Starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, 855 students will learn that they are the first members of Duke University’s Class of 2026. The students applied as Early Decision applicants, indicating that Duke is their first choice and committing to enroll at the university if admitted. Of these, 695 plan to enroll in the Trinity School of Arts & Sciences, and 160 in the Pratt School of Engineering, said Christoph Guttentag, dean of admissions.