Better Test Scores, Rankings Mark Class of ’11

Academic credentials show continued improvement; total number of applications more than double those of 1995

The number of freshman applicants to the University’s Pittsburgh campus continues to climb, and the academic credentials of incoming freshmen remain on an upward trajectory, the University announced today.

Freshman applications for the Class of 2011 reached a total of 19,056—861 more than the 18,195 applications received for the freshman class that entered in fall 2006, and nearly 2.5 times the size of the applicant pool in 1995, when 7,825 students applied.

The percentage of students in the fall 2007 entering class graduating in the top 10 percent of their high school classes increased significantly, to 48 percent this fall from 43 percent in 2006, while the number in the top 20 percent increased to 74 percent from 72 percent in 2006.

The mid-50 percent Scholastic Aptitude Test range for incoming freshmen this fall increased by 20 points, to 1170-1330 from 1150-1310 in fall 2006, this increase coming at a time when SAT scores nationally have declined slightly. (The range is based on mathematical and critical reading scores only; a third component, writing, was added to the SAT test in 2005.) This range indicates that 25 percent of the incoming class had scores higher than 1330, and 25 percent had scores lower than 1170.

The SAT range represents a substantial increase from 1995, when the weighted range was 1010-1200. (The College Board recentered its test scores in 1995, and this range reflects the recentered scores, making it comparable to subsequent years.)

This year’s freshman class numbers 3,419, virtually the same size as last year’s entering class of 3,420, and yet with academic credentials far superior to the 1995 entering class.

“These numbers again reflect the increased recognition by high school seniors that the University of Pittsburgh offers a uniquely rich environment in which to pursue academic excellence,” said James V. Maher, provost and senior vice chancellor at Pitt. “And our commitment to providing an excellent education is evidenced by the superior caliber of students seeking degrees at the University.”