Minority applications rise for '98

Despite the two lawsuits targeting the University's admissions policies that could threaten the future diversity of the University's student body, minority applications for next year's incoming class are on the rise, University officials said.

The number of black, hispanic and Native Americans applying to be part of next fall's incoming class is up 13 percent from last year, according to a Detroit newspaper report.

But University officials say it is impossible to tell whether the increase in minority applications is related to the two lawsuits filed last semester against the College of Literature, Science and the Arts and the Law School claiming that the schools' use of race as a factor in the admissions process is unconstitutional.

"Some prospective students have mentioned the University's commitment to diversity," said Lisa Baker, associate vice president for University relations, adding that although the lawsuits may have made the University's stance on diversity and affirmative action more visible, its policies have been long-standing.

Some applicants said the lawsuits had little effect - either positive or negative - on their decision to apply to the University.

"The lawsuits were really just the butt of jokes," said Luke Palnau, a high school senior at Ypsilanti High School who is awaiting a decision about his application to the University.

Lester Monts, associate provost for academic and multicultural affairs, said speculators "should be very careful that (they) not tie everything that happens with admissions to this lawsuit."

While University officials estimated last month that overall applications to the University were up by nearly 20 percent, the latest numbers show that applications have increased by 10 percent, still making this year's total one of the highest in recent years.

Along with the lawsuits, several other events that occurred during the past year have thrust the University into the national spotlight, including the Michigan football team's Rose Bowl victory and National Championship title.

Some applicants and University officials speculate that this might account in part for the increase in applications.

"It seems like when people see a good thing, they want to be a part of a good thing," Palnau said.

But Baker said other factors also may have accounted for the increased number of applicants.

"There was a strong suggestion that the University is an outstanding choice for students who are thinking of going on to graduate school," Baker said.

She added that for students who plan to continue their education beyond the undergraduate level, a good public university like the University of Michigan might be a better buy than a private university.

"It's such a wonderful school and it can be such a bargain for someone who lives in-state," said Leslie Salba, a high school senior at North Farmington High School, who was accepted to the University.

Baker also said the number of high school students applying to higher education institutions nationwide may be up this year.

In a study conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, admission counselors announced an overall increase in first-year college applications for the 1997 school year, a 14-percent increase from the previous year.

Some officials said this trend may have carried over to the 1998 incoming class of first-year students throughout the country.

Of the 20,671 applications the University recorded as of March 2, about 51 percent of applicants were male, whereas 48 percent were female.

The ratio of in-state to out-of-state applicants was almost 2 to 1.

Baker said an increase in undergraduate applicants does not mean the overall size of the incoming class will increase. It may mean that a smaller percentage of applicants will be admitted to the University.

03-10-98