Rutgers Welcomes 84 Presidential Scholars

 Sept. 2, 2008

EDITOR'S NOTE: To receive a list of the 2008 Presidential Scholars, contact Debbie Walter at 732-932-7084, ext. 614, or dwalter@ur.rutgers.edu.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Rutgers is enrolling 84 Presidential Scholars this fall – an increase of 42 percent in the number of top-achieving students choosing to attend the state university.

Rutgers Presidential Scholars are first-year students who graduated in the top 5 percent of their high school class with combined SAT verbal and math scores of 1500 or higher. Last year, 59 students who were offered Presidential Scholarships chose to enroll.

Students selected for this elite scholarship also must complete an essay in which they demonstrate their potential contribution to Rutgers’ vibrant and diverse community through a record of specialized talents, leadership, community service and work experience.

This year’s Presidential Scholars are from 57 New Jersey towns, with two students selected from out of state. The program awards full tuition scholarships and honors program admission to recipients.

“This year’s applicant pool exceeded expectations, with more top students naming Rutgers as their first choice,” said Courtney McAnuff, vice president for enrollment management at Rutgers. “It is clear that an increasing number of New Jersey high school students are choosing to stay in-state for their college education, and Rutgers is the beneficiary of these quality students.” 

McAnuff’s comment is supported by a College Board Report, released this week, stating that more than half of the class of 2008 high school graduates are expected to stay in-state, with Rutgers drawing the most applications among public institutions.

This fall, more than 7,000 first-year students are expected to enroll universitywide – the most Rutgers has welcomed in 30 years.  First-year enrollment increased more than five percent from last year and transfer student enrollment rose more than 13 percent.