Members of class of 2002 hail from 27 states, 10 countries | Press Releases

They have arrived, some 877 strong. Selected from a pool of 5,608 applicants, the Class of 2002 brings with it the promise of academic distinction and a strong record of community involvement. With an average SAT score of 1138 (an increase of 10 points over last year and up 31 points in the last two), the class continues Fairfield's upward momentum in attracting bright students. The mid-50 percent SAT range was an impressive 1040 to 1230.

Reflecting national trends, the Class of 2002's gender breakdown is 45 percent male and 55 percent female. Of these, 114 have entered with merit-based scholarships including 14 University Fellows; 18 Presidential Scholars; and 82 Deans' Scholars. Twenty percent of the first-year students graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class and an additional 46 percent in the top 20 percent.

In terms of leadership, the class has much experience. Some 75 students served as class, student council, or honor society presidents and as editors of their high school yearbook or newspaper, Seven attained the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition to these leaders, the Class includes hundreds and hundreds of individuals with solid community service and the sense of balance that various extracurricular activities afford.

Over 14 percent of the Class of 2002 is multicultural and international, a two percent increase over the previous year. Class composition includes 4 percent Asian, 3 percent African- or Caribbean-American, 5 percent Hispanic/Latino; and less than one percent Native American or non-specified.

As to geographic diversity, Fairfield continues to spread a "wider net" in attracting students. The Class of 2002 includes residents of 27 states, DC, and Puerto Rico, as well as 10 foreign countries. The latter include Belize, Canada, Ghana, Greece, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

Of special note, the state of New York (210) edged out Connecticut (196) as the state sending the most students to Fairfield. Close behind were Massachusetts (159) and New Jersey (155), "Newcomer" and/or more distant states include Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Top cross-applicant schools continue to be Boston College, Holy Cross, Villanova, Providence, and Loyola in Baltimore.

The most popular majors for the Class of 2002 are biology (73), psychology (45), communication (38), finance (32), marketing (32), nursing (29), and accounting (29). As is typically the case, however, 45 percent of the class has not yet declared a major. These students will rely on a combination of advising and interests developed in the core curriculum before fine-tuning their intentions.