ALTHOUGH THIS YEAR’S freshman class is undergoing the same transitional stage as previous freshmen, their entrance into the University of Denver began differently.

This year’s freshman class is just over 1,200 students. This makes them the largest freshman class at the University of Denver. This year’s freshman class is unique because they were the first class to go through the Hyde Interview, in addition to sending in an application of admission.

Although this only applied to the early-application students this year, the goal is to use the Hyde Interview for all incoming first-year students by 2004.

The Hyde Interview was created at DU to go a step further in selecting students because there is only so much that an essay and a few facts on paper can say about a person. The Hyde Interview lets the DU Admissions Board view the student as a whole person. Thirteen questions are asked in all, including a question about whom the student admires, and another question about a life-changing experience.

The Hyde Interview has helped both DU and the prospective students to get a feel for whether or not they would fit in at DU. Out of 34 prospective students applying for early decision, 17 who may not have been accepted were, and vice-versa. So far, the DU Applications Board is happy with the Interview process, and hopes to move forward in its implementation.

This may pose a problem, however. The interview process costs $100 a session. Students who may be dependent on financial aid to come to DU may not want to spend that much just for an interview.

For information on the Hyde Interview, visit http://www.du.edu/dumagazine/spring2002/academic.html