Feb. 23, 1999
Contact: Ida Lee Wootten
(804) 924-6857


U.VA. EXPERIENCES GAIN IN FIRST-YEAR APPLICATIONS

	Reflecting a trend among top institutions, the University of
Virginia received an increased number of applications for next year's
entering undergraduate class.
	U.Va. received approximately 17,000 applications -- an increase
of about 3 percent over last year's 16,451 that applied.  Of those
competing for the 2,930 slots in the entering class, 10,795 were from
out-of-state residents -- an increase of 5 percent over the 10,307 last
year. Nearly 6,200 Virginia residents applied, representing an increase
of approximately 1 percent over the 6,144 last year.
	"As the number of applications has been growing, we have seen
comparable growth in the quality of students we are admitting," said
Dean of Admission John A. Blackburn.
	Many of U.Va.'s schools experienced a surge in undergraduate
applications.  The School of Engineering and Applied Science received
2,659 applications this year, an 11 percent increase over the 2,400 last
year. The School of Nursing received 184 applications, a 13 percent
increase over the 163 last year. The School of Architecture experienced
nearly a 10 percent gain in applications, rising from 446 last year to
489 this year.
	Blackburn attributes the increase to several factors, including
the University's quality and a rise in the high school population.
"U.Va.'s academic reputation and quality of student life make it
attractive to many students throughout the country," he said.
	U.Va. extended admission offers to 794 who applied under early
decision. U.Va. received 2,200 early-decision applications this year,
compared to 2,325 last year.
	Letters offering admission will be mailed April 1.

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	For more information, contact John Blackburn at (804) 982-3375.
Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (804)
924-7550.