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Purdue expects to enroll smarter freshmen in the fall, but less diverse

Purdue enrollment experts are predicting a smarter group of incoming freshman for the fall.

Based on projections and compared to current first-year students, Dean of Admissions Pam Horne says this fall’s group will have a higher grade point average and tested better on the SAT or ACT exam.

“The combination of our alumni, of our partners across campus – it’s not just the Admissions Office - who reaches out to these students, lets them know what Purdue has for them in terms of not only our academic programs but our co-curricular offerings that really makes the difference.”

Horne, who also serves as associate vice provost for enrollment management, says Indiana’s best and brightest high school graduates are choosing Purdue over other in-state schools.

According to data from the university, the incoming class this fall is projected to have 334 students who have an A-average and scored 2100 or better on the SAT.

“One of the most exciting things about this class is their level of academic preparation,” she says, “which we know is going to lead to their student success.”

Horne says Purdue is on track to enroll 6,272 freshmen, which is a little more than expected. Roughly 55% will be from in-state, which is about even with this year.

Projections show slightly fewer women and international students will enroll as incoming freshman this fall compared to last. For under-represented minorities, the expectation is steady enrollment numbers.

Horne says Purdue is doing what it can to boost diversity, especially among African-Americans.

“That is a challenge for us, in terms of the pipeline. That group is not growing in the state of Indiana and there are still some issues in K-12 preparation.”

She thinks leveraging scholarship dollars also will help and continuing the “tremendous outreach” effort underway.

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