A freshman who owns a coin-appraisal business, the first youth delegate to the United Nations and a nationally ranked table tennis player are among the approximately 2,500 freshmen who joined the George Washington University’s class of 2014 in the fall.
GW and the incoming class broke several records for the 2010-11 academic year. The university received the highest number of applications—21,177—in its history and a 7 percent increase from the previous year. The university’s acceptance rate was its lowest ever at 31.5 percent. The class of 2014 has an all-time record high SAT average.
“You, the class of 2014, are the most academically qualified we have ever recruited,” said GW President Steven Knapp addressing incoming students at the university’s annual Freshman Convocation.
“You arrive at – and you powerfully symbolize – a time when this university is moving boldly to achieve and solidify the world-class stature that befits the largest university in this great international city,” said Dr. Knapp.
Freshman Kirk Wilson said his first semester at GW has exceeded expectations. “The university has so much to offer and the students here are among the brightest in the nation,” he said. “Through my involvement in student government as a Student Association freshmen senator, I have been able to truly see what GW stands for and how much potential there is for the future.”
Student Elena Gillis, also a Student Association freshmen senator, calls life on the GW campus “electric.”
“There is always something going on, whether on campus or in D.C.,” says Ms. Gillis. “The students at GW are self motivated and independent, which I appreciate because it brings a diverse student body to the campus.”
The class of 2014 showed their involvement early on by joining GW community members for the university’s second annual Freshman Day of Service Sept. 11. More than 1,900 GW students served around the city and region in all eight District wards, Maryland and Virginia, including projects with the Anacostia Watershed Society, Rock Creek Park and Capital Area Foodbank.
“In record numbers we have seen the class of 2014 participate in Greek life, student organizations, residence hall activity, service and cultural celebrations,” says Dean of Freshmen Helen Cannaday Saulny. “I am impressed by their level of involvement, intellectual engagement with faculty and heartfelt stories which have connected them to GW, D.C. and each other.”