University of Minnesota sees continued improvement in freshman class

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities saw the highest-ever ACT scores, high school class rank and number of National Merit Scholars in this year’s freshman class, according to the university’s report today to the U of M Board of Regents.

"We are proud of the Class of 2015, the best first-year class ever to enter the University of Minnesota," said university President Eric Kaler. "Even as we work to attract academically exceptional students, we must also strive to keep the U accessible to all qualified Minnesota students. And our commitment to access must promote diversity among our student body."

The average ACT composite score of the freshman class rose to 27.5, up from 27.2 last year and 25.2 in 2006. High school rank average went up to 85.5 percent, from 85.2 percent last year and 83.2 percent in 2006. There are 166 National Merit Scholars among the freshmen, more than any other public Big Ten university. There were 101 scholars last year and 75 in 2006.

In fall 2011, the Twin Cities campus received 39,721 applications for 5,386 spots in the freshman class. Total Twin Cities undergraduate enrollment is 30,610, graduate enrollment is 13,562 and professional school enrollment is 3,625. Systemwide enrollment has reached 69,221, up 1.9 percent from last year’s 67,932 students.

Of special note is the university’s Honors Program, now in its fourth year. The 2,500 students in the Honors Program have credentials matching and exceeding those of students at such prestigious schools as MIT and Stanford. “This new signature program is doing just what we wanted it to do,” said university Senior Vice President and Provost Tom Sullivan. “It is helping the university keep the very best and brightest students in the state of Minnesota by providing them with a uniquely powerful and challenging educational experience.”

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• Last modified on October 13, 2011