Doha: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a partner university of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, organized a welcome ceremony for the first group of students accepted under the early decision phase for the Class of 2029.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Early Decision dinner was an opportunity for 29 students and their parents to meet some of their professors and mark the beginning of their journey at CMU-Q. This year saw a record number of applications for Early Decision, which is a category of admission for students whose first choice of colleges is CMU-Q. Early Decision applications are due November 1, and decisions are sent to students in December.

"Early Decision is a category for students who have already chosen their top pick of university," said Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, who personally welcomed the students and their families at the dinner. "We are delighted to welcome this notable group of students. This is the most competitive year ever for admission, and I am very excited to welcome the Class of 2029 this fall." The admitted students include 11 Qatari citizens. A total of 12 nationalities are represented among the new students. Decisions for the Regular Decision round will be sent to applicants on April 1.