Applying for excellence

Every year it happens: hype and hysteria surrounding the latest trend, product, craze or movie. When these products or modes of entertainment require physical in-store points of sale -- such as the Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii -- there come the inevitable crowds waiting patiently in long lines. \nThose who are fortunate, qualified or willing to pay the highest price will obtain their coveted prize. Sadly, some will be denied, forced to wallow in their own self-pity until Wal-Mart restocks and offers a lower price.\nWhile the above scenario has ramifications for gamers and moviegoers alike, few would imagine a similar situation for IU. It's hard to picture thousands upon thousands lining up at the Sample Gates for anything (unless it's the backed-up line for Kilroy's Sports Bar on a Saturday).\nBut that's not too far-fetched when considering this year's 20 percent increase in applications for admission. Available spots in next year's incoming freshman class will become markedly competitive. While the illustration concerning the Sample Gates is crude, it is appropriate when considering all the implications such soaring demand for admission has for the University.\nLet us dispense the negative. This year's class exceeded IU's housing capabilities. We all heard the horror stories of poor souls crammed into lounges, living uncomfortably for at least a few weeks. If admission policies are changed to accept even more of the high school minds knocking at our door, we can expect even worse overcrowding to occur.\nWe, however, don't see this happening, and we implore administrators to stick to their word in capping enrollment at or below levels of this year's record-breaking freshman class. We trust they will.\nThe positive in all of this is that IU is, in theory, becoming more respected and recognized as an institution of excellence. Several schools, including the Kelley School of Business, Jacobs School of Music and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, are recognized nationally for their superb reputations. Certainly these are merely a sample of the many outstanding academic entities making IU so attractive.\nThere are others factors, of course, that indicate an improving and desirable image. In 2005 Newsweek deemed IU's Bloomington campus the Hottest Big State School, which has to be a compliment, however ambiguous the title may seem. The University is also on the cutting edge technologically, as PC Magazine was so nice to point out, ranking it the No. 3 wired campus in the nation.\nFrom nationally recognized schools to pop-culture periodical distinctions, there is a trend developing at the University, and that trend is inherently positive. IU is becoming known for its excellence, not its easy access, great party scene or really awesome music download service (wink). \nSo here comes the inevitable question: Should IU focus on expanding access (increasing capacity to meet the high demand) or on building greater excellence?\nIt may be subjective, but we encourage focusing on excellence. They can wait in line. It just might be worth it.