PolyCentric University News Center

The California State University system has received a record 465,742 online applications for fall 2007 admission. That is a 6 percent increase from last year, and marks the ninth straight year of growth for online applications filed during CSU's priority application period, which extends annually from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.

For the past 18 months, the CSU has conducted a concerted effort to reach out to students in underserved communities to provide information about college eligibility, applying online, as well as financial aid. This year, all ethnic groups showed an increase in applying online. Within the underserved communities, Latino applications grew by 15 percent from 104,404 to 120,065, African-American increased by 12 percent from 27,782 to 31,116, and Native-American also grew by 12 percent from 2,187 to 2,449.

In other communities, Asian-American application submittals increased by 5 percent from 69,509 to 72,985, and Caucasian also increased by 5 percent from 104,890 to 110,135.

Although several CSU campuses are no longer accepting applications, a majority will continue accepting applications until all available spaces are filled.

“Students should still be encouraged to apply to the CSU since there will be a spot for those who are eligible and qualify,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed.

Applications from prospective freshmen increased 8.8 percent, up 29,275 over last fall. Transfer applications decreased 4.5 percent. Graduate/post-baccalaureate applicants, which represent only 2 percent of total applications submitted during the initial filing period, increased by 1,021. This number is expected to increase because students applying for admission to post-baccalaureate and graduate programs tend to apply late in the application cycle.

These statistics do not include paper applications, which are submitted in person at the 23 CSU campuses.

To find the list of campuses still open for applications, go to www.CSUMentor.edu, click on “Is your campus still accepting applications?” and select undergraduate and Fall 2007 from the pull-down menus.

Students should apply through CSUMentor, an online resource that helps students and their families learn about the CSU system, track their success in meeting admission requirements throughout their high school or community college attendance, select a CSU campus to attend, apply online, and plan to obtain financial aid.

CSUMentor is a free service offered 24 hours per day, seven days per week, which also offers virtual campus tours, free e-mail accounts, online admission services, and assistance in completing financial aid forms. When applying, students pay only the application fee charged by the CSU campuses they select.