Nevertheless, a few prospective students andparents said they were sad to see Radcliffe go.

"I kind of would like 'Radcliffe' on mydiploma. I don't really understand why it won't bethere," said prospective student Tania R. James.

Vikas M. Varkud said his daughter had beenlooking forward to attending both Harvard andRadcliffe. He said she took special pains toexplain the difference between the twoinstitutions to her grandfather.

"She did have identity with Radcliffe," Varkudsaid.

In particular, parents said they hoped themerger would not quash special programs for women.

"Sometimes girls are not as confident and are alittle more shy," said parent Reena Racki.

Rosalind M. Vaz, whose daughter visited campusthis weekend, said she would write letter ofprotest if programs disappeared.

"My personal feeling is that I hope this won'tstifle the process of women mentoring women," Vazsaid.--Rosalind S. Helderman contributed to thereporting of this story.