Highlights of the U-M Entering Class of Fall 2009

Ted Spencer, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions
September 3, 2009

Good evening, I’m Ted Spencer, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions. As the Director of 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, meaning the selection process was once again very competitive. And, once again, our admissions process was personalized, and we gave you the opportunity to tell us more about yourselves — as this really is
Your time.
Your place.
Your Michigan!

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. Your many achievements are exceptional in both your academic and extra curricular endeavors, and I am confident you will contribute to the vitality of our campus community.

Consequently, I can assure the faculty and the administration that the Class of 2013 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.

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

In high school,

• 43% were elected to one or more student government offices.
• Over one-third received all-city, all-league, all-county or all-state awards in athletics.
• And approximately 65% played a musical instrument — from a trumpet to a Chinese two-string fiddle (Erhu);
• More than half of you have volunteered in community health programs, such as in a hospital, clinic, or home.
• You also assisted children or adults with disabilities, and were recognized for your community service.
• 35% of you have published poems, stories, essays, and articles or have worked as editors of your high school newspapers or yearbooks.
• And, this year, even with a down economy, some 10% of you started your own business!

Further evidence of the leadership ability and achievements 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 is remarkable, there is even more:

• Approximately 1,200 members of the class scored between 650 and 800 on the Verbal portion of the SAT — up 1% from last year!
• And 1,800 students scored 650 or better on the Math portion of the SAT — also up 1% from last year!

Among those who took the ACT:

• 30% of this class had a composite score between 30 and 36,
• ...while only 4% of students nationwide achieved that high level.
• In addition, there were 295 perfect scores of 36 on at least one section of the ACT — up 3% from last year!

Now, while test scores are important in the admissions process, academic GPA and course selection carry the greatest weight.

• The average HS GPA for this year’s class is 3.8, continuing a trend for the 6th consecutive year!
• And, approximately 1,500 members achieved a perfect 4.0!
• Almost a quarter of the Class of 2013 was ranked in the Top 1% of their high school graduating class…
• And almost three-quarters were ranked in the Top 5%…
• While over 92% ranked in the Top 10% of their graduating class, …
• …continuing an upward trend of the last 5 years.

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 from every racial, ethnic, social, and religious background. We heard your voice in your essays, when you wrote about your families, the economy, the presidential election, overcoming obstacles, your concern for the environment, and a sincere desire to give back to the community. 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.

One of my favorite essays was from an applicant who expressed her desire to attend the University saying, “I don’t know what diversity is, but I know I need a lot of it… everyone in my school looks like me, talks like me, and acts like me…” (paraphrased) She, and you, will have an opportunity to learn from our richly diverse faculty, and along side incoming students from over 1,800 different high schools, all 50 states and almost 70 countries.

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

And now, 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 2013.

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

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