A record number of 173 National Merit Scholar freshmen have enrolled at ASU this fall, adding to the largest freshmen population of the University.
ASU Main enrolled 7,126 first-time freshmen this fall, an increase of nearly 800 more than last year's 6,348 and almost twice the number of 4,102 enrolled in 1994, according to the Office of Institutional Analysis. The tally is unofficial until the ASU Scholarship Office verifies the number in early October.
Mark Jacobs, Dean of the Barrett Honors College, said the level of class discussion is higher because of the scholars.
"These are terrifically talented students from all over the country who are intellectually active and interested," he said. "Everything we want to do to build a stronger learning community is furthered immensely by attracting great students such as these."
For the past four years ASU has ranked among the top 20 universities in the country for the number of freshman National Merit Scholars. Last year the University enrolled 105 scholars, placing it 6th in public schools.
High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT or National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test. The top 50,000 students qualify for recognition from the program, and the program chooses 8,000 of those to compete for a Merit Scholarship award of $2,500.
The University enrolled only six freshmen National Merit winners in fall 1991. ASU began heavy recruiting four years ago, and increased the annual stipend from $3,500 to $5,500 this year.
"The growing reputation of ASU helps us tremendously in recruiting the best students," said Tim Desch, director of undergraduate admissions. "We've also been able to enroll more freshmen because we've built up great relationships with Arizona high school counselors over the last few years. Students who enroll here as freshmen get a fuller university experience."
Ben Horowitz, journalism and political science freshman, said his National Merit Scholarship was the only reason he was able to attend ASU.
"My parents both went back to school recently, and my family was in a tight spot," he said. "If it weren't for the scholarship, I would still be in Florida."
Horowitz added the ASU recruitment process was more personalized than other schools that just sent him pamphlets. He said he was set up with someone from the journalism program and given the opportunity to speak with the dean.
"No one else went out of their way like that," Horowitz said.
Executive Vice President and Provost Milton Glick said the dean of the Barrett Honors College goes on the road for personal visits with families. The visits are then followed up with regular contact by phone, mail and e-mail.
Glick compared the recruiting of National Merit Scholars to recruiting top athletes.
"We offer a quality program with personal, caring support, and highlight the value of attending ASU," he said.
Economics freshman and National Merit Scholar Elizabeth Thornton said she came to ASU because she was struck by the flexibility of the Barrett Honors College.
"They are willing to go out on a limb and bend the rules if you need it," she said. Thornton referred to being able to take independent study classes and avoiding other classes.
Glick said, "The National Merit Scholarship students are highly motivated, and evidence shows that when students are part of a community they are more likely to succeed."
Reach the reporter at lindsay.butler@asu.edu.