Tuesday was the postmark deposit deadline for the incoming class of 2011.

The long recruiting season has ended, and Southern Methodist University is busy preparing to welcome the new first-years to the Hilltop.

Current SMU students come from each of the 50 states and nearly 90 foreign countries. Although the specific statistics for the incoming class are not yet solidified, the information will be available in September.

Even though the newly accepted students have not arrived on the campus, they are excited about the school year and their fellow students.

Graham Hartong is a recently accepted first-year student who can’t wait to meet all of her new classmates.

“I am very excited to meet new people and be in a new city. I expect my classmates to be polite, classy and fun,” Hartong said.

According to the SMU Admissions Department, the university is progressively becoming a more competitive institution.

The number of undergraduate applicants has increased significantly for this school year. Up from last year, 8,800 students applied to be accepted to SMU.

Not only has the number of students applying to the university increased, but according to the SMU Admissions Department, the competitiveness of each applicant has increased as well.

“This year’s freshman class will be one of SMU’s finest,” said SMU Admissions Counselor Sarah Spooner. “They will come from all over the country and we are looking forward to seeing them this fall and believe that our hard work will pay off.”