Being valedictorian of one’s high school class or having high SAT scores did not guarantee an acceptance letter from Colorado College this year. While impressive statistics factor into admissions, they are weighed against an intellectual vigor that no test can measure, no single essay reveal.

Under the bright August sun, new Tigers gathered in front of Palmer Hall before the first-year class photo.Photo by Alex Schmoe ’07.

Selected from a competitive pool of more than 4,000 applicants, with the lowest acceptance rate in 30 years (38 percent), the class of 2009 exhibits insatiable curiosity as well as exceptional preparedness for their college adventures.

Matt Sullivan ’09 describes fellow classmates as “extremely smart, very diverse; they have all kinds of interests and backgrounds.” For the third year in a row, 20 percent of the freshmen are students of color.

After the first block, theater Professor Thomas Lindblade said students asked for a challenge, so instead of reading excerpts, students read entire books; rather than reading just the play, they also studied historical material and criticism of it. “This class had the highest percentage of light-bulb moments in a very long time,” Lindblade says of his highly motivated students.

Mike Edmonds, vice president for student life, concurs. “Students entering CC are more prepared, more serious about the transition to academic work and college life. They have the mindset to get involved in their new environment and are thinking beyond their first year.”

While CC’s academics and setting have always attracted students, Jeff Cathey, associate dean for students, believes that “More and more students come here for the academic experience first and the outdoor Colorado experience second. It used to be more the other way around.”

As vice president of enrollment management, Mark Hatch attributes such increased readiness to a widespread effort to attract high-caliber students. “We pride ourselves in employing a holistic view of all applicants beyond objective criteria — grades, high school rank, and scores,” Hatch explains. “We pay particular attention to elusive qualities — curiosity, passion for learning, and freshness of mind” as qualities that define motivated students.

Indeed, while enrolling top students from throughout the country, CC recently ranked 13 th on a list of “Best Values” by U.S. News and World Report, which utilizes a formula recognizing high quality as well as a strong commitment to financial aid.

Nearly one-fifth of this year’s incoming class has alumni connections, notes Hatch. “Acceptance rates for students with significant ties to the college continue to be higher than the overall pool, yet such ties have never guaranteed admission.”

The enthusiasm of these students is palpable as they enter CC with high expectations. President Celeste recognizes in this class “a readiness for a unique intellectual adventure. CC isn’t a safety school; more students are coming to us as a first choice.”

Amanda Lenz ’09

Parma, Ohio

After hearing about Colorado College from her guidance counselor, Amanda Lenz logged onto CC’s Web site and became excited by the college’s Block Plan, Rocky Mountain location, and study-abroad program. Although she also applied to Miami of Ohio, CC remained her top choice, especially after she participated in CC’s fly-in program.

As a potential history or political science major, Lenz feels CC shares her passion for learning and education, saying, “I feel it is important for a college to want the same thing for me that I want for myself.” Already, she has been elected to CCCA (student government), is active in BSU (the Black Student Union), and plans to get involved with Students Take Action Now: Darfur and Amnesty International.

Michael Waldeck ’09

Tulsa, Oklahoma

The looming Rocky Mountains were the irresistible draw for Michael Waldeck. He says, “I didn’t apply to too many schools, because once I found CC, it was hard to find others I liked.” He did apply to the universities of Puget Sound, Notre Dame, and De Paul, but valuing the versatility of a liberal arts education, he became one of 13 CC Scholars in this class.

A cross-country runner attracted to this Division III school’s strong intramural and club programs, Waldeck hopes to run for CC after he recovers from an injury. While he finds the Block Plan “great, but hard,” Waldeck is excited that CC students prioritize education. “My classmates are brilliant,” he says. Rather than one or two students dominating classroom discussions, everyone contributes a unique view. “They all really want to learn, which is refreshing coming from a high school where that wasn’t the case.”

Joanna Hyde ’09

Denver, Colorado

Her older brother graduated from Dartmouth; her mother graduated from CC, and another brother is currently a senior here. After also applying to Princeton and Washington University in St. Louis, Hyde ultimately selected CC over Dartmouth because of the mountainous setting and proximity to family. Being a Boettcher scholar (one of 12 in this class) also persuaded her to remain in Colorado.

Hyde learned about the opportunities provided by a small liberal arts college during her college search. She recognizes, “It is really up to me to design my life here.” A state fiddle champion, Hyde plays violin for the CC orchestra, participates in women’s Frisbee, looks forward to community service, and has started a band with brother Iain Hyde ’06 and friends. She says, “CC has definitely surpassed my expectations. I’m having such an incredible time here academically — I’m motivated in and out of class. I’m doing everything that I love.”

Matthew Sullivan ’09

Bedford, New York

Summer vacation initially brought Matthew to Colorado Springs, but Colorado College lured him back. Having applied to Dartmouth, Claremont-McKenna, and the University of Wisconsin, Sullivan chose CC for its small size and friendly environment. “I wanted to go to a smaller school where I could be part of the community,” he explains.

Sullivan plays club hockey and intramural soccer, and has joined the CC Democrats. He says, “CC has exceeded my expectations; it’s even friendlier and more welcoming than I thought it was when I first came to visit.” But it’s not just friendliness Matthew senses; he says his classmates “are really intelligent and energetic, and really excited to be here.”

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