On Thursday we find out how many people have applied to start university in September. Outside the glamourous world of education correspondents and the odd university bean-counter this annual announcement usually ranks behind the Winter Olympics in the national consciousness, writes Matthew Taylor.
But this year, although it would be an exaggeration to say the nation is holding its breath, there is a degree of anticipation unusual in the world of higher education.
This is because the new funding arrangements, which will see universities charge £3,000 a year in fees, are being introduced in September.
Those opposed to the move, including the NUS and many Labour backbenchers, have warned that students, particularly those from poorer backgrounds, will be put off.
The government insists that the package on offer, which will mean students pay nothing until they have graduated, will mean the majority are actually better off and that student numbers will not be affected.
For all the posturing and spin that will undoubtedly arrive via email and phone tomorrow and Thursday the issue is fairly clear cut.
If the figure falls dramatically or there is a steep drop off in those from poorer backgrounds the government will be in trouble. Anything else and ministers will tough it out and claim victory.
In the end people have to decide whether they want higher education to be free for everybody, in which case taxes need to go up, or they have to accept that fees are a reality and that, however you dress it up, the prospect of paying will put many people off.
