West Virginia Universitys freshman class is not only one of the largest; it is also one of the strongest academically.

Of the 36 college-sponsored National Merit Scholars from West Virginia who entered college this past fall, 18 (50 percent) are enrolled at WVU . In fact, according to a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, WVU ranks 44 th among public colleges and universities nationwide.

Altogether, the University has 51 Merit Scholars this academic year, according to Brenda Thompson, assistant vice president of Enrollment Management. Forty-six students are supported financially by WVU , and five receive corporate support.

The Universitys financial support for 2004-05 Merit Scholars adds up to nearly $52,000 with stipends ranging from $750 to $2,000 per year depending on financial need, she added.

Its an investment in West Virginia Universitys future,Thompson said.Merit Scholars enhance the learning experience for the entire WVU community. The Universitys top ranking represents our increasingly aggressive efforts to recruit high-caliber students.

WVU s overall freshman fall class had an average ACT composite score of 23 and an SAT combined average of 1072both well above the national averages of 20.9 for ACT and 1026 for the SAT . The average high school grade-point average for incoming freshmen was 3.31.

WVU s 2004 National Merit class includes: Morgan Bridi, Beckley; Scott Campbell, Wheeling; Joseph Carpini, Weirton; Shujah Choudry, Morgantown; Lindsey Daughtery, Parkersburg; John Dudding, Spencer; Lillian Green, Elkins; Megan Groves, Kingwood; Michael Hendricks, Ripley; Megan Hersman, Princeton; Adam Hill, Belle; Sean Oleary, Wheeling; William Reinike, Parkersburg; Thomas Schreiber, Huntington; Allison Simpson, Ridgeley; Emerson Sklar, Bridgeport; Justin Snedegar, Lewisburg; Adam Veit, Bridgeport; Ryan Wilson, Wheeling, and Jessica Wolfe, Albright.