Freshman class of 2001 is a record-setting group

The incoming freshman class could be the largest and most talented in the 153-year history of the campus.

Because students can still register for classes after the semester starts, final enrollment numbers won’t be available until four to six weeks into the semester. However, between 5,900 and 6,100 freshmen were expected to start classes today, Sept. 4, challenging the previous record of 5,934 set in 1988.

This year’s class was chosen from 20,330 applications, another school record. The number of applications rose 8.7 percent over last year and has increased 55 percent since 1991.

Rob Seltzer, UW–Madison director of admissions, says the larger application pool helped the university choose some of the best and most talented students in school history.

“The demand for an education at UW–Madison is higher than ever before.” Seltzer says. “High school students must meet a higher standard to be considered for admission into the university.”

The class is expected to have an average high school GPA of 3.6 (out of 4.0). About half of new freshmen graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school classes and 62 percent submitted Advanced Placement scores for credit.

The class also tested strongly, averaging a 27 on the ACT, and averaging 600 verbal and 648 math on the SAT. All three averages far exceed state and national figures.

While the UW–Madison admissions office places high priority on academic performance and test scores when reviewing applications, students’ special talents and extracurricular involvement are also considered.

“These new students possess talents and skills that go far beyond their outstanding performances in the classroom,” Seltzer says. “The number of these kids doing community work, and great things in the arts or athletics is astounding.”

Seltzer says more than half of incoming freshmen have received awards for leadership, almost 30 percent have volunteered in a hospital or clinic, more than 20 percent have received awards for community service, and more than 20 percent have worked with people with disabilities.

In addition, nearly 250 new students have performed on radio or TV, 30 percent have participated in a state music contest, and nearly 20 percent have performed with professional music groups. More than 200 students have had photos, drawings and other artwork published in newspapers or magazines, more than 200 have received awards in artistic competitions, and 175 have published their creative writing in books or magazines.

Many of those same incoming freshmen also excelled in athletics. 62 percent earned varsity letters in high school, while 820 students gained all-city, league, county or all-state honors in their respective sports.

To further add to the freshman class’s busy schedule, more than three-quarters of them regularly worked part-time while in high school and almost 20 percent supervised others in those jobs.

“Students who work hard in the classroom seem to work hard outside the classroom,” Seltzer says. “And they will be a great asset to this university and the surrounding community.”

Seltzer encourages the large number of applicants turned away from UW–Madison to consider attending another UW System institution. If they keep their grades up and take the necessary courses for two years, they can apply to transfer to UW–Madison.