Strong Start for Class of 2026 College Acceptances
Though it’s only January, many members of the Rivers Class of 2026 have a good idea where they will be next fall, showcasing the strength of Rivers’ college-bound students in a highly competitive college admissions landscape. As of the last week in January, 92% of students who submitted early decision, early action, restrictive early action, or rolling admission applications have been accepted to at least one college, and 64% of students applying through early decision I or restrictive early action were admitted. Currently, 51% of the class has completed the process and enrolled.
Many of this year’s applicants have already secured a place at some of the nation’s most selective colleges, and the regular decision cycle is still underway. Currently, multiple students have been offered admission to Amherst College, Boston College, Colby College, Colgate University, Davidson College, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, MIT, the University of Michigan, Wake Forest University, Wesleyan University, and Yale University. Students were also admitted to Columbia University, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, Middlebury College, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Pennsylvania, among others.
Director of College Counseling Dave Lyons ’99, P’30, ’32 expressed pride in the class and anticipates the good news will only continue through the regular decision cycle. “The Class of 2026 has done an excellent job reflecting on who they are and what they want for their future. This year’s early rounds were exciting, and we know more good news is on the horizon,” he said.
With all remaining senior applications complete and submitted, the College Counseling Office is shifting its focus to support the junior class and their parents and caregivers, starting with a panel in late January for Grade 11 families. The panel features deans from selective colleges and two seniors discussing the admissions process.
In addition to attending the panel, juniors meet regularly with their college counselors to help identify initial colleges to research based on their hopes and goals for the process, arm them with a better understanding of how the application process works, and build the relationship between student, counselor, and caregivers that will be a cornerstone of the process moving forward.
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