Applicants for 1956 Set New University Record

Freshman admissions applications reached a record high here this spring, Richard M. Gummere, Chairman of the Committee on Admissions, announced yesterday. The size of the freshman class will not be increased, however.

"We had about ten percent more final candidates (those who had passed College Boards) than ever before," he said. The number of scholarship applicants was also an all-time high. With the last certificate of admission and the last "regret" mailed last weekend, Gummere estimated that the total number of final applications exceeded 4,000. This makes the ratio of applicants accepted about 3 1/2 to 1.

Gummere ascribed this increased interest in Harvard mainly to the work of the alumni and Crimson Key Society's Schools and Scholarships Committees.

Princeton Applications Increase Also

Princeton also reported a record number of freshman applicants--200 more than last year's 2900. Their Admissions Office expects to increase the freshman class by 20 men. Yale's application figures are not ready for publication, but the Class of 1956 will be smaller than 1955 by 155 men.

Although the Committee sent out 1800 freshman acceptances, Gummere expects this to diminish to the prescribed 1150 men by September. He gave three reasons for this reduction:

1. Disappointed scholarship applicants who were admitted, but didn't receive financial aid grants.

2. The College Board's new rule of not requiring a list of college preferences.

3. A few are taking the May 17 College Boards.

Gummere emphasized that the Admissions and Scholarship Committees act separately in sending acceptances. "It is Harvard's definite policy to admit a man who is good enough, regardless at financial aid," he said.

Student Employment Upped

Some of those who are admitted but not awarded a scholarship can apply for student employment. Graham R. Taylor, Jr. '49, Director of Student Employment, said yesterday that next fall he hoped to boost the number of freshmen having part-time jobs to 200, but added that probably 140 to 150 of these men would also have scholarships. This year 170 Yardling hold regular part-time jobs.

In the spring of 1951 the Educational Testing Service discontinued its requirement that students list the colleges to which they are applying in order of preference on the College Board Exams. Hence, universities now have to made more allowances for men who can pick between several college acceptances.

Those few who for sickness, unavoidable accident--"some very good reason"--couldn't-be at the March exams may take the May 17 College Boards, Gummere said. He stated that there was a small waiting list of freshman hopefuls. The exact total for the Class of 1956 should be ready by July 1.