ECU expects highest test scores

East Carolina University is expecting the most academically qualified freshman class in its history when the fall semester begins this month.

Tom Powell, director of admissions, said the average SAT score of the incoming class is expected to be 1050, an all-time high for ECU. Last year’s class had an average score of 1036.

Powell said the university has established higher admissions standards. “We are attracting a higher-caliber student,” he said. University officials are expecting about 3,400 first-time freshmen, and a total enrollment, including distance-education students, of about 21,000. Last year’s enrollment was 20,577.

The new academic year opens Aug. 25 with the faculty convocation, and classes begin Aug. 27.