Aspiring students in New York are facing tougher competition these days as SUNY schools receive what officials are calling record numbers of applications for the 2009-2010 school year.
But even with the increased interest, most schools in the SUNY system will still be enrolling the same number of students next year.
UB has seen a 7 percent increase in freshman applicants, and an 11 percent increase in transfer applicants, according to Patricia Armstrong, director of admissions.
The current economic turmoil is believed to have influenced the academic decisions of students, who are turning to the more affordable state universities and colleges instead of more expensive private institutions, officials said.
Armstrong attributes the applicant increase to the quality of UB, along with the school's cost.
"We have seen an increase in the academic profile of our students," Armstrong said. "[UB has] a very strong academic reputation."
The university has invested in the beautification of the campus, as well as the quality and reputation of the faculty and athletics departments, all of which may attract more students, Armstrong said.
SUNY schools across the state have seen an increase in applicants, as well. Binghamton University has had a 10 percent increase in freshman applicants, receiving about 28,800 applications, and a 55 percent increase in transfer applicants, many from Western New York.
"The excellence that is present in the SUNY system has been coming along for a long time," said Cheryl Brown, director of admissions at Binghamton University. "[Binghamton] was recognized as an excellent place for a strong academic experience even before the economy hit the point that it is at now."
Binghamton will accept approximately 32 percent of applicants, and the amount of financial aid students receive should not be affected, according to Brown.
"We are very protective of each student's experience," Brown said. "We are very careful not to over-enroll."
The number of students accepted to UB will not increase dramatically, and class sizes will remain constant, according to Armstrong.
"We're still dealing with the same number of students we accept," Armstrong said.
As the amount of applicants increases, students may find the universities' admissions criteria become increasingly more selective.
"As demand for spaces go up, it is certainly the prerogative [of the schools] to pick the best possible students to fill those spots," Brown said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
