North bears up

The percentage of students choosing to study in the north has risen over recent years ("North hit as applications fall", THES, January 22). At Edge Hill, applications rose by 41 per cent between 1996 and 1998. The total this year should be near 1998 levels. But applications, particularly to the new universities and colleges, appear to be being made later. More than 41,000 forms still remained to be processed by January 15.

John Carter, Chief executive, Edge Hill University College, Ormskirk, Lancashire.