DOHA, QATAR – Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar welcomed the Class of 2014 to Orientation Week which began August 16th, culminating in the convocation ceremony August 22nd. The 85 newly enrolled students, 42 women and 43 men, represent 25 different nationalities. The new students met with faculty and staff to begin a week of events to familiarize them with the campus. This year’s incoming class brings the total undergraduate student body enrollment to 305 undergraduates, a record high. This is 55 more students than in 2009, an increase of 22%, reflecting a rapid increase in the number of degree seeking students in the region. Carnegie Mellon Qatar’s undergraduates represent nationalities from more than 30 countries.
The fall 2010 Carnegie Mellon Qatar first year student’s admissions cycle was very successful with 639 prospective students applying to one of Carnegie Mellon Qatar’s three world-class majors: business administration, computer science and information systems. The increase in student applications in 2010 showed a rise from 528 applicants in 2009 and 365 applicants in 2008. Qatari nationals made up 35% of the applicant pool.
“Throughout the past year we have focused our time and energy into bringing the best and brightest students to Carnegie Mellon Qatar. And looking at the Class of 2014 we are quite excited about the quality and diversity that they will bring to our student body,” says Jarrod Mock, Associate Director of Admission at Carnegie Mellon Qatar. “Our pre-college programs in which many local students participate helped to further demonstrate to the local community the superior faculty and education that Carnegie Mellon Qatar provides. We have continued to invest our time developing relationships with secondary schools in Qatar and the region to ensure that students are accurately informed about our programs and the application procedures.”
One hundred sixty four students were offered admission out of the 639 applicants to the university. The admissions process at Carnegie Mellon Qatar takes a holistic approach. The admissions department takes into consideration factors such as high school grades, recommendations, interviews, extra-curricular activities as well as results on competency tests. Only students judged to be fully capable of meeting the high standards of the university are offered admission.
The top schools feeding this year’s enrollment were Al Bayan Scientific School for Girls, Qatar International School, and the Academic Bridge Program.
The convocation ceremony welcoming the Class of 2014 was held on August 22 in the Atrium of the Carnegie Mellon Qatar building in Education City.
