MUNCIE, Ind. – Potential college students will soon have to pick where they'll take classes this fall and Ball State University looks to be the choice of many.

Applications for fall 2000 are up 25 percent over last year with a goal of 3,600 freshmen, said Douglas McConkey, vice president for student affairs, during a report to the Board of Trustees Jan. 28.

"We are entering a very busy time of year for the admissions office with a May 1 deadline for submitting deposits looming," McConkey said. "Students soon have to make up their minds what university they'll attend this fall.

"We are receiving many more applications than we did last year with our numbers up about 1,450," he said. "However, we've been recruiting more academically talented students and they have more choices. They'll take more time to decide because they have more options."

Other statistics about the fall class include:

•  The goal is to increase the freshman class by 200 students over last year.
•  Admissions are up 25 percent over last year with 13 percent more students admitted with honors and a 33 percent increase in those admitted with distinction.
•  SAT scores are up six points for admitted students, as compared with the fall 1999 freshman class.
•  Transfer applications have increased by 40 percent over 1999.
•  So far 28 National Merit Scholars have been admitted for fall as compared to 17 last year.

"We are certainly attracting better students with last year's freshman class possibly being the best in university history," McConkey said. "To put the National Merit Scholars numbers in perspective, we had two or three National Merit winners enroll every year in the past. To have 28 to be accepted is a tremendous boost."

The university's emphasis on upgrading residence hall and dining facilities has helped attract more students, university officials said.

Over the last few years, the university has worked diligently to meet the demands of students when it comes to dining habits, said Ann Talley, director of dining services.

"You just can't throw out mystery meat three times a day and expect students to be satisfied," Talley said. "We've changed to meet what they want because every student expects variety like they can find in the community.

"For example, we have about 50 entrees available as compared to years ago when we had three," she said. "And, we've revamped our hours. Students now want to eat smaller meals but more often. And, they want to eat dinner as late as 9:30 p.m."

In other news, McConkey reported that enrollment has been aided this spring by an increase in the number of part-time students taking classes offered by the School of Continuing Education and Public Service. Full-time equivalent enrollment is about 900, up from 583 last spring, he said.

"When it comes to funding from the state, FTEs are what counts," he said. "It seems that while our enrollment on campus leveled out and is now growing again, off-campus programs have been expanding for several years."

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact McConkey by e-mail at dmcconkey@bsu.edu or by phone at (765) 285-1444.)