Applications to the University of Vermont have reached a record level of 12,889 in 2005, surpassing last year’s total by 13.2 percent, according to a preliminary analysis. The previous high of 11,953 occurred in 1987 at the height of the university’s Public Ivy era. Applications have increased by 80.9 percent since 1997 and by 63.4 percent since 2000.

The quality of the applicant pool is also up, with average SAT scores rising an average of approximately 15 points.

Diversity in the applicant pool also increased this year, with a 10 percent rise in the number of applicants identifying themselves African American, Asian American, Latino, or Native American.

According to the current count, Vermont applications have risen 5.1 percent over last year’s total to 1,796, the third highest mark in the university’s history. All of the applications numbers will increase, especially Vermont applications, as late applications are processed. “We are very pleased with both the size and quality of the applicant pool,” said Don Honeman, director of admissions and financial aid. “It’s more evidence that the word is getting out about the quality of the academic experience UVM offers.”