TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – The University of Kansas will have tougher

admissions standards than the state’s other public colleges

beginning in 2016.

The Kansas Board of Regents approved a proposal Wednesday to

boost requirements for incoming freshmen. Admission will be

automatic for applicants with at least a "B" average in high

school; others would have their applications reviewed by a

committee.

The University of Kansas sought the change, saying it should

improve graduation rates.

Students can now enter any state college by scoring 21 on the

ACT, having a 2.0 GPA in a college prep curriculum or graduating in

the top third of their high-school classes. The new standards for

KU add requirements for grade-point averages.