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University officials say vigorous recruiting efforts are one reason this
year's freshmen will be the best academically prepared class to ever begin
studies at Carolina.
Those efforts included using faculty to help entice accepted students to
enroll at Carolina, said Barbara Polk, associate director of undergraduate
admissions.
About 20 representatives from departments and schools all over campus joined
in a faculty phone-a-thon, calling students to congratulate them on their
acceptance and answer any questions they or their parents might have.
"They were a tremendous help,'' Polk said.
In addition, about 100 students pitched in, calling more than 1,000 newly
admitted students to answer any questions they might have about academics or
campus life.
Although she could not say what percentage of students decided to enroll at
Carolina thanks to these added efforts, she said the average combined SAT
scores are the highest ever for incoming freshmen.
This year's freshmen are projected to have a combined average SAT score of
1,246, though that figure won't be finalized until September after enrollment
is completed. In contrast, the 1998 freshman class had an average score of
1,230, while the 1997 class posted an average of 1,220.
A high percentage of this new class also took Advanced Placement courses,
which can earn students college credit if they score well enough on the
courses' comprehensive tests. About 95 percent of the incoming class has at
least one AP course, while 80 percent had three or more.
The recruitment effort also was helped by adding more spring visitations for
prospective students. This year, these information sessions were held in the
Morehead Building, which provided a better setting than some of the academic
buildings that have hosted these visits in the past, Polk said.
"It's a much more impressive space. I think that helped make a difference,''
she said.
The University's web page also was beefed up with more information. There,
students could request information on topics ranging from financial aid to
academic programs to athletics.
University officials also made more of an effort this year to include parents
in visitation programs. Parents were allowed to attend visitation luncheons
with their children, which they had not been allowed to do in the past.
Speakers also were brought in to answer parents' questions on campus life,
particularly the type of meal plans, health services and financial aid
available, Polk said.
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