Highlights of the U-M Entering Class of Fall 2008

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

August 28, 2008

Good evening, I’m Ted Spencer, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

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

This year, we received nearly 30,000 applications - a record number - for some 6,000 enrolling freshmen, 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.

Again this year our admissions process was personalized, and we gave you the opportunity to tell us more about yourselves - because it truly “starts with U!”

And, I can say without hesitation, that 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 2012 is truly outstanding, because its members have accomplished so much during their high school years.

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 2012 meets or exceeds all the measures we use for admission…

…and, once again this year, their overall academic talents and leadership are well above national standards and previous classes.

Now, let me share with you some of the exceptional achievements of this class.

In high school,

• This year, 43% of you were elected to one or more student government offices.
• Over one third of the class received all-city, all-league, all-county or all-state awards in athletics.
• And while in high school, more than 65% of the class played a musical instrument - from violin to electric guitar;
• And 56% presented musical recitals at places such as Carnegie Hall;
• Also, some 36% received a rating of superior in state music competitions.

Your well-roundedness and leadership potential are further illustrated by the following accomplishments:

• This year, more than half of you have volunteered in a community health program.
• And close to three-quarters of the class have participated in civics projects — such as Habitat for Humanity.
• Also, there are 43% of you who have participated in programs to assist children or adults with disabilities;
• And this year, 45% have received an award for community service…
• …continuing an upward trend, and more than any previous class.
• This year, 31% of you have published poems, stories, essays, and articles or have worked as editors of your high school newspapers or yearbooks.
• And, astonishingly, 15% of you have started your own business - more than any other year!
• Further evidence of the leadership ability and achievement of this class is that your teachers and counselors reported that many of you are the most outstanding students they have taught and counseled.

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

• Over 1,100 members of the class scored between 650 and 800 on the Verbal portion of the SAT.
• An amazing 1,785 students scored 650 or better on the Math portion of the SAT;
• And 15 members of this year’s class attained a total perfect score of 1600 - the most ever!

Among those who took the ACT:

• This year, almost 40% of the class had a composite score between 30 and 36.
• While only 4% of students nationwide achieved that outstanding level.
• In addition, among this year’s class, there were 286 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 and course selection carries the greatest weight.

• This year, the average HS GPA for the entire entering class is 3.80. And, 1,445 members achieved a perfect 4.0 - an increase of 2% over last year!
• Also, a quarter of the Class of 2012 is in the Top 1% of their graduating high school class…
• …while 92% ranked in the Top 10% of their graduating class, continuing an upward trend of the last 3 years;
  
  Proving once again, that your overall performance, your perseverance, and your ability to deal with pressure are clear indicators of your enormous potential for success at the University of Michigan and beyond.

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.

We heard your voice in your essays, when you wrote about your families, the war, the economy, overcoming obstacles, and your experiences following national tragedies such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and Virginia Tech.

You also wrote about how and why diversity was an important factor in your final college choice - confirming that your values resonate with our campus values.

• Further evidence of this class's diversity is illustrated with incoming students from 1,667 different high schools.
• And again, women comprise almost 51% of the entering class.
• In addition, the incoming class has students from all 50 states and 72 countries - joining a student body that represents over 100 countries from around the globe.
• Also, over 13% of this year’s class are from a socio-economically disadvantaged background, a single parent home, or are the first generation to attend college.

Finally, let me again congratulate both you and your parents on 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 2012.

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

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