Dear Laker Community,

What an extraordinary year it has been for the Class of 2026! Our seniors have achieved remarkable things, and we couldn't be prouder to share their story: one of resilience, excellence, and Laker pride shining on a national and global stage.

To truly appreciate what our students accomplished, it helps to understand the landscape they navigated. This was one of the most competitive college admissions cycles in history. Common Application data showed a 4% rise in applicants nationwide, with Florida State University alone receiving a record 96,000 applications. Top universities grew increasingly selective, with Ivy League acceptance rates dropping below 5%. Standardized testing made a meaningful comeback, with score submission rising 11% as highly selective institutions reinstated testing requirements. And with Early Decision now filling more than 70% of incoming classes at many selective schools, strategic planning has never mattered more.

Our Lakers didn't just navigate this landscape—they thrived in it.

Our seniors earned an incredible 986 college acceptances across institutions of every size, type, and location around the world. A stunning 364 of those acceptances came from top-50 nationally ranked universities, a testament to how well our students compete at the highest levels, even as those schools grow more selective each year. Two of our seniors earned a combined three acceptances to United States Service Academies—an honor that reflects the exceptional character, discipline, and leadership that define a Laker.

The global reach of this class is truly something to celebrate. Our students will pursue their futures across 13 countries—Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The world is quite literally their classroom, and they are ready for it.

The financial recognition our seniors earned reflects just how much the world sees in them: the Class of 2026 was awarded $9,962,558 in scholarships. That number represents not just financial support, but a powerful validation of their talent, hard work, and promise.

To our seniors: you rose to meet one of the most challenging admissions cycles in modern history, and you did it with grace, grit, and unmistakable Laker pride. We will miss you deeply and cheer for you loudly every step of the way.

To our families: thank you for trusting us with your student's journey. It is an honor we hold close to our hearts.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. The world is ready for you—and you are more than ready for the world.

With Laker Pride,

Nancy Gerena

Director of College Counseling