One out of every six students, randomly selected, received a longer form of 34 questions, asking for more detailed information about occupation, income, ancestry, residence, possible disabilities and level of education.

While the form has come under fire nationally for asking too many detailed, personal questions, Harvard students said they did not mind the extra 15 or 20 minutes the form takes to fill out.

"It wasn't a hassle," said Lisa M. Herman '01. "They're only once every 10 years."

Clinkenbeard said the extra information the long form provides helps determine allocation of federal funding.

"All the long form questions are specifically there because there are federal programs associated with that data, in terms of dispensing resources," he said.

Clinkenbeard said the overall response rate in Massachusetts exceeds the national average, but Cambridge lags slightly behind.

He said it is crucial for Harvard students to return their forms--parents are explicitly instructed not to list college students--to ensure an accurate count and ensure funding for Cambridge.

"Where you answer does not affect where you are registered to vote, where your legal residence is, where you pay taxes," Clinkenbeard said. "If people follow instructions [a double count] shouldn't happen."