Wooster Class of 2026 continues to broaden perspectives in campus community
Arriving on campus in August 2022, the Class of 2026 at The College of Wooster adds to the richness and diversity of the community as these students begin their journeys as Scots. The 578-student-strong, first-year class brought renewed energy and represents a wide array of places, backgrounds, and accomplishments.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Wooster’s newest students,” said Jennifer Winge, vice president for enrollment. “Their varied interests, perspectives, and talents will enrich our campus community and broaden classroom conversations.”
Members of the class received admission among a record 7,252 applicants and hail from 43 states and 41 countries. Students from Ohio make up 32 percent of the class, and 20 percent are first-generation college students. Of the new students who moved into the Wooster community, 15 percent are international students and 26 percent are U.S. students of color, contributing to Wooster’s diverse multicultural community. Countries represented include those as far away as Trinidad & Tobago, Montenegro, and Uzbekistan, with India, China, and South Korea being the most highly represented. Also included in the class are 16 transfer students from other institutions.
Winge noted that when asked “Why Wooster?” on their applications, “Wooster’s distinct research experience and commitment to diversity were common threads among students’ answers. It’s evident that this class demonstrates intellectual curiosity and values intercultural experiences.” She quoted one student saying, “The most important quality in a college for me is having research opportunities, and Wooster’s support for undergraduate research is incredible. A lot of colleges will claim to be diverse, but the socioeconomic and ideological diversity that I learned about at Wooster stood out to me.”
The academic talent of the College’s Class of 2026 echoes its diversity with an average GPA of 3.7. Of those reporting class rank, 46 percent of the class represent the top 10 percent of their high school’s graduating class, and 71 percent were in the top 25 percent. While undecided remains a the most common major, students expressed interest in academic areas from psychology and pre-medicine to business economics and political science.
Posted in News on September 8, 2022.
