Even before they arrive on campus this fall, this year’s freshmen have already broken a few records. Most notably, the total number of applications for Fall 2008 topped 10,000 for the first time in history. Altogether 10,123 students applied—nearly 50 percent more than applied just five years ago. Along with that comes an increase in mean GPAs (to 3.63 for admitted students) and average SAT scores (624 verbal/644 math for admitted students).
The enrollment targets for the Class of 2012 were set with an eye for balance and equality in gender, disciplines, and ethnic background; to that end, this is the first year SCU has allowed students to identify themselves as multiracial, a growing demographic all over the country. This year’s applicant pool also showed an increase in black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Native American students. Plus there are more applicants from Jesuit high schools.
Another rare accomplishment for Santa Clara, at a time when well over half of all college students are women: This class has an almost equal number of male and female students.
Rich Toomey J.D. ’82, associate vice provost for enrollment management, says he expects about 1,220 students to arrive this fall, a slight “melt” from the 1,280 who accepted a place in the class. The melt is another growing trend in college admissions, as the exceptional students who apply to schools like SCU take their time making a decision between their top few schools.
| The class of 2012 |
|
| Black |
3.4% |
| Hispanic |
16.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander |
18.2% |
| Native American |
0.2% |
| Caucasian |
39.1% |
| Multiethnic |
7.0% |
| Unknown |
15.9% |
| Where’s home? |
|
| California |
57.5% |
| Out-of-state |
39.7% |
| International |
2.5% |