³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ

Skip to Main Content
³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ College

Making history: Welcoming the Class of 2026

September 6, 2022

³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ is welcoming the largest first-year class in College history β€” 785 students drawn from a record pool of more than 13,000 applicants.   

Members of the Class of 2026, who come from 36 states and are citizens of 31 countries, were officially welcomed to campus during New Student Convocation on Sunday, Sept. 4. 

Well over half of the class β€” 452 students β€” arrived at ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ on Thursday, Sept. 1, for ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ’s vibrant pre-orientation programs, ranging from on-campus experiences that explore exciting activities in Saratoga Springs to paddling expeditions and yoga retreats in the nearby Adirondack mountains. Another 29 students are spending their first semester in London as part of a ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ academic program.

First-year students also participated in a series of orientation programs organized by ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ’s First-Year Experience program. A hallmark of the program is a rich variety of multidisciplinary Scribner Seminars, which extend this year from Bad Science, taught by Associate Professor of Psychology Corinne Moss-Racusin, to Disney's America, taught by Professor of American Studies Greg Pfitzer. Classes for all students began Wednesday, Sept. 7.  

³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ again exceeded its admissions target, and the first-year class is 57 students larger than last year’s incoming class. 

A ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ student participates in a ropes course as part of pre-orientation programming before the start of classes.

A ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ student participates in a ropes course as part of pre-orientation programming before the start of classes.

Mary Lou Bates, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid, described an incoming class that is as diverse as it is engaged. In addition to English, members of the class use more than 40 different languages, which range from American Sign Language to Zulu.  

β€œAs a class, you bring to ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ a wide range of and diverse assortment of talents and experiences,” Bates said. β€œMany of you are committed to and actively supporting causes about which you are passionate: Black Lives Matter, climate change, women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, prison reform β€” to name just a few.” 

Students outside New Student Convocation

Members of the class have been recognized for outstanding athletic and academic achievements, have completed impressive research and internships in the sciences, business, and community organizations, and have performed dance from ballet and jazz to Chinese folk and Bharatanatyam. 

A quarter self-identify as domestic students of color, and 11% are the first in their families to go to college. Half of the students applied and were accepted through ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ’s Early Decision process. 

Students pose for a photo before leaving campus for London.

First-year students pose for a photo before leaving campus for London as part of a First-Year Experience program.

College President Marc Conner and Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim welcomed the new students to campus and shared words of wisdom. Rachel Roe-Dale, director of the First-Year Experience and professor of mathematics, addressed the class on behalf of ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ’s faculty.  

β€œThe next four years at ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ will continue to be a period of intense change for you,” Roe-Dale told the incoming class. β€œChange is ubiquitous and unavoidable. Change is happening all around you, and change presents the opportunity for growth. Over the next four years you will choose how you will meet these growth opportunities and how you will approach the adversity and challenges that come with them.”  

Related News


Sarah+Condon-Meyers
Staff Photographer Sarah Condon-Meyers presents some of her favorite images of ³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ’s campus and community in 2024 and offers an inside look at the stories behind each shot.
Dec 19 2024

Students+in+the+classics+course+The+Romans+in+Their+Environment
Classics Professor Amy Oh uses the popular video game to help her students learn about ancient Romans through world-building.
Dec 13 2024

Tabletop+Game+Design+course+in+the+Schupf+Family+IdeaLab
³ΤΉΟ±¬ΑΟ faculty apply Creative Thought Matters across disciplines to meaningfully engage and challenge students through games and roleplay.
Dec 12 2024