds all the measurements we use for admission.

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

In high school:

• This year, 28% were elected to at least one student government office.
  
  
• Almost one quarter of the class received all-city, all-league, all-county or all-state awards in athletics.
  
  
• And while in high school, more than 45% presented musical recitals at places such as Carnegie Hall and 56% played a musical instrument, continuing an upward trend, and more than any other class.

The well-roundedness and leadership potential are further illustrated by the following data:

• 60% of the class have participated in civics projects and 36% of the class have volunteered in a community health setting — which is up 3% from last year.
  
  
• And some 30% have received an award for community service.
  
  
• This year, approximately 20% have published poems, stories, essays, and articles or have worked as editors of their high school newspapers or yearbooks.
  
  
• And, astonishingly, one of ten students this year have started their own business — up from previous classes!
  
  
• Over 1400 members of the class scored between 650 and 800 on the Verbal portion of the SAT. An amazing 2248 students scored 650 or better on the Math portion — and 11 members attained a total perfect score of 1600.
  
  Among those who took the ACT:
  
  
• This year, 36% of the class had a composite score between 30 and 36—continuing the upward trend of the last 4 years. While only 4% of students nationwide achieved that outstanding level.
  
  
• In addition, among this class, there were 308 perfect scores of 36 on at least one section of the ACT.
  
  

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. And, over 1300 members achieved a perfect 4.0!
  
  
• Also, 25% of the Class of 2010 is in the Top 1% of their graduating high school class—up 3% from last year! While over 90% ranked in the Top 10% of their graduating class—Proving once again, that this year's class excelled across all the academic indices that I have mentioned.
  
  
• In addition, more than 2300 students were members of a high school academic honor society.

And, perhaps, one of the most incredible achievements of this class is that almost 3,400 received scores of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement tests, which means that most will be eligible to enter the University of Michigan with college credit. 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 again comprise almost 51% the entering class.
  
  
• Further evidence of this class's diversity is illustrated with incoming students from 1,716 different high schools. ALSO, the incoming class of freshman and transfer students is from nearly 50 states and 59 countries —joining a student body that represents over 100 countries from around the globe.
  
  
• In addition, over 12% of this year's class are from a socio-economically disadvantaged background, a single parent home, or are the first generation to attend college.
  
  
• Approximately three quarters of the entire freshmen class received scholarships from the University of Michigan or from outside sources — a 10% increase from last year!

Please Note:
Percentage change in this speech means percentage point change.

Top of page