“This growth in female enrollment is a huge accomplishment, as this number lingered in the 10 percent range just a few years ago,” said Steven W. McLaughlin, Steve W. Chaddick School Chair of ECE. In addition, the total number of freshmen enrolling in ECE this summer and fall has increased by 3.5 percent from last year.

On the Institute level, this was the most selective class of incoming Georgia Tech freshmen ever. The acceptance rate for this year was 40 percent (down from 54 percent last year), which is the first time it has ever been that low. The credentials of the incoming class, which includes an average high school GPA of 3.95, are significantly better than any previous year.

“Our fantastic results in ECE would not have happened without the contributions of many dedicated faculty, staff, and students,” Dr. McLaughlin said. He particularly noted the efforts of the following organizations and individuals: Women in ECE, ECE Ambassadors, ECE Associate Chair for Undergraduate Affairs Bonnie Ferri, high school teachers participating in the STEP-UP program, and ECE Outreach Director Leyla Conrad and ECE Outreach Coordinator Nirvana Edwards.

“We have the best group of students, faculty, and staff anywhere,” Dr. McLaughlin added. “Let's make sure that we do all that we can to make the newest members of the Georgia Tech ECE family feel welcome this fall.”