Class of 2011 arrives at Fairfield University on Sunday | Press Releases

Fairfield University will welcome 821 freshmen on Sunday to one of the University's most diverse and accomplished classes with most ranked in the top 17 percent of their classes and nearly 75 percent having participated in service-related activities. "One of the most encouraging things about the admission process this year is that, once again, more than 16 percent of the entering class will be AHANA students," said Karen Pellegrino, director of undergraduate admission. "In just two years, the total number of AHANA students enrolled at Fairfield has increased by more than 100 students. In addition, we have identified a number of enrolling students who bring significant leadership and talent to our community, as well as a diverse range of cultural backgrounds."

Fairfield received 8,557 admission applications, up 6 percent from 2006-07, and more than 70 percent of applicants applied electronically, compared to 50 percent last year and less than five percent only four years ago. The University admitted 54.8 percent, or 4,686.

The middle 50 percent of admitted students scored between 1,130 (1740) and 1,310 (1950) on their SATs and the class includes 100 merit scholars and 10 Community Partner Scholars. Another 14 were National Merit Commended Students or National Merit Semi-Finalists

Several members in the incoming class have had leadership roles with 90 former class or student government presidents and vice presidents, 27 yearbook editors, 34 school newspaper editors, and 15 students who were Eagle Scouts or earned the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Twenty-eight states and Puerto Rico (with nine students) are represented in the class. The top states in order of the number of students are New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Fairfield remains a popular choice among those steeped in the Jesuit tradition. This year, 42 graduates from Jesuit high schools enrolled, with nine from Fordham Prep. And 135 students have alumni ties to Fairfield, including 66 who are children or grandchildren of alumni. Among AHANA students in the class, 71 identify themselves as Hispanic/ Latino, joining 23 African American and 35 Asian students.

While many students are waiting to declare a major, popular choices in the College of Arts & Sciences are biology, psychology, English, and communication, while favorites in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business are finance, marketing, and management.