Purdue News

April 11, 2000 Purdue at full capacity for fall semester for first-time students WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The fall 2000 freshman class is already at capacity at Purdue's West Lafayette campus. A record number of applications from first-time students has caused the campus to reach its limit on beginning freshmen sooner than at any other time in the university's history. "The demand for Purdue programs is just tremendous," said Douglas Christiansen, director of admissions. "This is the first time the programs at the West Lafayette campus have been filled this early in the admissions cycle for first-time students." Christiansen added that this situation is likely to continue, because the number of applications to Purdue has increased by 20 percent over the past several years. "The best solution for prospective students looking to attend Purdue's main campus in future years is to apply no later than the fall semester of their senior year of high school," he said. While the fall 2000 freshman class is complete, there are still openings at more advanced academic levels for students wishing to transfer from other colleges and universities, because the oversubscription has its greatest impact on introductory-level courses. In addition, the university's graduate school at West Lafayette, the School of Technology Statewide programs and Purdue regional campuses are still taking applications. Purdue's West Lafayette campus had a record enrollment last fall of 37,762, and university officials are expecting a similar figure this fall. More than 70 percent of the undergraduate students come from Indiana. Enrollment of Indiana residents at the West Lafayette campus has increased about 2,000 over the past five years. "These enrollment numbers are good news for Purdue," said Robert L. Ringel, executive vice president for academic affairs. "But they also create challenges – making certain there are sufficient classroom spaces, instructional materials and staff to make students' time here satisfying and productive. "I am pleased that even as the demand for entry into Purdue has increased dramatically, there has been an equally impressive increase in the quality of applicants as indicated by standardized test scores, class rank, grade-point average, and depth and scope of their high school preparation." Although the West Lafayette campus is closed for the fall semester to first-time undergraduate students, Purdue's campuses in Indianapolis, Hammond, Fort Wayne and Westville offer a broad range of programs and are still accepting students. Purdue School of Technology programs also are taught at nine additional locations throughout the state. "These programs offer high-level educational experiences at locations throughout Indiana, and their proximity to students' residences creates an excellent educational value," Ringel said. Sources: Douglas Christiansen, (765) 494-1776; dlchristiansen@adms.purdue.edu Robert L. Ringel, (765) 494-9709 Writer: J. Michael Willis, (765) 494-0371; mwillis@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu Related Web site: Office of Admissions To the Purdue News and Photos Page