TOWSON, Md. - Towson University has expanded its Top 10% Scholars Program to include Baltimore County public high school seniors who rank in the top 10 percent of their class. The program, announced last month, already provides automatic admission for Baltimore City public high school seniors with top 10 percent class ranking.

Lonnie McNew, associate vice president for enrollment management at Towson, points out that the university has been recruiting high achieving students for years because "students who rank high among their peers thrive and succeed here." Last year Towson enrolled about fifty new freshmen from Baltimore City and Baltimore County public schools who were ranked in the top ten percent. This year, the university hopes to at least double that number.

This pilot program focuses on public schools in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The university hopes to expand the program in future years.

The Top 10% Scholars Program will offer admission, as well as a $4,000 annual scholarship, to students ranked in the top ten percent of their graduating classes and who are completing a college preparatory curriculum. In addition, many of these students may qualify for other scholarships and need-based financial aid. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years.

With an application deadline of February 15, i nterested students should contact their guidance officers or call Towson University at 1-888-4TOWSON.

Contact: Carol Dunsworth

cdunsworth@towson.edu