Another record-breaking freshman class at UVa-Wise

For the third consecutive year, the incoming freshman class at The University
of Virginia’s College at Wise is the largest in the College’s history. Classes begin Wednesday.

Freshman enrollment is up 6.1 percent from last year’s total of 360 and up 37 percent since the fall of 2000. UVa-Wise received a record 1,024 freshman applications for enrollment.

The 382-member freshman class currently registered also boasts the highest
average SAT scores and grade point averages in the College’s history.
Twenty-four percent of the students rank in the top 10 percent of their high
school class, 53 percent in the top quarter, and 84 percent in the top half.
The Class of 2008 has an average high school GPA of 3.45. The incoming class includes 18 valedictorians.

“I am extraordinarily proud of both the quality and quantity of this year’s
freshman class,” said Russell Necessary, the College’s vice chancellor for enrollment management. “Once again we are positioned as the college of choice for students from far Southwest Virginia.” Fifty-five percent of freshman hail from Southwest Virginia.

The College continues to attract more students from outside the immediate area, especially in Washington, Smyth, Wythe, and Grayson counties.

“Students in the Southwest Virginia region and beyond are attracted by the
total program we offer - our quality academic programs, our dynamic student life
experience, and our beautiful campus,” Necessary said.

Ninety-three percent of the freshman class are Virginia residents. Seven percent of the freshman class comes to UVa-Wise from seven other states and three foreign countries.

UVa-Wise ranks eighth among the nation’s top public liberal arts colleges in
the list compiled by U.S. News and World Report and first among liberal arts colleges whose students complete their degrees with the least amount of debt.

UVa-Wise welcomed new and returning students with the annual Fall
Convocation picnic held on the Lawn by the Lake.

For more photos click here