3/28/00

James Robinson, News Service (650) 723-5675; e-mail: jamesrob@stanford.edu

Stanford offers admission to 2,391 for Class of 2004

Stanford has completed its review of applicants for the Class of 2004 and sent offers of admission to 2,391 students.

Letters were sent March 24 to 1,921 potential freshmen who have until May 1 to decide whether to accept the offer. Letters confirming admission were sent to another 470 students who previously were offered admission under the university's Early Decision Program.

Distinguished academic achievement is the primary criterion for admission to Stanford, said Robert Kinnally, dean of admission and financial aid. Ninety percent of those offered admission for whom class rankings were reported were ranked within the top 10 percent of their high school classes, and more than half of the admitted students have straight "A" records. The group exhibited significant commitment and leadership in extracurricular activities as well, Kinnally said.

The university received 18,338 applications. "The increase in applications made our job much more difficult this year because the quality was exceptionally high," Kinnally said.

"With a 13 percent admit rate, this was another highly selective year in the history of Stanford admission," said Kinnally. "The class we have admitted is among the most academically talented on record, and they have distinguished themselves in many ways. As a group, these students demonstrate remarkable intellectual energy and a profound love of learning. They are highly motivated and have already made important contributions to their schools and communities. They will add much to life at Stanford."

Offers of admission went to students in all 50 states and in 44 countries. California has the highest representation in the admitted class (36 percent), followed by Texas (6 percent), New York (5 percent), Illinois (4 percent), Washington (3 percent) and New Jersey (3 percent). Applications came from students representing 5,170 secondary schools, of which 1,352 are represented in the admitted class.

The ethnic and cultural diversity of the admitted class continues to be strong, Kinnally said. About half (46 percent) of those offered admission are Caucasian. Of the other major ethnic groups, 10 percent are African American, 26 percent are Asian American, 9 percent are Mexican American/Chicano and 2 percent are Native American. Six percent of the potential freshmen are international students. Of students offered admission, 48 percent are men and 52 percent are women. All percentages are consistent with recent years.

Admitted freshmen have been invited to visit the campus and meet with faculty members and students during Admit Weekend, April 13-15. The program will highlight the academic opportunities the university offers its undergraduate students.

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