UK sees rise in freshmen ACT scores

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By Michael Kraus

Gradual improvements within UK’s freshmen classes are going anywhere but down.

Within the past few years, UK has seen a steady increase in incoming freshmen classes’ ACT scores. With this being a goal within the university and the admissions office, the future is looking bright.

“This is reflected in UK’s mission to become a top 20 public research institution by the year 2020,” said Don Witt, assistant provost for enrollment management.

During the 2006-07 school year, the average ACT score for incoming freshmen was 23.9. The next year’s average scored at 24.3, and last year’s score averaged at 24.4. This year’s freshmen class has continued the example of a gradual increase in higher admissions standards with its average composite score of 24.7.

According to the ACT’s Web site, ACT.org, the average composite score of the class of 2009 in Kentucky was 19.4.

Economics freshman Sean Bell, who achieved a 31 on the ACT, can only see good coming out of the higher scores.

“I think the university is working harder and harder to improve its admission standards each year,” Bell said. “I think they’re doing a wonderful job getting the brightest students to attend UK.”

With admissions standards being determined by the University Senate, competition to get into the university is slowly but steadily rising on an annual basis.

“Incoming classes are being held to standards that are reflective of our mission and goals,” Witt said. “With each recruitment cycle we are working to matriculate more top students, which increases competition.”

With 11 years and counting until the Top 20 Plan deadline, UK continues to increase their admissions standards by reviewing incoming ACT scores on not only a  state-wide level but also on a national level.

“The University of Kentucky is working to enroll the most competitive student body possible that will contribute to Kentucky, the nation and beyond,” Witt said.

With UK’s steady increase in scores, the competition in upcoming years will be more difficult to get scholarships, even admission to the university.

“The goal is to then evaluate recruitment strategies each year to attract the best and the brightest to the University of Kentucky,” Witt said.