College Advising Update 1.26.24

College Conversations: The Admission Landscape in 2024

We are excited to share that Trinity will host College Conversations: The Admission Landscape in 2024 on Thursday, February 15. 

Featuring Ramon Blakley, Director of Recruitment at The University of Texas at Austin and Mary Randers, Interim Vice President Institutional Enrollment at Austin College, this night – open to all Trinity parents – will be a frank discussion about the college admission landscape. We will touch on how college admissions has changed in a post-pandemic, test-optional world, how Trinity students fare in holistic review, the value of an independent school education, what the looming higher education enrollment cliff might look like for students and colleges, and more. 

Our event begins at 6 p.m. in The Commons. It follows a day of activities for our students and faculty. Students in grades 9-11 will meet with Blakley and Randers during their advisory to learn more about college admissions, and upper school faculty will have an after-school session on the importance of the teacher recommendation.

Alumni Advice

A group of Trinity alumni joined the faculty and staff for lunch Monday, January 8 and Charger graduates served on a panel for current students on Tuesday, January 9. It is always a privilege to connect with our alumni, welcome them back to campus, and hear their insight into what a Trinity student can expect in college. They shared great advice, applicable to both the student and parent experience:

“Make sure to visit as many places as you can.”

“Don’t sweat the little things; you’ll land where you need to be.”

“Start early and finish early – before the deadlines. Don’t apply everywhere but find the best fit for you. Don’t just think about the school; think about the town and the location.”

“You only need one to two safety schools. Don’t waste your time applying to a ton of schools. You will end up at a good place.”

“Don’t go to a college that you feel pressured to go to.”

Class of 2025

Junior Conferences have been conducted over the last two weeks.. During this 45-minute session, the students hear an overview of the college application process so that we have a shared language and context as we go into the next 15 months, culminating with each student’s post-Trinity plan. 

The heart of the Trinity college advising philosophy is fit. The college match means different things to different people; this is normal. Ultimately, we will have discussions about where students see themselves thriving and what path they need to take to achieve personal and professional goals. 

Ongoing communication is highly valued in the college admission process. We feel strongly about the partnership required during these pre-college days and thank you for your support.

Class of 2024

Seniors are continuing to hear news from colleges. Trinity students are finishing their college applications, and all students will receive responses from their applications on or before April 1. They then have until May 1 to make their final post-Trinity plan. As of this writing, 100% of the seniors have completed one or more application(s) and 88% of the class has one or more college acceptance(s).  

Reminder: if you are applying for financial assistance, the CSS Profile and FAFSA deadlines are either looming or passed. The new FAFSA “soft launched” on December 31. Each college where your child has applied outlines its financial aid process on its website. You will also be able to find a Net Price Calculator, which will outline the anticipated cost of attendance for your family.