UCSB announced on Tuesday that a record number of students, 4,781, plan to enroll as freshmen in the fall. The count was 275 more than last year-20 percent larger than the 2008-09 frosh class and 33 percent bigger than the 2007-08 class. Though the number of students who actually enroll will probably be lower, it may still be about 300 to 400 more freshmen than admissions officers originally expected.
Christine Van Gieson, director of admissions, called this year unpredictable for admissions due to the economic situation and a UC system-wide plan to reduce the number of students admitted. However, she attributed the increase at UCSB to the growing popularity of the school, as well its stance as an economical option for in-state students.
In addition to overall growth, the diversity of students who submitted Statements of Intent to Register also increased. As many as 1,463 minority students – including African Americans, American Indians, Chicanos, and Latinos – plan to attend UCSB in the fall, up from 1,396 in the fall. Average grade point averages and SAT scores of committed students also increased – the former up from 3.84 to 3.85 and the latter up from 1782 to 1803.
According to a press release issued by the university, UCSB Chancellor Henry T. Yang said the campus was looking forward “to welcoming an outstanding and diverse entering class in the fall.”