Applications increase

Reflecting a trend among top institutions, U.Va. received an increased number of applications for next year's entering undergraduate class.

To date, U.Va. has received 14,902 applications, an increase of 4 percent over last year's 14,350 applicants. When all applications are completed, the total will likely be around 15,000, according to Dean of Admission John A. Blackburn. Last year's total was 14,472.

Also reflecting a national trend, U.Va. received 2,141 applications for early decision, a number 15 percent higher than last year's 1,862. The University offered admission to 897 who applied under early decision, and all accepted a place in the first-year class.

Blackburn attributes the increase to several factors, including the University's quality and prominence in national rankings. "U.Va.'s academic reputation, quality of student life and tuition make it very attractive to high school students and their families," he said.