Admissions reports rise in applicants

By Erin Ryan

If you haven't already noticed, it is time to take note of a fresh crop of broncos - the class of 2005.

More applications for admission were received this year than any previous year, making the selection process the most competitive in recent history.

Of the 6,049 applications submitted, 3,823 were accepted, and the final number for the class of 2005 is a total of 1,019.

The number of total applicants was 150 higher than last year and more than 450 higher than the year before.

Kevin Lum Lung, associate dean of undergraduate admissions, said that the standards for admission have not changed, but the selection process has. The university is still interested in students with leadership abilities, community service and a highly integrated high school education that will carry over into college.

The Admissions Department had a difficult job of denying students this year who probably would have been accepted a few years ago, because there are just not enough places available for all who applied.

One significant change in this year's student body is that 65 percent of freshmen are from California, up from 57 percent last year.

Kevin Lum Lung cited the troublesome economy as the reason for this rise. Americans have less money to spend, and it is cheaper to go to school closer to home to avoid travel costs during holidays. Some even choose to live at home.

Of the non-California residents, students from Oregon and Washington and other western states continue to be the most represented.