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USF Forced To Reject Most Of Freshmen Applicants

Tribune file photo by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

So far, nearly 28,350 freshmen have applied for the summer/fall terms at USF in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

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By LINDSAY PETERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 27, 2009

TAMPA - Applications to the University of South Florida are in line to break another record this year, said undergraduate admissions director Bob Spatig.

So far, nearly 28,350 freshmen have applied for the summer/fall terms at USF in Tampa and St. Petersburg. That's about 2,500 above last year's record numbers.

At the same time, statewide enrollment caps remain in place. So as last year, more than half of those applicants will be rejected.

Last year, USF offered admission to 11,500 students, just 45 percent of those who applied. In 2003, USF accepted nearly 70 percent of applicants.

Generally, less than half the students who are admitted end up enrolling. For the summer and fall terms, Spatig said, USF expects to bring in about 4,200 freshmen at the Tampa campus and 400 at USF St. Petersburg.

Last year, the state university system's Board of Governors ordered its schools to cap, and in some cases, cut enrollment to deal with the effects of millions in budget cuts. Since the, tax revenue has continued to drop, bringing fears of more budget cuts.

The caps have one benefit. Last year's freshman class at USF was the most accomplished ever – 60 percent had an A-minus grade average. And it's expected to be the same this year.
The official deadline for freshman applications is April 15.

Reporter Lindsay Peterson can be reached at (813) 259-7834.

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