As a result of the large freshman class this year and the equally unexpected state-budget difficulties, admissions counselors may find themselves forced to pick and choose more carefully when admitting potential UW freshmen, officials say.

“This year’s class size was an unusual occurrence,” Assistant Director of Admissions Tom Reason said. “It went up at a rate unseen before and unpredicted. We are doing our best to hold the line on enrollment.”

The chancellor’s office is committed to maintaining the quality of the university, even if it comes at the expense of greater access for the state’s flagship campus, Charles Hoslet, senior special assistant to the chancellor, said.

“The Regents and the chancellors of this campus have made the decision long ago that if it comes down to quality versus access, we will choose quality,” Hoslet said. “We believe the ideal size for freshman class is 5,500 students. The closer you get to 6,000, the more trouble you have with students unable to find the classes they need.”