Duke's Class of 2013 sets application record

DURHAM -- Duke University has set a school record for applications as more than 23,750 students apply for the incoming freshman class. The university said Wednesday that applications for the Class of 2013 increased nearly 17 percent over the record number of 20,352 applications received last year. This year's jump of 3,400 applicants over is the largest increase on record for Duke. The university said 547 students were admitted by early decision. The remaining applicants will compete for only 1,120 places. Undergraduate admissions dean Christoph Guttentag said there has been a growing appreciation of Duke's quality and the university's commitment to financial aid. Guttentag also said the university has done a better job of contacting prospective applicants. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)