More foreign students, athletes in Class of '02

As the U-Hauls began to arrive last Friday, Yale welcomed its newest addition to the undergraduate community, the Class of 2002. While all freshman classes boast diversity, brains, and talent, this year's frosh include more athletes and foreign students than in recent years. David Weaver, MC '02, said of his classmates, "Nary have I found such a varied group of individuals who can as a whole contain such a spirit of anticipation and readiness to pounce upon the innumerable opportunities available to them."

PATRICK MCGARVEY/YH The Class of '02 flocked to the annual Bazaar on Sun., Aug. 30.

This year's freshman class hails from 48 states and 45 foreign countries thanks to admissions recruitment and an Administration commitment to expanding Yale's international reach. President Richard C. Levin, GRD '74 announced a 50 percent increase in the financial aid funds available to entering foreign students who do not qualify for need-based programs available to U.S. citizens and Canadians in the April 1998 Yale Alumni Magazine.

This year's frosh are clearly more athletic than recent classes. A total of 218 freshmen will compete in Yale's 33 intercollegiate sports. This year alone, the Admissions Office mailed out 100 "likely letters," letters which the Admissions Office mails to prospective athletes to indicate a good chance of being accepted to Yale.

Alison Hornstein, CC '02, commented, "What's really special is the enormous group of people who are smart and fun-loving. In high school, there was a dichotomy such that there were two distinct groups, but here at Yale you find people who are both. It's cool to be surrounded by smart people who are unique people as well."

Sangeetha Ramaswamy contributed to this article.

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