UVa reports record application numbers

The University of Virginia has already received a record number of applications for its fall semester, and more are still trickling in.

Competing for 3,170 openings, more than 21,500 students applied for fall 2009 admission, a 16 percent increase over last year’s applicant pool, according to statistics provided by the university.

The increase in applications is largely the result of the university using a more universal application form, said Greg Roberts, a senior associate dean of admission.

“Because of that move, we thought that it was likely we would receive some increase, because it’s easier for students to apply,” Roberts said.

However, he said, it’s unclear whether the spike in applicants will mean the university will have stronger students to choose from, compared with previous years.

“You would expect, if you have a larger pool, you’d have more strong students to choose from,” he said. “But there’s also the possibility that because the common application is easier to submit, you might get students who are throwing in their applications at the last minute.”

The university expects to have an official tally of the number of applications within a few weeks.

Roberts said that John A. “Jack” Blackburn, who died Tuesday after having been the dean of admissions since 1985, would have been proud of the diversity of the applicants. Blackburn was nationally renowned for his efforts to improve student diversity at UVa, university officials said Friday. He has also been credited with the switch to the common application form.

“About two weeks ago, I had spoken with him about the applicant pool. He was quite excited that it was just strong and diverse,” Roberts said. “Our No. 1 goal now is to bring in a class that he would be proud of, in the spring.”

This year’s applicants include 22 percent more black students than last year, 56 percent more Hispanic students, 50 percent more international students and 100 percent more Native American students.

Roberts said that the increase in applications might also be partially attributable to the economy, which has led to an increase in applications at public universities and a decline at private institutions.

A memorial service for Blackburn is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Rugby Road. A reception will follow at Alumni Hall.