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.