Hopkins recently released the results of its Early Decision II cycle to the high school seniors who eagerly applied. We want to extend our warmest congratulations to our new Blue Jays, the Class of 2026!
We know all of you are looking forward to taking advantage of the University’s renowned resources to advance academically and professionally. From connecting with well-known faculty to collaborating on innovative research projects, there are a lot of great opportunities for incoming freshmen.
Beyond that, Hopkins also provides a place for new students from diverse backgrounds to develop meaningful relationships and come together as a community. New students can look forward to our annual Hoptoberfest and Lighting of the Quads events in the fall (everyone loves free stuff) and Spring Fair in April, which many of our current students will experience for the first time this semester as well.
While incoming students should take the time to congratulate themselves and get excited for the University’s many benefits, we also urge you to come to Baltimore with an open mind.
New students must remember that they are entering a city with a rich history and vibrant community of full-time residents. Therefore, it is particularly important for rising freshmen to educate themselves on the role of Hopkins and its interactions with the broader Baltimore community.
Our institution is not perfect. It has a history of inflicting harm on the surrounding community, with acts such as exacerbating the discriminatory, historical practice of redlining and displacing locals in East Baltimore with its redevelopment projects.
We acknowledge the administration’s efforts to record the University’s history through its Hopkins Retrospective project, but it must do more to educate students. While we have called on the University to mandate such classes for freshmen, it remains up to students to ask these questions and inform ourselves in the meantime.
In order for us to continue improving as an institution, we must remove our rose-tinted glasses and recognize our University’s shortcomings.
Last semester, we wrote about resetting campus culture, calling on students to consider ways to break from the University's competitive environment. There's no question that Hopkins is a challenging school, and the transition to college can be exceptionally trying. However, as students, we are capable of changing how we interact and shape the culture on campus. The incoming freshman class will be able to play a part in this as well.
Our new Blue Jays — and our older ones — must be active members of our community beyond the bubble of the Brody Learning Commons or shuffling from class to class. Whether this be through informing yourself about ongoing issues, protests and petitions or joining volunteer organizations, we encourage the Class of 2026 to get involved.
Take advantage of University programs to explore the city. Through Hop Art, students are provided with the opportunity to explore the arts scene around Baltimore. You can also support your fellow, artsy Blue Jays by attending concerts or performances at the Peabody Institute. The Billie Holiday Project for Liberation Arts at Hopkins puts on events to pay homage to Baltimore and its role in the evolution of jazz.
Make sure to explore the city out from under the University’s wings, as well. We live in a beautiful place with tons of sights to see and events to attend: Take a stroll through Patterson Park, explore the plant biomes at Rawlings Conservatory, admire the art (or join in) at the Graffiti Alley and support local vendors at the Waverly Farmers Market.
We know how awkward the transition period between high school and college is — we’ve been there! Take this time to reflect on how much potential the next four years have. Like any new endeavor, the quality of your Hopkins experience will depend on what you put into it. We wish you the best and can’t wait to see you in Charm City.
