But Harvard officials said they were not surprised that large numbers of their students responded to the ad.

"Especially when you're facing the bills that one has to pay for college and if one is thinking about graduate school or professional school, $50,000 can go a long way," said Stephen H. Behnke, a fellow in ethics and instructor in the psychology department. "Given the size of the inducement, it's not a surprise."

Behnke said he fears the ads will lead Harvard students to take on responsibilities for which they are not yet prepared.

"If you have someone who has not been a parent before, I wonder if they can really appreciate the significance of creating a life in this manner," he said. "I would be concerned that the size of the financial inducement is such that it's not going to be either a free or voluntary choice on the individual's behalf."

The ads also attracted the attention of University Health Services Director David S. Rosenthal '59, who said he was concerned about the health risks involved.

"I would advise every woman considering this to get good advice from a non-interested party, such as our OB/GYN service," Rosenthal wrote in an e-mail message.

The over 20 Harvard students who completed the process sent in an application including a personal profile and family medical history. Finalists will undergo a psychological screening and physical exam.