As the 2026-2027 school year officially kicked off, the Brandeis community welcomed the Class of 2030. Over 14,000 people applied from around the world, with the new class representing primary citizenship from 44 countries. This year’s first-years reflect a wide range of interests, experiences and backgrounds.

In a written statement to The Justice, Dean of Admissions Emily Roper-Doten provided statistics and background for the Class of 2030. About 800 incoming first-year and transfer students came to Brandeis this fall, a number identical to the Class of 2029. International students make up 12% of the Class of 2030, with China, Japan, India, Vietnam and Israel being the most represented countries. Additionally, 21% of first-year students are first-generation students.

The new students have shown a strong commitment to leadership and community involvement before coming to Brandeis. Seventy-five percent of newly admitted students participated in community service in high school, while 61% participated in athletics. Additionally, 41% of first-year students have played an instrument, sung, danced or participated in the arts.

First-year students have also started thinking about the academic paths they want to pursue. While business, biology and psychology are some of the most popular majors, Roper-Doten revealed that the new Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics ranked among the top 10 academic areas of interest for enrolled students. “I hope to double major in Astrophysics and Astrobiology, with a background in Astronomy. I have always loved learning about space and the universe,” Evelyn Hirsch ’30 shared.

Students had different reasons for choosing Brandeis as their home for their college journey. Some students were especially drawn to the University’s values, citing its historical commitment to social justice. “Not only does [Brandeis] offer an exceptional liberal arts education rooted in critical thinking, but it is also a welcoming and diverse environment for all types of backgrounds and experiences … I was impressed by the knowledge of the professors and the intellectually stimulating curriculum,” Madeline Hyman ’30 shared.

Students also appreciated the sense of community and belonging on campus. “I chose Brandeis University because the campus made me feel known and not like an outsider. When I went to the open house, I didn’t feel like I was just a new person visiting the school. I felt welcomed and like I was already part of a family,” Hirsch said.

On campus, first-years are already finding ways to get involved by joining university organizations. Students interviewed by The Justice shared that they have already joined clubs such as the Tennis Club, Adagio Dance Company, the Astronomy Club and Laurel Moon. “My favorite experience at Brandeis so far has been playing tournaments with the tennis team. It has been super fun, but also I just like the autonomy I get,” Jonah Stolte ’30 shared.

Building relationships has been an important part of first-year students’ college experiences so far. “[My favorite experience has been] just being around the boys on the tennis team, getting to practice with them, see them every day. We really built a family already,” Jay Raj ’30 shared.

Exploring campus has also been a key part of first-year students’ transition to college life. “Recently, I ventured to the pond near the chapels to log trees for my class, and that was one of my most memorable moments as a nature lover,” Hyman ’30 said.

The Class of 2030 is diverse not only in its passions and interests but also in its accomplishments. Roper-Doten shared that there is a student who was a musical performer at the 2022 Olympic opening ceremonies and another student whose essay on artificial intelligence was published in The New York Times after winning a New York Times STEM writing contest. There is also a student who is a singer-songwriter with more than 300,000 Instagram followers.

In her welcome address at Inside ’Deis, an event for recently admitted students, Roper-Doten told the Class of 2030, “You are a class of ‘doers’ —  people who see a need and fill it, who see a challenge and meet it.”