UMass incoming class has higher test scores and grade point averages than class of 2016.
AMHERST – The University of Massachusetts class of 2017 is smarter than last year’s class, which was smarter than the class before that when it comes to test scores and grade point average.
Also this year’s class -- of about 4,600 - is slightly larger than last year’s class but smaller than the record-breaking 4,700 who entered in 2011. First-year students begin arriving next weekend.
According to a statement issued by the university, the average Scholastic Aptitude Test scores increased by about 11 points to 1208, and high school grade-point averages increased from 3.66 to 3.73. Again, students typically ranked in the top fifth of their high school class.
“As the flagship campus of the commonwealth’s public higher education system, UMass-Amherst attracts outstanding students from across the state as well as the nation and the world.
“The class of 2017, with its impressive academic credentials, joins our student body of bright and unconventional thinkers and will undoubtedly enrich our campus community immeasurably,” Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said.
This year, there is a 2 percent in increase in racial diversity. The percentage of African-American, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American students is increasing from 21.4 percent to approximately 23.5 percent.
Men represent 51 percent of the class and women 49 percent.
The number of students entering the Commonwealth Honors College has increased from 608 in 2012 to 630 in 2013. SAT scores rose to 1357 and high school grade point average increased to 4.21. This will be the first class moving into the new $186.5 million Commonwealth College dormitory classroom building, which is providing 1,500 new beds.
The number of international undergraduate students entering UMass has spiked with an increase of 79 students to 173.
This was also a record year for the number of admissions with 36,000 applying for admission, a 5 percent increase over last year with an increase of 10 percent in out-of-state applications, including international students, according to the release.
Applications have more than doubled since fall 2004. Out-of-state students represent 47 percent of the applicant pool. Only 63 percent of students who applied were admitted, similar last year, according to the release.
The number of out-of-state students remains about the same as last year or about 27 percent of the entering class. Overall undergraduate enrollment is estimated at 20,640, up slightly from last year’s 20,604, according to the release.