Admission to U. of I. gets tougher

The University of Illinois received a record number of applications this year, making it harder than ever to gain admittance to some of its top colleges.

The Downstate school received more than 22,300 applications -- a 12 percent increase over last year -- for about 7,150 slots. Its top-ranked business school received 2,800 applications -- a 22 percent increase -- for just 600 seats.

School officials say the increase reflects several trends, including more high school graduates and more interest in the state's flagship school, which provides "excellence and value,'' said Chancellor Richard Herman. And, frankly, last year was subpar in terms of interest in U. of I.

Admission to U. of I. gets tougher

Here's another similar story from the News-Gazette: Students showing record interest in UI