More than 75 percent of the students admitted to the Class of 1998 have decided to enroll, the College's highest yield in more than a decade.

In addition, a record number of women and minority students will matriculate in September, and more than half the members of the Class of 1998 have expressed interest in studying natural sciences, engineering or mathematics.

Given the 712 women who have already accepted, the Admissions Office expects women to make up 45 percent of the Class of 1998, according to a University statement.

Five percent more Black students have accepted places this year, increasing the number of Black firstyear students to 147 from last year's 144.

Records were set in two demographic categories: 54 Hispanic students will enroll, up from the previous high of 50 in the Class of 1995; and 325 Asian-Americans plan to attend, up from 322 in the Class of 1996.

But the number of Mexican-American and Native American students has not increased, according to the statement.

"Much of our success in recruiting and enrolling such as exceptional group of minority students can be attributed to the efforts of our own undergraduates, particularly the Undergraduate Recruiting program," said Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Fitzsimmons '67 in the statement.

International Yield Drops

The geographic composition of the Class of 1998 is similar to that of last year, according to the Harvard Gazette.

But the percentage of admitted international students who chose to enroll dipped slightly to about 73 percent.

A school's yield--the percentage of admitted students who elect to enroll--is considered a measure of a school's competitiveness.

Harvard has perennially had the highest yield among colleges nationwide.

Director of Financial Aid James S. Miller said in the statement that he believes this year's high yield is the result of strong financial aid packages and need-blind admissions.

Harvard and Radcliffe will provide a total of $62 million in financial aid, including at least $37 million in scholarships, according to the statement.