Due to a sharp rise in enrollment, San Francisco State University will stop accepting spring 2003 applications from prospective undergraduate students earlier than usual. Prospective freshmen and transfer students must submit applications for spring 2003 by Friday, Nov. 15. The deadline for graduate applications for spring 2003 is unchanged at Nov. 15 as previously announced.

In the past, SFSU accepted undergraduate applications for spring semester as late as the first day of classes in January. But this year, the University must take steps to ensure that it does not admit more students than it can adequately serve, said Jo Volkert, assistant vice president for enrollment planning and management.

"If we admit students and they cannot get the classes they need, we have not done the students or the campus any favors," she said.

The number of new students on campus this fall increased 18.3 percent over last year, due in part to the drop in the economy and the rising number of baby boomers with college-age children (often referred to as "Tidal Wave II").

Prospective students are encouraged to apply online, to receive an admissions decision more quickly. Online applications must be completed and submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.

For details on SFSU admissions, majors and degree programs, costs, financial aid, on-campus housing and student life, visit the prospective students' Web site.

To request an application form, call (415) 338-7238 or send an e-mail to outreach@sfsu.edu.

Prospective students interested in on-campus housing are encouraged to submit a housing application before being admitted to SFSU, as space is limited and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For details, call (415) 338-1067 or visit the housing Web site.