Fewer, but smarter freshman coming to AU

Auburn University is expecting fewer incoming freshman this fall, but they will be smarter than the previous class, officials reported Tuesday.

Dr. Sharon Gaber, senior associate provost and vice president of academic affairs, told members of the University Senate that Auburn is expecting 3,900 freshman this fall, which is about 300 less than the 2007 freshman class. However, she said the average ACT score of the smaller class is 25 or higher. Freshman enrolled last fall scored a 24.8, on average.

Gaber provided the enrollment update to the senate on behalf of Dr. Wayne Alderman, dean of enrollment services, who was out of town. She noted that Auburn’s efforts to recruit more high-achieving students is working. More than 1,200 incoming freshman with an ACT of 28 or higher are enrolled for the fall. Last year, Auburn attracted 1,000 high scorers.

On the other hand, Auburn is admitting fewer students with lower ACT scores, she said. Last fall, nearly 800 students had earned a 21 or lower on the ACT. The incoming class only includes 329 students with a score of 21 or lower.

The Honors College is also feeling the impact of Auburn’s efforts to recruit more high-achieving students. Gaber said the number of honors students has doubled in just two years. The college is expecting about 1,400 students this fall.

Gaber noted that developing a new model for the honors college is one of the goals under the newly approved university strategic plan. Implementation of a new practice is anticipated by fall 2009.

There will also be fewer black students this fall, she said, but officials expect a higher retention rate among the 521 projected freshman. More than 700 black students enrolled last fall. Dr. Overtoun Jenda, associate provost for diversity and multicultural affairs, will continue to work closely with Alderman to improve minority recruitment and retention, Gaber said.

Because last year’s freshman class was so large, Gaber said only 1,320 transfer students were admitted. This fall, Auburn is expecting 1,386 transfer students.