UF admissions can expect to snag some more applicants in the coming year, if past championships are any indication.
The university has received a marginal increase in student applications following past national championships, said UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes.
"Overall, you get a little bit more interest," Sikes said. "It's hard to tell what is having an impact at the moment because we've had several national championships in a row."
When it comes to fluctuations in UF's applicant pool, Sikes said there are many other factors at play, citing causes such as the current economy and the pull of in-state tuition.
There was a slight increase during the fall admissions period following the 1996 championship season compared to the prior year - an increase of 597 applications, according to records from UF's Office of Institutional Planning and Research.
Following the football and basketball championships in 2006, 4,872 more applications were received in 2007 compared to the previous fall term, according to the records.
However, given looming budget cuts and UF's current plan to reduce enrollment by 1,000 students each year for the next four years, more UF hopefuls might face rejection if the number of applications increases.
Sikes said the plan could change.
"They're trying to do a correct allocation of students based on our budget," Sikes said. UF noted that fewer applicants turn down their acceptance to the university following a championship win, she said.
"The amount of students who say 'yes' to UF does increase," Sikes said, adding that some may be moved to accept their offer because of UF's strong sports program and national victories.
"It's just kind of an electric atmosphere that tends to draw students," Sikes said. "People want to be a part of that atmosphere."
