Sunny September weather provided a perfect backdrop for the arrival of Wharton’s newest alumni-to-be.

Out of 3,900 applicants for the undergraduate class of 2008, 514 were accepted into the program with an average combined SAT score of 1440. The students hail from 46 states and 40 countries.

Equally impressive is the incoming MBA class. Eight hundred and ten students are enrolled, drawn from a pool of 7,200 applicants. The students’ average GMAT is 714 (out of 800) and their average GPA is a 3.5.

The new undergraduates were introduced to the School through a three-day student orientation based on the theme “Extend, Explore, Experience,” which included introductions to Management 100 teams, student skits, a welcome from the Dean, and an Alumni Association Welcome Breakfast. The Wharton Undergraduate Alumni Relations Council (WUARC) also invited students to the second annual Wharton Colloquia, a series of seminars held for incoming freshman and taught by Wharton alumni. WUARC’s Colloquia offers Wharton freshman an early introduction to the Wharton network, shedding light on topics from stock markets to presentation skills to business etiquette. (Read more about the Colloquia in our cover story on alumni-student mentoring on pages 14-20.) In all, more than 300 new undergraduates participated in 12 different seminars.

On September 8, the School also held its annual MBA convocation to welcome new MBA students. Dean Patrick Harker addressed the new class in a speech about the learning experience at Wharton, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for all members of the Wharton community.