Becoming a Part of the Auburn Family

Although, as the spring semester is drawing to a close and many are anticipating graduating, there are a number of students on the opposite side of that scenario. Auburn University nearly finished admitting their next freshman class for 2009.

The final round of letters will be going out soon and high school are eagerly anticipating their admissions status. Some seniors found out as early as last October, others, who applied later, are still awaiting decisions.

Within the last few years Auburn University has changed the way their admissions process works under the supervision of the Dean of Enrollment Services, Dr. Wayne Alderman. Auburn's plans are to keep enrollment at 25,000 students total, undergraduate and graduate. Thus, Auburn strives to enroll a freshman class of between 3,700-4,000 new students each year.

You may be asking why Auburn did this. Isn't it good for university's to grow? Auburn's standpoint is a little bit different. Auburn has tradition of being named an Auburn Family. It isn't about quantity at Auburn, it's about quality. Although Auburn may be an SEC school, it does not posses the same massive feeling as other SEC schools like University of Florida (who is over 50,000). Auburn is unique for it's small school feel, while still being a part of something larger.

Not only this, but this has done great things for Auburn's status. Auburn is becoming more recognized for its appeal and tough academic standards. In the fall of 2008 the averages for the freshman class at Auburn included a 3.69 GPA, and 25.9 ACT and an 1175 SAT (excluding the written portion). The middle 50 percent of admitted freshman have a 23-28 ACT score. The steady increase in these number over the previous years proves excellence on Auburn's part.

Auburn performance has granted then one of the spots in the top 50 state institutions by US News and World Report and "Best Value" by the Princeton Review.

Auburn University graduate student in the Office of Admisisons, Lauren Beno, said that she thinks these changes have been great for Auburn's accreditation and recognition.

"Our new admissions process has allowed Auburn to, inevitably, raise their academic standards," said Beno, "Our class averages have increased steadily in recent years and we are hoping to increase them once again for the fall of 2009's class."

Another graduate student in the Office of Admisisons, Amanda Cummings, comments that Auburn has begun to aim more at increasing students performance rather than increase the number of students.

"At this time, we are working to shape our freshman class rather than grow our freshman class," said Cummings, "We are looking for intellectual students as well as committed and involved students."

Both of these young ladies graduated from Auburn's undergraduate program and are now pursuing their graduate degrees while working for the university.

Auburn University's reputation and prominence has increased drastically and they are still working hard to maintain and raise these standards every year. As admissions for the fall class of 2009 wraps up, Auburn is anticipating a group of bright and enthusiastic young students.

Congratulations to the new students at Auburn University and welcome to the Auburn family.




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