University Times

Freshman credentials continue to improve

This fall, for the fifth consecutive year, Pitt's freshman class will have stronger academic credentials than the one that preceded it.

Among the approximately 3,000 freshmen entering the University, 34 percent are in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class and 62 percent are in the top 20 percent.

That's up from 30 percent and 55 percent, respectively, for last year's freshman class, and an increase from 19 percent and 43 percent, respectively, for fall 1995 freshmen.

More than 1,000 of this fall's freshmen graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school classes, more than double the 460 freshmen who were in the top 10 percent five years ago.

This year's entering students have an average combined SAT score of 1189, 24 points higher than last year and 50 points higher than five years ago.

Nearly one-quarter of this year's freshmen are eligible to enroll in Pitt's Honors College, more than double the 340 who were eligible in 1995 and an 18 percent increase over last year. To be Honors College-eligible, students must rank in the top 10 percent of their high school classes and have an average combined SAT score of 1335.

Pitt received 72 percent more applications this year (13,492) than in 1995.

Chancellor Mark Nordenberg announced the freshman statistics at the June 12 Senate Council meeting.

Nordenberg attributed the increases in numbers and quality of applicants to a combination of factors: classroom renovations, new and upgraded residence halls, enhanced technological infrastructure, outreach efforts such as the Pitt Arts program, and an increased emphasis on students spending time studying abroad.

— Bruce Steele