U.VA. EXPERIENCES GAIN IN FIRST-YEAR APPLICATIONS

	CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Feb. 6 -- University of Virginia
officials are choosing members of the class of 2000 from 17,164
applications -- a 10 percent increase (1,587 applications) over the
number that applied last year. 
	Increases came from both men and women and Virginia and
out-of-state residents.  The deadline for applying for admission was
Jan. 2.
	Approximately 2,100 students applied by the November
early-decision deadline.  Of that number 749 were offered admission
-- a number slightly higher than the 735 last year.  Those who were
not offered early-decision status are being re-evaluated as part of
the regular admission review process.
	 Letters offering admission will be mailed April 1.  U.Va.
projects an entering class of 2,825 first year students and 575
transfer students. 
	There appears to be no consistent trend among college and
university admission offices this year, according to U.Va. Dean of
Admission John A. Blackburn.  Some colleges and universities
experienced fewer applications, some had more and some had
approximately the same number, he said.
	Blackburn attributes U.Va.'s increase to several factors.
One is the larger numbers of high school students in some states.  
	"I think the increase also indicates U.Va.'s growing
popularity. The academic reputation and quality of student life make
the University attractive to many students throughout the country,"
he said.
	Blackburn added that U.Va.'s financial aid program also
makes it possible for many students to attend the University.
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February 5, 1996
	For more information, contact John A. Blackburn at (804)
982-3200.