Class of 2008 Reflects University of Pittsburgh's High Academic Standard

PITTSBURGH—Outstanding academic achievement characterizes the University of Pittsburgh's newest freshman class, as nearly half the members of the Pittsburgh campus Class of 2008 graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class.

The students—who hail from 43 states and more than a dozen foreign countries—offer further evidence of the University's high academic standard, widespread appeal, and selectivity.

As of mid-August, nearly 19,000 students had applied to Pitt, an increase of 8.5 percent from last year and 142.6 percent from 1995.

Of those students who applied, 49 percent were admitted. This makes admission to the Pittsburgh campus 30 percentage points more selective than in 1995, when 79 percent of all applicants were accepted. Also as of mid-August, 3,008 admitted students committed to enroll at Pitt this fall; Russia, Belarus, Turkey South Africa, and Malaysia are among the foreign countries represented.

In the Class of 2008:

• 46 percent graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class—

3 percent more than last year and 27 percent more than in 1995.

• The average Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score earned was 1232, up 19 points from last year and 122 points since 1995.

• The average SAT score for Honors College-eligible students rose to 1390, a 4-point increase from last year.

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8/24/04/tmw