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VOL. 26. NO.13 APRIL 25, 2006

NEWS IN BRIEF

Largest applicant pool ever

UCLA admitted 12,094 prospective freshmen for fall 2006 from among 47,258 applicants. This was the largest applicant pool ever and a 12% increase over last year, once again making UCLA the most popular university in the country. Even with the increase, the overall applicant pool had exceptionally strong academic qualifications, with nearly 21,000 students earning GPAs of 4.0 or above. “The scope of the academic achievements of the students admitted to UCLA for 2006-2007 is extraordinary,” Chancellor Albert Carnesale said. “Of course, this is the first step; other institutions will be competing to enroll these talented scholars. But a 12% increase in applications tells us that more and more students from around the world recognize UCLA as one of the truly great universities.” While the number of underrepresented students admitted is slightly down from last year, it is significantly higher than in 2004.

Getting a good head start

UC’s student academic preparation programs are making strong progress in helping educationally disadvantaged students prepare for college, according to a new report that evaluates the programs based on a more rigorous methodology than was ever used before. The programs are helping more students complete a college preparatory curriculum in high school, prepare for and take the standardized tests required for college admission, pass the state’s high school exit exam, and enroll in college after graduation, according to the report.

Off and running

The first class of 16 UCLA scholars will likely be ready two months from now to begin a three-year training program to become leaders in the field of stem cell research, mentored by faculty from a wide range of fields. UCLA’s Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine got the green light for its training program recently after receiving $1.23 million, the first installment of a $3.75-million training grant. The institute received the largest amount awarded by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, the state agency formed after California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 71. But since litigation has stopped the agency from selling any general obligation bonds, six California foundations and other philanthropic entities stepped forward to purchase $14 million in bond anticipation notes to get training programs off the ground at 16 institutions, including UCLA. “We are very encouraged,” said Steve Peckman, associate director of UCLA’s institute. “We’re very thankful to these people who have supported science and feel that what we’re doing is important enough to provide funding now.”