The Office of Undergraduate Admission has offered admission to 800 students for the Class of 2008 in the inaugural year of its Single-Choice Early Action program, Robin Mamlet, dean of admission and financial aid, announced Wednesday.

"We were unsure what to expect in our first year of Single-Choice Early Action, but the applicants absolutely amazed us," Mamlet said. "The admitted students share the remarkable pursuit of passions and the diversity of excellences that define Stanford. I look forward to watching their many contributions to our entire community."

Mamlet noted that unlike Stanford's previous Early Decision program, the students admitted through the Single-Choice Early Action program now have until May 1 to confirm their enrollment. "Our hope, of course, is that Stanford remains the first choice of all our admits. But the pressure is off ­ we encourage these students to consider carefully all their college options and to decide by spring which campus is the best fit for them."

Single-Choice Early Action offers of admission account for approximately one-third of the total admission offers to be made this year. More than 4,100 students applied through the new program.

Last year, Stanford withdrew the binding commitment to enroll that was part of its Early Decision program, to alleviate some of the anxiety and stress students feel when navigating the college application process. Instead of making a binding commitment, Single-Choice Early Action applicants agree not to file any other early applications.

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