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Early Decision (ED) I applications to 51���� have increased by 31.8% compared to last year. The upward trend follows on the heels of last year’s 6.4% increase in ED applications and historic 104% increase in total applications.

“Within the record-setting EDI applicant pool, we’re seeing growth in key areas and a rise in academic quality that continue to impress us,” says Dean of Admission Tara Bubble.

Noteworthy growth includes an 35.8% increase in the number of domestic multicultural applicants, a more than 100% increase in applicants from the west and southwest regions of the United States, and a 41.1% increase in international applications as 51���� continues to expand its geographic reach.

The rise in application numbers has been tied to several initiatives within ��DZ������ٱ�’s Third-Century Plan, including improvements to the application process and expansion of the financial aid support available through the 51���� Commitment. 51���� also received national attention for a successful pandemic response that allowed students to live and learn together on the University’s campus.

“We continue to see a return on the significant amount of work the admission and financial aid teams have put into connecting with our prospective student base,” says Bubble. “We’re having more quality interactions with students in a time when the traditional in-person school visits and college fairs are very limited.”

Admitted Early Decision I students were notified on Dec. 13 and join QuestBridge students, admitted through the National College Match on Dec. 1., as the first members of the 51���� Class of 2026.

In the University’s second year of partnership with QuestBridge, 15 students have been matched with 51����. The cohort represents nine states and has an average unweighted GPA of 3.954. The group shares a resounding commitment to community: a Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year award recipient and a Military Order of the Purple Heart National Leadership Award winner are among the accomplished group.

“We feel incredible momentum as we near our regular decision application deadline, and we’re looking forward to watching the rest of the Class of 2026 form,” says Bubble.

��DZ������ٱ�’s Regular Decision and Early Decision II application deadline is Jan. 15. Regular Decision applicants can convert their application to Early Decision II by Feb. 15.