The English Department will change its procedures for applications to the writing concentration beginning with next year’s cycle of admissions to the program. Students will no longer be allowed to apply to the concentration during the fall of their junior year. Department administrators said the new system will help streamline the application process and will allow students to gain more writing experience before applying. “The main reason is leveling the playing field so that those who start later in their work have an equal chance at becoming writing concentrators,” said Amy Hungerford, the department’s director of undergraduate studies. Applications and enrollment have been steadily rising since the program’s creation in 2003, when there were 12 writing concentrators. Currently, 20 students are enrolled.

DIVYA SUBRAHMANYAM