Cherry blossoms, sunny skies, and happy admitted students—what could make a more delightful spring for an admissions professional at GW? In the last AAP Connections newsletter, I shared with you how much more selective we have grown in terms of the strength of the freshman class. Now, after having recently completed our evaluation season, I am pleased to report that the Class of 2012 will continue this legacy by being one of the most talented and academically prepared classes in the University’s history. We will enroll students who have done some amazing things in their lifetime—for example, students who speak three languages, who have visited all seven continents, who have conducted cutting edge scientific research, who have held part-time jobs throughout their high school career, and who are three-sport athletes. We are very excited about our new freshmen, as we anticipate an academically strong and diverse class.

You may be wondering how we select our freshman class, and may be surprised how much care is taken when we review applications. Even with over 19,000 applications, we pride ourselves on being able to give each application a "full read." By this we mean that each application is reviewed in its entirety, including every high school transcript, standardized test score, essay, recommendation, activity list, and interview evaluation. Once the first detailed review is completed, applicants are presented to the Admissions Committee, and it is not until this second review is complete that a final decision is made. Ultimately, the Admissions Committee takes into consideration every aspect of an applicant’s file in order to determine if that particular student is a good match—both academically and socially—for the University. Crafting the freshman class is not only about the numbers. It’s about selecting those students who will be able to make the most of what this institution, this city, and this campus community have to offer.

Offers of admission for regular decision applicants were mailed on March 26 to just over 6,000 students. Decisions were also posted online the same day giving students immediate access. From these admitted students and those from early decision, we will enroll a freshman class of 2350. In our next newsletter we will provide you a summary of the new class that has until May 1 to make their final college selection. We are proud and excited to welcome these students to campus this fall.

I hope that you and yours are having a delightful spring and are making plans for a relaxing summer.

Kathryn Napper

Executive Dean of Undergraduate Admissions

(BA’77, MPA’80, Ed.D. ’88)