The stadium lights are back on, the caps and gowns have returned to their quiet place in the back of the closet, and the last echoes of “Pomp and Circumstance” are fading into the warm Texas air. It’s that time of year again—when summer officially arrives and another extraordinary group of young people closes the door on high school and steps boldly into what’s next.
We have been lucky enough to do this for a while now, and somehow, every year, the class that walks across the stage manages to leave us even more amazed than the one before. The Class of 2026 is no different. These students are founders and researchers, athletes and artists, scientists and storytellers—and now, graduates. They have poured years of effort into reaching this moment, and we have had a front-row seat to watch it all unfold.
This fall, KD students will be heading to some of the finest institutions in the country—from flagship Texas campuses at UT-Austin and Texas A&M to big-name universities across the nation to small colleges that made them feel right at home. Whether they’re staying in the Lone Star State or venturing out to new cities and new time zones, one thing is certain: they are ready.
To the Class of 2026: take a deep breath and let it soak in. The test scores, the essays, the research, the acceptance letters, the hard conversations, the small wins and the big ones—all of it led here. The same grit that got you through high school will carry you through every challenge and opportunity that college brings. Be proud of who you’ve become and the life you’ve built so far.
We are so incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Congratulations, Class of 2026. Now go and make your mark on the world!
A New Chapter Begins!
Kiyanna B.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“It’s been my dream school since forever! It also just came down to UT’s strong academics and high ranking for my major, which is kinesiology. Also, I just love the city of Austin, and I can’t wait to live in such a diverse place with many programs that can benefit my career.”
Ariana O.
Indiana University Bloomington
Why did you choose this college?
“I chose to commit to IU because it (has been) my top choice for a long time. It has exactly what I want in terms of college experience. Best education/academics, environment, alumni, and career success post graduation.”
Connor M.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“(It’s a) highly ranked public school. I got into the UT Austin Plan II Honors Program, one of my top three.”
Sydney F.
University of Florida
Why did you choose this college?
“They definitely offered me the best bang for my buck. They gave me their honors and research programs, so it will shrink my class sizes and allow me to be close with my professors. I genuinely love the campus atmosphere, and it has all the resources of a large school—and horses. It has so many ways to find a community I want to get involved with, and I am so excited to participate.”
Aryan B.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“Best school for BME (biomedical engineering) that I was accepted to.”
Anish A.
Pennsylvania State University
Why did you choose this college?
“I liked the campus itself and the feel I got from it. Additionally, I thought that its large alumni network would help me for my future.”
Juan L.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“Apart from the top academics, the admission to the Plan II Honors major, and the great cost, I love UT’s spirit, its people, and its community, feeling both fun and outgoing in every way!”
Akarsh M.
Purdue University
Why did you choose this college?
“This university provided me a top-tier finance program with great internship opportunities and strong career outcomes. Purdue also has great networking opportunities and national prestige as well. ”
Justin W.
Texas A&M University
Why did you choose this college?
“I chose it because it would offer me independence and a top-notch education, especially in engineering. It would also allow me to grow my social skills and experience a traditional college experience. Finally, it’s cheap and has a massive alumni network. ”
Holyn W.
Auburn University
Why did you choose this college?
“Auburn is an awesome place with great people and traditions. The strong pre-med program and exercise science major were huge draws. I look forward to rushing the sororities and immersing myself in Auburn extracurricular activities. The town of Auburn is beautiful, and game days are like none other. War Eagle!”
Abigail L.
Boston University
Why did you choose this college?
“I liked their program, location, and overall opportunities.”
Hannah A.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“I chose this college because they have a good psychology program, offers study abroad opportunities, and is in state.”
Victoria J.
Texas Christian University
Why did you choose this college?
“This is my dream college! I got in with an exceptional scholarship… TCU has an excellent business school and wonderful opportunities for me to build the life I want to!”
Diya S.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“I got into Rice, Emory, Case Western and a few other out of state schools. The out of state schools were too expensive, we did not qualify for financial aid. UT-Austin offered me my major of choice, neuroscience, and admission into the Health Sciences Honors Program and a scholarship. Love the college that loves you back!”
Veer U.
Emory University
Why did you choose this college?
“I chose Emory because they had a liberal arts program, allowing me to combine my interests in a balanced way. With the way Emory is designed, I can continue to play Trumpet at a high level while also pursuing a business degree… I also received a scholarship to play tumpet there, which further solidified my decision.”
Simon S.
University of Texas at Dallas
Why did you choose this college?
“They have my preferred major and will be able to give me the best internships possible among other reasons.”
Ankith R.
Purdue University
Why did you choose this college?
“I feel like this college has the best chances of setting me up for the future.”
Erina A.
University of Texas at Arlington
Why did you choose this college?
“The reason why I chose this college is because I am doing the UT CAP program. It is also beneficial for me because I will be able to earn money for a year and then go to Austin.”
Ashwin M.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“I chose UT-Austin because it offers top programs in computer science and robotics.”
