This cannot be by design, and can only mean that the chorus is not attracting anywhere near the requisite number of male applicants.

Colleges are turning to quiet, informal affirmative action on behalf of male applicants.

As of 49th intake in 2007, the academy is open only to male applicants.

The results showed that male applicants were favored significantly.

These participants also selected a higher starting salary and offered more career mentoring to the male applicant.

"The tougher the job market, the higher number of male applicants," he said.

Each year about 33,000 new students apply for admission, with equal proportions of female and male applicants.

That suit involved discrimination against white male applicants for entry-level positions.

But the biggest attraction remains football's ability to bring in male applicants.