Welcome, Class of 2026!

This year, Wellesley received just over 8,700 first-year applications, the highest number in College history. On March 19, 13 percent of the applicants were offered admission.

Here’s a look at the admitted class of 2026:

They hail from high schools in 45 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, as well as 30 countries outside the United States.

Sixty-two percent are domestic students of color, identifying as African American, Asian American, Latina or Hispanic, Native American, or multiracial.

Twenty-three percent will be the first generation in their families to attend a four-year college.

Eleven percent are international citizens.

Forty-seven percent speak a language other than English in their homes.

This was the second year Wellesley temporarily suspended the standardized testing requirement and made testing optional for applicants. 

Approximately 55 percent of the applicants chose not to submit test scores, and about 40 percent of the admitted students did not submit SAT or ACT scores for review.

Of the students attending high schools that rank, 91 percent are ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating classes. Ninety-nine percent are ranked in the top 20 percent.

Admitted students include those who applied to Wellesley via the College’s longtime partner, QuestBridge, and those who worked with local, community-based organizations that support students in applying to college.

“This was an extraordinary group of applicants and it was humbling for the admission committee to make choices about which students to admit. We remain grateful to every student who took the time and effort to submit an application to Wellesley and we congratulate those who have been offered admission,” said Joy St. John, dean of admission and financial aid.

“We have been busy planning an expansive set of virtual programs and some smaller on-campus visit opportunities for admitted students,” St. John said. “I know that our faculty, students, staff, and alumnae look forward to engaging with these wonderful students and sharing more details about how a Wellesley education can transform a life.”