Chimdindu N.
Vanderbilt University
Why did you choose this college?
“It has excellent economics and music programs. It also offered me a generous merit scholarship.”
Scarlet H.
Santa Clara University
Why did you choose this college?
“SCU has one of the best finance programs in the nation. The Bay Area specifically has a very steady and open job market. Also, I wanted a new environment with new people. I actually didn’t know about Santa Clara until KD recommended it to me during the beginning of senior year! Throughout this year, it has gotten into my top two colleges. I got in RD and committed about two weeks later! Go Broncos!”
Preethika A.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“I chose this college because it was relatively close to home and was the best option for me and my family, while also allowing me to have a great education!”
Aditya V.
University of Texas at Dallas
Why did you choose this college?
“I chose this college because of its research programs and ease of curriculum.”
Aidan L.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“This college had a great program for my future, close to home, and in-state tuition. It checked off all the boxes.”
Ishaan T.
University of Michigan
Why did you choose this college?
“I thought about what would make me happy, and I realized it would be at a place where I have lots of opportunities to do great things. Michigan struck me as a school with the opportunities that would help me the greatest. I also wanted to go here because I’d be surrounded by people much smarter than myself and would be able to make connections I would keep for the rest of my life here.”
Sloane J.
Augustana College
Why did you choose this college?
“Athletics and academics.”
Ankur R.
Indiana University Bloomington
Why did you choose this college?
“It has a top 10 business school, which I’ll attend. It also has many opportunities for career development and internships.”
Arnav R.
Texas A&M University
Why did you choose this college?
“Strong engineering program and affordable.”
Trisha D.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“Top ranked for electrical and computer engineering (ECE), in state, and Austin is a great location for a ton of career and social opportunities!”
Torben R.
Rice University
Why did you choose this college?
“I like that I have the ability to change majors easily. I also like the college/house system. The outgoing attitude on campus was impactful to my decision. The campus size was a great fit for me, and I prefer personalized teaching strategies.”
Shivali M.
Johns Hopkins University
Why did you choose this college?
“Johns Hopkins University offers the ideal combination of public health, bioethics, research, and interdisciplinary learning to help me make a meaningful impact in healthcare and society. I am especially excited about learning in a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, service, and ethical leadership in addressing global health challenges.”
Ashton I.
St. Edward’s University
Why did you choose this college?
“Computer engineering program and four-year scholarship.”
Adithri R.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“I got into their Dean’s Scholars Honors Program, which is very prestigious. It is also focused on research, aligning with my interests.”
Pranav P.
Washington University in Saint Louis
Why did you choose this college?
“Outside of the fact that’s it is a top 5 undergraduate school for pre-med students and bio/neuroscience studies, WashU has an incredibly collaborative culture. Additionally, the beauty of the campus, quality of living, and student dedication to community service are all unmatched!”
Sahana S.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“I chose this college because it was in a location I liked with a good biochemistry program.”
Emma T.
Texas Woman’s University
Why did you choose this college?
“For its nursing program, location, and cheaper tuition.”
Alisha K.
Texas A&M University
Why did you choose this college?
“I got into Business Honors and found Mays to be my best option out of the schools I applied to as I only applied in state.”
Chirag S.
University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose this college?
“I chose UT Austin because it has one of the strongest computer science programs in the country, with excellent faculty, research opportunities, and industry connections. I was especially attracted to the balance between strong academics and hands-on learning through projects, internships, and collaboration. Another reason was the location…”
Isheeta B.
Baylor University
Why did you choose this college?
“Baylor felt like the perfect place for me to grow academically and creatively! It felt like a place where I could build my future while continuing to explore my passions in leadership, business, and creativity especially with the amount of built in first-year opportunities. The amazing scholarship I received and live bears on campus was definitely a bonus!”
Grace S.
Texas A&M University
Why did you choose this college?
“It has an excellent business school and a strong alumni network.”
Ramkarthik S.
University of Texas at Dallas
Why did you choose this college?
“It is a top three in my board. It has a good data science program, which I prefer, as I am a data science major. Plus, I have a lot of friends going there.”
Isha P.
Missouri Southern State University
Why did you choose this college?
“I have been accepted into their MSSU-KCU Early Acceptance Program for medical school (MKEAP). With this opportunity, I will graduate in three years with a BS in biomedical sciences and immediately matriculate to the Kansas City University (KCU) medical school. This program greatly supports its students in their medical school journey, and I can’t wait to attend in Fall 2026!”
Nikhita K.
William & Mary
Why did you choose this college?
“I valued its interdisciplinary approach to learning, its proximity to DC, as well as the research opportunities they offer. It has a great student culture and a small class size. It also has high rankings as William & Mary is ranked as a public ivy.”
Shaan H.
University of Texas at Dallas
Why did you choose this college?
“I plan to transfer after a year, and it made the most sense due to the vast amount of opportunities available at the school, as well as being well situated within the DFW metroplex.”
