WOODLAND HILLS : Pierce’s Early Filers Get a Sweet Reward

In a twist on the student-gives-apple-to-teacher tradition, Pierce College administrators are handing out the legendary fruit to people waiting in line at the admissions office as an incentive to apply early.

“We’re trying to do everything we can to make the admissions process a sweeter experience for the students,” said Richard Moyer, associate dean of planning and research. “No pun intended.”

Moyer said the college has expanded its admissions staff for the next few weeks, for the usual crush of applicants who want to get their first-choice classes next semester. Students who apply early are given first priority during registration.

Course offerings next semester should be “nearly identical” to those last spring, partly due to the expected payment of nearly $1 million from a developer, Moyer said. The money comes in exchange for the placement of more than 30,000 truckloads of dirt on the college farm.

The office started accepting applications Tuesday. Those who apply after Dec. 16 may not have their paperwork processing completed before the semester starts Jan. 18, he said.