New 'U' students fit distinct profile

Comparison shows 'U' first-year students unique among peers

By Ken Mazur
For the Daily

As the most recent class of the "leaders and the best" fall into the rhythm of their first semester at the University, a comparison with their peers around the country reveals the University's first-year students are unique among the national class of 2001.

According to statistics from the University's Admissions Office, academic records of students in Ann Arbor continue to rank among the strongest of the nation.

PAUL TALANIAN/Daily First-year students and roommates Cory Neville from Ortonville, Mich. and Jill Anderson from Aspen, Colo., say the University meets their expectations.

"I think the reputation of the University attracts the best kids," said Marilyn McKinney, admissions office associate director. "We're one of the best public universities and give one of the best educations."

The 50th percentile ACT score for incoming students was between 25 and 30. This compares favorably with the national average score of 21. Sixty-four percent of the University's incoming class also ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.

The University also meets or beats the national average in other areas. Across the nation, minorities comprised 23.2 percent of first-year students while making up 30 percent at the University. Asian-American students make up the majority of that figure, with 11 percent.

First-year LSA student Jannette Godbey said she was struck by the diversity of the campus when she visited prior to making her final enrollment decision.

"Walking around and hearing all kinds of different languages was really cool," Godbey said. "It seemed like no matter what your background, you could find a niche to fit into."

"I have many friends of other races and ethnicitys," said Amy Paull, an LSA first-year student from Rochester, Mich. "I think the University's diversity policy is a good thing."

Many students said the University's national academic reputation swayed their decision to join the maize and blue.

"It was up to my standards of education that I wanted," said LSA first-year student Cory Neville, one of 100 members of the incoming class who were interviewed by The Michigan Daily as part of an unscientific survey of first-year students' attitudes. "I knew that if I went here, I would probably get a job after graduation."

Other first-year students cited location and the campus ambiance as reasons for attending the University.

"Great reputation, good academics, a lot of school spirit and a fun atmosphere," said Neville's roommate and fellow first-year student Jill Anderson, who hails from Aspen, Colo.

But the higher scores and diversity on campus come with a higher price tag as well. The University ranked well above the national tuition average for four-year public universities, charging nearly double the average of $2,848. The University stays even with the national average of students receiving financial aid, with both figures checking in at 36 percent.

Students said money is always a primary concern when choosing a school.

"The possibility of getting residency status definitely influenced my choice," Godbey said. "It really helped out financially."

Despite the high cost when compared to other public institutions, many students said the University has more than given them their money's worth.

The University's first-year class has demonstrated diversity in more than cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Their beliefs and opinions vary on a wide range of issues. More than half of the new students surveyed said they were uninterested in most forms of politics, and did not classify themselves as strong supporters of either major political party.

Political demonstrations are not uncommon at the University, but the practice may be new to first-year students.

University students went along with their peers nationally on this issue: only 41 percent of first-year students nationwide have participated in a demonstration.

"I haven't been in any demonstrations, yet," Paull said. Paull said she could not come up with a cause that would prompt her to protest.

Despite their lack of activism on earthly matters, faith in a higher power played some sort of role in most University students' lives, echoing the near 82 percent of first-year students nationally who reported they have attended a religious service in the past year. Students at the University vary in their religious convictions and practices. "I'm spiritual, but not religious," Godbey said.

Incoming University students said they enjoyed their vices more than their peers around the nation. While only 14.5 percent of national first-year students had a cigarette in the past year, 38 percent of those surveyed on the University campus said they smoked. And 71 percent of University students surveyed said they at least occasionally drank alcohol, compared with only 54.9 percent nationally.

10-03-97