By March 31, 3,100 acceptance letters for spots in Hopkins' Class of 2003 had been mailed to high school seniors all over the country and around the world. Those acceptances are the result of what was perhaps the most highly selective admission process in Hopkins history.

This was made possible by a large increase in the applicant pool, targeted recruitment activities by the offices of Admissions and Financial Aid and by a $21 million gift from Hopkins board of trustees chair Michael Bloomberg, part of a larger pledge, that was earmarked for student aid. Of those students offered admission, about 980 are estimated to enter Hopkins next fall.

"We admitted fewer students this year than in the past primarily because we believe that Mr. Bloomberg's gift will help to increase the proportion of students who accept our offer of admission," said Robert Massa, dean of enrollment.

"Since the average SAT scores of this admitted class are at an all-time high of 1430, competition for these students among our peer groups will be intense," he continued. "Now we will have to wait until the May 1 deadline [for the students' replies] to see the results."

"This is going to be a wonderful class," said Paul White, director of Admissions. "It's not just their SAT scores; these students are well-rounded, highly engaged students. It seems like every year for the past several years, the freshman classes are getting stronger and stronger. It makes you wonder where this is all going. It's exciting."

In the next two weeks, accepted students will have the opportunity to visit campus to find out more about life at Hopkins. Student forums, advising sessions, student activities forums, housing tours and sessions on financial aid will be offered to students and their parents on April 7, 12, 13, 15 and 17.