EDITORIAL: "The Fewer, the Prouder"

But as the University was quick to point out last year, the Class of 1995 ranked on the same level as previous classes in terms of SAT scores, high school grades, diversity and other measures of quality. The early news about the Class of 1996 seems equally impressive, and that's what's really important. Low acceptance rates still give us that feeling of being one of "the few, the proud, the students of the University of Pennsylvania." Of course, this is merely a matter of pride -- not a matter of self worth. Undoubtedly, the increased selectivity this year was largely the result of record numbers of applicants. And who knows -- high school seniors may have applied in droves because they heard about last year's 47 percent acceptance rate and were particularly optimistic about their chances of getting in. In short, this particular number obviously means something, but it's hard to say exactly what. Like U.S. News and World Report rankings and all other statistics of debatable significance, we'll try to take it for what it's worth. So thank you, Admissions Office. You made us proud (though we're not quite sure just how).