Early-action freshmen who have been accepted for the class of 2013 are more diverse and academically competitive than in previous years.

Of the approximately 11,600 early-action applicants, nearly half were accepted to the University. The University is aiming for a 2013 freshman class of about 4,800 students, according to a Dec. 12 press release.

The Office of Admissions said the economy was a possible determining factor for early-action freshmen who choose to commit this year.

“Many colleges saw an increase in early-action applications and believe that with an uncertain economy, students and families may want to know their college options early,” said Nancy McDuff, associate vice president for admissions, in an e-mail interview. She said families are making their college plans earlier so they have more time to arrange funding.

Whatever the case may be, McDuff said the University’s appeal to a diverse group of upcoming first-year students will be beneficial in helping students learn in and out of the classroom.

“The University feels that our students receive the best education in a diverse environment, as students learn from each other as well as from our faculty,” McDuff said. “We start by trying to recruit applications from diverse students and work to enroll those who meet admission standards.”

Here’s a closer look at the incoming Class of 2013:

Academic rigor:

Applicants’ academic course rigor during high school was also taken into consideration, and those accepted through early-action usually have taken an average of five advanced placement or international baccalaureate classes. Previous classes averaged five AP or IB classes as well.

GPA, SAT/ACT scores:

The early-action applicants accepted this year had an average GPA of 3.95 and average math and science scores of 1312 for the SAT and a score of 30 for the ACT. The University took into consideration the new writing section of the SAT, and according to a press release, 650 was the average score that accepted students made on that section. Last year early-action acceptances’ average GPA was 3.92, SAT 1322 and ACT 29.

Diversity and Gender:

Twenty-two percent of the applicants recognized themselves as being from an ethnic or racial minority group, according to an Office of Admissions news release. More than 800 are African-American-which is approximately 100 more than last year-and 323 are Hispanic, a small increase from last year’s 318.

Only 68 percent of early-action applicants are Georgia residents, marking a slight decrease of 1 percent from last year. However, of all early-action applicants accepted, 70 percent are Georgia residents, marking an increase of 2 percent from the previous year, according to McDuff. The ratio of females to males accepted to the University remained similar to last year, with 61 percent female students.