Freshmen are giving Auburn a new reputation.
According to the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, the average ACT score for this fall's incoming freshmen is 27.2, and the average GPA is 3.81. Both categories are 0.3 points higher than in 2010, and the average ACT score is the highest of any previous Auburn class.
Additionally, in a survey conducted by OIRA the number of Auburn students that meet the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks ranks 46 percentage points higher than the rest of Alabama and 40 points higher than the rest of the United States.
Dean of Enrollment Services Wayne Alderman explained how incoming freshmen continue to surpass the requirements for ACT scores.
"Auburn continues to attract outstanding students as a result of the excellent reputation of Auburn's faculty and programs coupled with the unique spirit of the Auburn family," Alderman said. "The University's strategic plan includes a focus on attracting outstanding students, and we believe Auburn will continue to enroll the best and brightest students."
With an increasing standard for academic excellence, scholarships may also be affected.
"As the number of students who qualify for scholarships based on academic achievement continues to increase, we could see a decrease in the number and award amount of available scholarships," said Velda Rooker, director of University scholarships.
"How much it might decrease would depend on our ability to preserve the greatest amount of funding for the largest number of students for the longest period of time. However, the intent is for our scholarships to remain competitive among high-achieving students."
According to the New Student Factbook produced by OIRA, while the average GPA of this fall's admitted freshmen is 3.81, the average for students who applied to Auburn was 3.72.
Setting the bar high has been a goal over the last 30 years, as the percentage of students accepted after applying has dropped from 80.35 percent in 1980 to 70 in 2010, according to OIRA data.
President Jay Gogue acknowledged the trend of Auburn students surpassing the prior averages.
"The academic strength of this year's freshman class once again shattered University records," Gogue said.
"Average ACT scores and grade point averages have risen the past several years, and they stand now at an all-time high, surpassing the University's goal for 2013. We believe it's one indication of Auburn's growing reputation as a destination for talented young people."
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