The College had an acceptance rate of just under 40 percent for the Class of 2005 _ one of the most selective years in the history of the College — with a second largest applicant pool of 3,900 students, according to Dan Lundquist, vices president for admissions and financial aid.
The class also represents the most dispersed population of students with less than 40 percent from New York. The academic quality of the accepted students was equally impressive: 1,300 average SAT score and an “A” high school average.
“By all measures, we are having a banner year,” Lundquist said. “This is an exciting time in higher education, particularly at Union with the recent announcement of the `Plan for Union' (a $220 million plan to enhance the College). The tremendous interest in Union, particularly by thousands of such highly-qualified students, affirms that we are wise to invest in the core strengths of the institution.”
The admitted class of 2005 has a gender breakdown of 53 percent male, 47 percent female. Thirty-three percent have an interest in the natural sciences, 21 percent undecided, 19 percent in engineering disciplines, 18 percent in the social sciences and 8 percent in the humanities.
Applications to Union have risen significantly _ about 40 percent _ over the last decade, according to Lundquist. “We have seen a continuous increase in both the quality and quantity of applications since 1990,” he said. “The rise is rewarding since it indicates that Union is a preferred institution for a growing number of students. “
The College will be hosting admitted students and their families on “Acceptance Days” _ April 9 and April 16, the next two Mondays. As in the past, faculty and staff are urged to park on the periphery, leaving on-campus lots available for visitors.
Admissions will kick off recruiting for the Class of 2006 with an on-campus day on Saturday, April 28.