MADISON, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin System will implement a new admissions policy that will look at race, income and other factors outside academics to decide on acceptance.

Larry Rubin, the system's assistant vice president for academic and student services, said that there will be no automatic admission -- even for top students.

Some say the policy will punish students who earn good grades. Typically high GPA and ACT scores are the main admission factors, but that will change under the new policy.

The UW-Madison has already been using this policy to promote diversity for at least eight years.

The policy would be incorporated into the other universities in the fall of 2007.

State Rep. Steve Nass of Whitewater said the policy will push wealthy students who earn good grades and come from conservative backgrounds to go to out-of-state schools or private universities.

A UW Committee member who helped develop the policy said wealthy students will have to prove themselves just like any other student.

"There's no reason anyone in the state should feel entitled to a place to fill a seat in the UW. We don't have enough seats for all the students that are highly motivated and very well qualified," said Vicki Washington, interim assistant vice president for academic diversity and development.

Washington said research has shown kids have a more fulfilling college experience in a more diverse atmosphere. She said she expects the policy will make the UW System appealing to more students.

Each school admissions department will decide separately how they want students to apply and prove they are well-rounded. Washington said it could be in the form of a special essay describing extra activities or stories that make that student unique.