Johns Hopkins welcomes first members of Class of 2026

More than 500 students representing 36 U.S. states and 21 countries have been offered admission to Johns Hopkins University in the Early Decision I cohort of the Class of 2026.

"We are excited to admit this group of 520 students, representing one of the most talented and diverse student bodies in the nation, as the foundation for our Class of 2026," says Ellen Chow, dean of undergraduate admissions. "They have already shown incredible academic and co-curricular achievements and a diversity of interests that span everything from the history of art and Africana studies to political science, physics, and engineering."

This cohort of students includes change-makers already improving society and humanity through their work. One is the founder of Mission Marrow, which aims to address disparities in stem cell registries. Another led a team to create the first 3D-printed electronic arm in Paraguay. They are harnessing emerging technologies for the greater good, too. One student developed a machine-learning algorithm that assists caregivers in preventing patients with dementia and other conditions from wandering and entering unsafe spaces, while yet another student designed and built a pair of glasses that help people with visual impairments navigate unfamiliar environments. They are advocates for equity, organizing a successful campaign to change the placement process for Baltimore City Public Schools in order to create more equity for ESOL students and co-founding the Georgia ACLU student chapter.

Of the admitted students, 17% are the first in their families to go to college. A third will enroll in the Whiting school of Engineering and the remainder will enroll in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.

"These are students who will bring a unique perspective to our campus, who know how to work together to strengthen an idea, and who are already making an impact on their communities and the world," Chow said. "We can't wait to see how their ideas and interests will help shape our community."

The remainder of the Class of 2026 will be selected from the Early Decision II and Regular Decision applicant pool. Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on Jan. 3. Early Decision II decisions will be released Feb. 11 and regular admissions decisions will be announced March 18.