The 2007 entering freshman class at Cornell will be a more selective group than ever, chosen from a record number of applications -- 30,383, up almost 20 percent from just two years ago. Cornell also received more applications from potential transfer students, up 30 percent from two years ago.

"As in previous years, Cornell continues to enroll a class that is exceptional in every regard," said Doris Davis, Cornell's associate provost for admissions and enrollment.

The class is diverse -- 31 percent identify themselves as "students of color," 87 percent were in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating classes (up from 85 percent last year), and 10 percent are foreign citizens.

The numbers indicate Cornell's ongoing commitment to recruit the best and the brightest, said Davis, and to foster a diverse student population that helps ensure a well-rounded educational experience for all students.

Other highlights regarding first-time freshmen in the Class of 2011 (all numbers are as of July):

• Of 6,503 first-year students accepted, 3,055 (47 percent) indicated that they plan to attend; of 768 transfer students accepted, 571 plan to attend;
• 52 percent male, 48 percent female;
• 15 percent Asian-Americans;
• 6 percent African-Americans;
• 5 percent Hispanic-Americans;
• less than 1 percent Native Americans;
• 14 percent are "legacies" (children of alumni);
• 36 percent admitted through early decision;
• 7 percent are recruited athletes;
• 45 percent awarded financial aid.

For more information on the profile of the Class of 2011, see http://dpb.cornell.edu/F_Undergraduate_Admissions.htm.