Early decision acceptance letters went out just before winter break to 348 high school seniors from 39 states and nine countries, not counting the United States and Puerto Rico. The schools of Arts and Sciences and Engineering received 613 early decision applications, the highest figure since 1998, and nearly 200 more than the previous year.

Out they go: Just before winter break, Undergraduate Admissions staff prepared to mail responses to 613 early decision applicants. From the left are Kim Vickers, Scott Williamson, Carole Agelopas, Jessica Hess and Mark Breier. Thirty-three percent of the incoming class was admitted early.

The 57 percent admittance rate to the undergraduate schools at Homewood is in keeping with figures from recent years. The top five states represented were, in order, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California. Those accepted--51 percent of whom are male and 49 percent female--represent 33 percent of the incoming freshman class.

According to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the sizable number of early decision applications was attributed to both Johns Hopkins' continued status as one of the nation's premier education institutions and the rising population of U.S. high school students.