Requirements on the rise

More applicant interest forces University to lift entrance standards

It's a simple case of supply and demand.

As more students demand enrollment to the University and the supply of available spots stays the same, the price -- or in this case the requirements -- go up.

The number of undergraduate applications for all University locations for 1998 have increased this year, University President Graham Spanier announced at the Board of Trustees meeting last Friday.

As of this week, the numbers have increased about 12 percent since last year at the same time -- from 31,713 for 1997 to 35,612 in 1998, said John Romano, vice provost for enrollment, management and administration. About the same number of applications were received two years ago -- the highest number of applications ever, he added.

To avoid over-enrollment, the qualifications necessary to be accepted have increased with the number of people who applied, making it more difficult for some students to be accepted to the University -- particularly students who are applying now, Romano said.

"We will probably have to say 'no' to a few more people," Spanier said last Friday.

Increased outreach, improved academic reputation, the expansion of the Commonwealth Campuses and satisfied alumni and students contribute to the increase of applications, Romano said.

"It is always a combination of a lot of factors," he said. "Penn State is enjoying a period in its history of rather significant accomplishment and achievements."

The increase in the number of applications does not mean an increase in enrollment, Romano said.

"How many students can begin as freshman is a tricky forecast," he said.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions uses past statistics to determine how many students can be accepted and how many will actually attend the University. Last year, the University accepted fewer applicants than usual and was concerned that enrollment would not be high enough, Romano said.

But as the deadline neared, the University received a record number of people confirming their enrollment and ended up with one of the largest freshman classes in University history, Romano said.

If an increase in enrollment does occur, there may be a strain on some facilities.

The possibility of more students at University Park may create increased temporary housing, a situation in which students must live in study lounges because of a lack of dorm rooms. The Office of Housing and Food Services is prepared if a situation should arise, said Fred Fotis, director of housing.

"I think we have been in the temporary housing business for a few years," he said.

About 950 students were placed in temporary housing in the Fall Semester this year. If it looks as though there will be increased enrollment, the Office of Housing and Food Services will limit the number of spaces available to older students, Fotis said.

In addition, Watts Hall, which can house 88 undergraduate students, will be reopened this Fall Semester and the University may construct more dorms in the next few years, Fotis said.