The Schreyer Honors College has seen a recent boom in applicants since a new online process replaced its traditional paper application.

"That is the way things are going technologically," Richard Stoller, coordinator of selection and international programs, said. "I think you see an increasing use of online applications in use for colleges."

The Schreyer Honors College has received 2,174 applications as of last week, compared to last year's total of 1,535. Applications were due Nov. 31, although the college is still considering applicants on a rolling basis. Christian Brady, dean of the honors college, said convenience and visibility were the main factors in deciding to move to an online application.

"Some very good students were not aware of the honors college," Brady said. "This made sure it was in front of them."

Stoller said the application has remained unchanged, despite its move to an online format.

"We've saved all of the substance as compared to past years -- the two essays, the teacher recommendations," he said.

Director of Communications and Customer Services Pat Smith said he's not surprised the honors college's online application has brought more applicants.

Penn State saw the same increase when it instituted an online application for general undergraduates in 2001, he said.

"We've had almost 85 percent of our applications come online," Smith said. "That's an increase over last year, which was an increase over the year before. I think there's reason to believe that the growth in [the honors college's] application rate will parallel the growth in online applications in general."

Chris Goodrich (freshman-bioengineering), who applied and was accepted to the honors college last year, said an online application would have been more convenient.

"The paper [application] wasn't that bad, but online would be a lot easier, considering the other applications are already online," he said.

Students in the honors college are required to complete an honors thesis in their senior year and maintain a 3.33 GPA to stay in the program.

"Most honors programs in the nation have a 3.6 GPA requirement," Brady said. "Ours gives students more room to explore and travel. It's not an honors program, which is focused entirely on classes and research, but a scholars program."