A SPECIAL REPORT: UC IRVINE

UNDER THE BIG TOP: Orientation activities get under way this week at UC Irvine, with classes starting next Monday, and you may have noticed those giant tents billowing across the medical college parking lot. . . . It’s not Ringling Bros. but rather eight sororities holding annual rush week on campus for the first time in recent years. This saves the rushees money--because they can now stay in dorms instead of hotels--and promotes campus spirit. . . . Medical faculty are advised not to panic: Tents will be gone with the wind when classes begin.

Off to College

This fall, UC Irvine will draw 97.5% of its 2,700 freshmen from California.

L.A. County: 41.5%

Orange County: 31.5%

Rest of California: 24.5%

Rest of U.S./world: 2.5%

Source: UCI Admissions Office