How many students received an admission e-mail from the University of California

Cole Smith had been rejected by a number of universities when he received an e-mail from the University of California, San Diego, last month, congratulating him on his admission and inviting him to tour the campus. His mother booked a hotel in San Diego, and the 18-year-old Ojai high school senior arranged for his grandfather, uncle and other family members to meet them at the campus for lunch during the Saturday tour.
    "Oh, my God, that’s so awesome," Smith said. But just before he got in bed, he checked his e-mail one last time and found another message saying the school had made a mistake and his application had been denied.
    In fact, all 28, 000 students turned away from University of California, San Diego, in one of the toughest college entrance seasons on record, had received the same incorrect message. The students’ hopes had been raised and then dashed in a cruel twist that shows the danger of instant communications in the Internet age.
    UC San Diego admissions director Mae Brown called it an "administrative error due to the information form the wrong database". But refused to say who had made the mistake, or if those responsible would be punished.
    The e-mail, which began, "We’re thrilled that you’ve been admitted to University of California, San Diego, and we’re showcasing our beautiful campus on Admit Day, " was sent to the full 46, 000 students who had applied, instead of just the 18, 000 who got in, Brown said.
    The error was discovered almost immediately by her staff, who sent an apology within hours.
    "It was really thrilling for a few hours; now he’s crushed," said Smith’s mother, Tracy Smith. "It’s really tough on them."