Celebrating Early Decision University Offers for the Class of 2026
Information and data provided by the University and Careers Counselling Office
An Early Decision offer is, in many ways, a moment of agreement between a student and a university. It is not simply an early outcome, but an early recognition that a direction has been tested, refined, and held steadily over time.
For the Class of 2026, these results reflect academic strength alongside the Dulwich Values that shape how students think, create, and contribute: excellence that becomes purposeful work, confidence that becomes readiness, and collaboration that becomes momentum.
This first wave of ED offers also speaks to the sustained partnership between students, families, teachers and our University and Careers Counselling programme at DHSZ. Here, university preparation is never a single season. It is a long practice of reflection and choice making, of learning how to align ability with aspiration, and aspiration with responsibility.
Together, these stories show what it means to Grow in Dulwich, Thrive in Life.
Charlotte G
Washington University in St. Louis｜Biology / Biological Sciences, General
20th in the U.S. News Ranking
Over four consecutive years, Charlotte participated in the iGEM competition and guided her team in independently designing and executing research projects. Elected Deputy Chair in her junior year; she earned trust not only through competence, but through the steadiness of her leadership and her ability to work constructively.
Alongside her scientific work, Charlotte has played the Guzheng since childhood. She extended this personal passion outward by initiating free Guzheng classes in her local community for elementary school children. In this balance, Washington University in St. Louis becomes not only a destination, but a fitting next context for her continued growth.
Wayne L
New York University｜Digital Communications and Media / Multimedia
32th in the U.S. News Ranking
As Wayne’s counsellor, Mr Coyle remarked with warmth, “Wayne is a perfect fit for NYU - from Y11 onwards he has been near obsessed with everything purple from NYU.” His ED offer therefore feels less like a surprise than a mutual confirmation: Wayne is ready for the openness and pace NYU represents.
Having taken part in a US credit-bearing course last summer, Wayne has all the academic skills and has experience of being alone in the US. That tested his independence in unfamiliar surroundings and a highly self-directed rhythm of learning, and it helped shape him into a mature student prepared for NYU.
Lily J
New York University｜Interactive Design
32th in the U.S. News Ranking
Her counsellor, Ms Chen, observed that Lily “combines strong analytical skills with creativity, and always looks for ways to improve her ideas based on real needs.” whether leading her team to a national gold medal in the Conrad Challenge or guiding the design work in Project SISU.
Just as importantly, Lily is known for how she moves within a community: she works well with others, supports younger students, and always looks for ways to improve her ideas based on real needs. In NYU’s dynamic environment, Lily is positioned not only to learn, but to contribute meaningfully to a culture where collaboration and invention are inseparable.
Garfield Z
New York University｜Mathematics
32th in the U.S. News Ranking
Garfield excels in mathematics, physics, and music, and he consistently looks for ways to connect abstract theory to real-world understanding. Through Schoolhouse Tutoring and his role as a Boarding Prefect, Garfield has demonstrated patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others grow.
His counsellor, Ms Chen, noted that Garfield’s strength lies in his “thoughtful approach to problem-solving and community.” In a university setting that values both rigorous learning and meaningful contribution, Garfield can continue to develop as a student who holds depth and humanity at the same time.
Sophia Z
Rhode Island School of Design｜Illustration
2th in U.S. News Fine Art Ranking
Rhode Island School of Design is widely regarded as the leading undergraduate art institution in the United States, often described as the “Art Ivy” for its close academic relationship with Brown University. It is singularly unique in art schools as it requires excellent grades and the best portfolios. Sophia meets these demands with distinction.
As her counsellor Mr Coyle shared, “Sophia’s art teachers encouraged her to aim as high as possible, because they understand her talent a lot better than me!” That statement captures something important about Sophia’s trajectory: her work speaks clearly enough that it invites high expectations, and she has met that expectation with substance.
Lexi J
Boston University｜Social Sciences
42th in the U.S. News Ranking
Lexi’s growth has been characterised by quiet confidence and genuine empathy. As a Student Ambassador and a volunteer with the Suzhou Small Animal Protection Association, she supports peers and community with care and attentiveness. Her creativity shines through photography, film, and drama, giving her multiple lenses in explorations.
Her counsellor, Ms Chen, described Lexi as someone who “reflects carefully and perseveres steadily.” In Boston University’s collaborative and dynamic environment, Lexi is well placed to continue developing leadership, compassion, and artistic vision, while contributing meaningfully to the community around her.
Ingrid Z
Northeastern University｜Social Sciences
46th in the U.S. News Ranking
Ingrid blends ideas across subjects with natural ease, turning philosophy into a micro-film, using coding logic in creative projects, and leading cultural activities through the Flower Arrangement Club. Her learning suggests a student who does not merely collect knowledge but reshapes it. According to her counsellor Ms Chen, Ingrid is “thoughtful, reflective, and quietly driven.”
Her work as a Student Ambassador, Boarding Prefect, and community volunteer show her steady commitment to helping others and building a warm, inclusive environment. Northeastern’s hands-on, interdisciplinary learning style aligns closely with Ingrid’s way of leading and learning.
Michelle F
Northeastern University｜Physical Therapy / Therapist
46th in the U.S. News Ranking
Michelle brings together scientific focus and athletic leadership. She committed herself fully to our school’s iGEM team, and she joined in Johns Hopkins University Summer Course “Anatomy, Physiology & Disease,” where she earned a GPA of 3.7. These experiences reflect her ability to work with precision and persistence.
Beyond academics, Michelle is also Captain of the Girls’ Volleyball team, her counsellor, Ms Shi, described her as a student who “does not simply participate, but transforms every team, project, and community she touches.” Northeastern provides an environment where Michelle can continue applying her strengths in ways that remain grounded, useful, and human-centred.
These Early Decision offers affirm the meeting point between student readiness and institutional fit, between sustained effort and earned recognition.
As offer season continues, we look forward with excitement to the outcomes still to come. This is only the beginning, and we remain proud to walk alongside our students as their next opportunities unfold.
Grow in Dulwich, Thrive in Life.