MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury College has offered 343 students early admission to the Class of 2021. The admitted students were chosen from a pool of 673 applicants — an increase of 6.5 percent over last year — and represent about 51 percent of a class that is expected to total about 705.
Those 343 students are from 35 states, Washington, D.C., and 19 countries.
 “Our early decision applicants this year were among the best we’ve ever seen,” said Dean of Admissions Greg Buckles. “The Class of 2021 will be exceptionally strong.”
Buckles noted that students of color accounted for 28 percent of the students admitted, which represented a slight increase from the then-record of 26 percent who were accepted last year.
“Middlebury’s excellent academics and vibrant campus life continue to attract a strong applicant pool,” added Buckles.
The College deferred 60 applicants, who will be considered for regular admission in the spring, and denied admission to 270 students.
Middlebury’s early decision program is binding, which means that students who apply have selected Middlebury as their first choice and are committed to attending if accepted.
While 316 of the newly accepted students will enroll in the fall of 2017, 27 will begin their first semester at Middlebury in February 2018 through the College’s February Admissions Program.
Last year Middlebury College received 636 applications for early decision and admitted 338.