Elon welcomes class of 2006

The most talented and qualified freshman class in the 113-year history of Elon University will start the new academic year with a new student convocation at 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, Under the Oaks in front of West Dormitory. New students and their families will arrive on campus Friday, Aug. 23 for orientation sessions.

Fifty-six percent of this year’s projected 1,200 freshmen graduated in the top quarter of their high school classes. The average SAT score of entering Elon freshmen has increased every year since 1993. This year’s average score is 1145, 20 points higher than last year.

Students entering as Fellows, which recognize excellence in honors, science, business, leadership, journalism/communications and teaching, make up 14 percent of the freshman class. They have an average SAT of 1248 and an average high school grade point average of 4.02. Presidential Scholars make up 31 percent of the class, with an average SAT score of 1248 and an average high school GPA of 3.95.

Members of the freshman class come from 32 states. Twenty-nine percent of the class comes from North Carolina, while 12 percent is from Maryland. Another 12 percent is from Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia, 10 percent is from New England states, and 9 percent each is from Virginia and New York/New Jersey. There are 32 new international students who will begin orientation Wednesday, Aug. 21.

This year’s total projected enrollment of 4,425, including graduate students, is about 100 more than last year.

Top intended majors of incoming students are journalism/communications, business/accounting/economics, education, biology, exercise sport science, psychology and political science.