College Advising Update: The Year in Review

In the class of 2026, 28 students applied to 133 different colleges/universities with applications going to 36 states and the District of Columbia. Our students were accepted to 96 different schools. 

Students submitted 279 applications and received 191 acceptances. Though several students have not yet decided on their post-Trinity plans, we project that 40-45 percent of seniors will travel outside Texas for their education. 

Because National Candidate Reply Date is around the corner (Friday, May 1), Mr. Jones and I will provide an updated overview of this remarkable graduating class in the May 8 Charger. 

Juniors are preparing for their college application process. Over the course of this spring, they have had workshops about various facets of the work ahead, including standardized testing, resume development, teacher recommendation selection, and essay writing. Earlier this month, they were joined by Beverly Henry Wheeler, Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission at Austin College, for a session about writing their personal statement that focused on brand. 

Students should mark their calendars for our College Application Kickoff on Monday, August 3 at noon, which will include lunch, college application updates, and a senior celebration. This replaces Midnight Madness, which falls on a Friday night/Saturday morning this year, and commemorates the opening of the Common Application and the college admissions season. Provided students are ready, many of our seniors will be able to apply to one or more colleges in early August.    

Expeditionary Learning for the 10th grade class gave our students an introduction to college choice. Designed to show them public, private, large and small universities, the trip included tours of Angelo State University, St. Edward’s University, Southwestern University, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, and Trinity University. Sophomores also attended a Longhorn baseball game, and the Trinity college advising and institutional advancement offices partnered to host a local alumni event at Pins Mechanical Co. in Austin. 

In late March, the DFW Admissions Regional Network (DARN) visited Trinity for a Midland Swing, four high school college fairs in our area. Our students in grades 9-11 were fortunate to visit with college counselors from across the United States.

Some juniors are already visiting colleges of interest to them and will continue to do so this summer. For families of younger students, college tours can provide helpful context for the junior and senior years. If you are traveling this summer, and you will be near a college campus, you can set up an official information session and tour. Most colleges have a “Visit” tab on their websites and require students and their families to register in advance. Please note any age minimums or restrictions.