UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 24, Page 5
March 19, 1992
Freshman applications increase 9.6 percent above last year

     Freshman applications to the University of Delaware have risen 9.6
percent since last year at this time, said N. Bruce Walker, dean of
admissions and financial aid. That includes a 42 percent increase in the
number of applications from black students.
     In March 1991, 1,556 applications had been received from Delaware
students, compared to 1,746 this year. Applications from out-of-state
students have risen from 10,046 last year to 11,100 this year, and black
student applications have risen from 316 to 450.
     The total number of freshman applications is 12,846, and total number of
applications, including transfer students, is 13,845.
     According to Walker, increased efforts have been made to attract
students from a wider geographical area, including Virginia, Connecticut, New
York and Massachusetts. Alumni also have been active in recruiting students
in Florida, Texas, Illinois and North Carolina. These programs have made an
"appreciable difference," Walker said.
     The quality of the students applying is similar to last year, but
acceptances have been made to a smaller pool. "We are conscious of the need
to bring qualified students to the University," Walker said.
     Although there has been an increase of 1 percent in those who have sent
in their deposits over last year, the bottom line is moving-in day, when
students turn up with duffel bags, stereos, Frisbees and all the
paraphernalia of campus life. Even then, the figures are subject to change,
Walker said.
     -Sue Swyers Moncure