Assessment Matters: Creating a Profile of the Class of 2029

In partnership with the Dean of Students, the Office of Research, Planning, and Assessment (RPA) surveyed the Class of 2029 to gather data about incoming students’ family background, high school experience, and expectations for college. Students’ responses will help staff and faculty develop and implement impactful academic and co-curricular services that reflect students’ preferences. 

The incoming Meredith class was asked to complete the Start Strong Survey online during the week of orientation. 335 students were invited to complete the survey, and 290 students responded, which places the survey’s response rate at 87%. The Start Strong Survey is implemented to supplement the data gathered through other national and/or Meredith surveys. Students are asked about a variety of topics that considered in aggregate will allow RPA and the Dean of Students to create a demographic and attitudinal profile of the incoming class. 

To highlight some of the interesting data points gathered through this survey, RPA will create a printable infographic in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here are some interesting survey highlights to consider. 

• From all the information students received from Meredith during their college search process, they identified the following as the most important in helping them make the decision to attend Meredith College.
  • 75% said financial aid/scholarship information
  • 59% cited a visit with an admissions counselor or faculty member
  • 53% said that an interaction with a current student was helpful in making a decision
• 65% of the incoming class said Meredith was their first choice of college.
• 40% of the students indicated that they were first generation college students, i.e. neither one of their parents completed a 4-year college/university degree.

Be sure to look for the 2025 First Year Start Strong Survey infographic in the October 2025 issue of Assessment Matters in Campus Connections.

If you have questions about this survey or any other assessment-related matter, please contact Dianne Raubenheimer (raubenhe@meredith.edu) or Dilnavaz Mirza Sharma (sharmadi@meredith.edu) in the Office of Research, Planning and Assessment.