Incoming class breaks GPA, test score record
Campus Times
September 17, 1999
The freshman class of 1999 is touted as having the highest academic
record and test scores in 10 years.
The average grade point for this class is 3.3, an increase from last
year's class GPA of 3.2.
Lisa Meyer, director of admissions, said, "Having a large class
of talented students is a good reminder that ULV [University of La Verne]
offers an education that students are interested in. It's a vote of confidence."
The total number of new students, including transfer students, is 453.
There are 344 traditional undergraduate freshman, and 109 transfer students.
"The [academic] growth is planned and adds new resources for funding
improvements in academic programs, services and facilities," President
Stephen Morgan said.
The female to male ratio is 54 to 46 percent, totaling 244 females and
209 males. This year's class is 35 percent Caucasian, 35 percent Latino,
10 percent African American, 1 percent Native American and 11 percent other,
including international students and students who do not wish to declare
their ethnicity.
"This year's class represents an outstanding group of students.
They are a diverse group with excellent qualifications," Dr. Morgan
said.
The entering transfer students had an average GPA of 2.9, which is an
increase from last year's 2.8.
"The thing to remember is that they [transfer students] are coming
here from colleges and it's a tougher grade to earn," Meyer said.
Forty percent of freshmen had a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score
of 1,000 or above.
Freshman Freddy Ochoa decided to attend ULV because of its small class
size and he felt that here he would not be treated "as a number."
According to Meyer, the admissions office first researched to determine
the students that were interested in ULV, then followed up with mailings
and school visits instead of just mass mailings.
This year's admissions staff, which recruited and admitted students,
is compiled of nine people, seven of whom are new to ULV. Currently, Meyer
is looking to fill one more position.
The financial aid office also played a major role in attracting students
to ULV.
Ed Mervine, director of financial aid, said, "We tried to get award
letters out early and be responsive to student inputs."
Meyer said there is a trend of more students attending college than
ever before. This trend is impacting ULV as well.
"I believe our growth and improved quality will provide numerous
opportunities for ULV's continued development as an outstanding university
in Southern California," Dr. Morgan said.