Once again, Harvard's incoming first-years are the smartest, most talented and most carefully selected in the school's history, according to statistics released by Admissions Office.

For the sixth year in a row, Harvard posted a record number of applicants. At 18,190, the total number of applicants increased by 1 percent from 1995.

Of the vast number of applicants, only 10.9 percent were admitted, the lowest percentage ever.

Since 978 members of the Class of 2000 were selected in December from the early applicant pool of about 3,000, less than 7 percent of applicants from the regular pool were accepted.

According to Director of Admissions Marlyn McGrath Lewis '70, there were 2,905 applicants who were ranked number one in their high schools.

"It's not just a matter of numbers," Lewis said. "It's a matter of extraordinarily strong candidates."

Lewis said that of the 20 young people listed as USA Today's top high school students, 15 applied to Harvard and 14 were admitted and will matriculate in September.

"We're really trying to admit people who have not just the talent, but the energy and determination to make a difference to society," Lewis said.

"We're not modest," she added.

"We want people who will change the world."

"We hope that they're as good as they seemed to the committee," Lewis said.

Orientation Week

A few changes will await incoming first-years during orientation week.

Responding to safety concerns raised by students after a number of thefts and assaults at Harvard last year, the Harvard University Police Department, in conjunction with the Harvard Alliance for Safety Training, will offer optional safety courses during the week.

In addition, the Undergraduate Council agreed last spring to sponsor a seminar series on the history of Harvard