TRHS Counseling Newsletter
August 6, 2026
School's almost back in session - here are some quick updates to start 2026-2027:
- College Search Kickoff at TRHS on August 25, 2026
- Check out College Reps visiting TRHS this semester
- NCAA Changes for 2026-2027
- Community Service/Volunteer Opportunities
- College Info Spotlights - University of CO - Anschutz, Highpoint University & Kyoto University
- Congressional App Challenge
- AMTAP (Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program) with Lockheed Martin
- College Updates
College Search Kickoff
Unsure how to begin your college search?
Want to speak with admissions reps in person?
Save the date and join us for:
2026-2027 College Search Kickoff
Hosted by ROAR at ThunderRidge High School
When: Tuesday, August 25th
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm
QR code to register now
Sign up for College Rep Visits at TRHS
University of Alaska, Fairbanks 8/25/26 1:30 pm
Elon University North Carolina 8/26/26 9:00 am
Texas A&M University 8/26/26 9:30 am
Hult International Business School Cambridge, MA 8/27/26 8:30 am
Loyola University, Chicago 8/31/26 1:00 pm
University of Minnesota Twin Cities 9/1/26 1:00 pm
Colorado School of Mines 9/3/26 9:00 am
Juniors & Seniors can register for rep visits
through their Naviance account by selecting the Colleges Tab at top of page, Click College Visits
NCAA 2026-2027 Changes
Athletes if you intend to play a collegiate sport for a school in NCAA Division I or II then
please check out these new updates for eligibility requirements
Community Service/Volunteer Opportunities
Need Community Service Hours?
The National Kidney Foundation is hosting a kidney walk.
Event takes place on October 4th at Clement Park.
Volunteers are needed to help direct people on the walk etc..
Make A Wish Foundation
needs high school volunteers!
Students can learn more and apply at:
College Info Spotlights
K-12 Opportunities in the Medical Field
Students are you interested in the medical field?
University of CO Anschutz, CU Denver, CU Boulder, CU CO Springs & more
offer programs designed to introduce students to healthcare careers.
Hope Institute, Hope Program, Cadavers, Medical Career Collaborative (MC2)
are just some of the options.
High Point University
Open Houses are immersive visit experiences that allow students (any grade level) and families to fully experience campus life, connect with faculty and current students, explore academic programs and truly feel the energy of the HPU community.
Fall 2026 Open House + Instant Decision Days
For the fall semester, all open houses will offer an Instant Decision Day opportunity for your seniors to take part in. These events provide them with the opportunity to receive their admission decision while on campus, ahead of the application plan release dates later in the fall. To participate, students must have applied and completed their application at least one week prior to the event.
The following dates will include an Instant Decision opportunity within the event:
- September 19 Open House + Instant Decision Day: All application materials are due September 12.
- October 24 Open House + Instant Decision Day: All application materials are due October 17.
- November 7 + Instant Decision Day: All application materials are due October 31.
- November 21 + Instant Decision Day: All application materials are due November 14.
Kyoto University of Advanced Science in Japan
We are thrilled to share new key updates for our September 2027 International Enrollment! Whether you are looking to join us as a prospective undergraduate or postgraduate student, these new guidelines have everything you need to get your journey started.
If you are preparing to pursue a degree in Engineering, Bioenvironmental Sciences, or Business Administration, we strongly encourage you to review this new information before submitting your application.
【Undergraduate Program Admissions】
・ Application Period: October 1, 2026, to February 26, 2027, by 12:00 (JST)*
*Capacity Notice: Please keep in mind that once capacity has been reached, the application period may close earlier than the scheduled deadline, so we highly recommend applying early!
・ Key Updates: KUAS' newly published guidelines include important adjustments to our rolling admissions framework, updated schedules, and revised application requirements.
Click the following links to read the complete updates.
- Application Guidelines: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gridy.jp/mb_link?p=64Z9lAe6rnF48b*2BDM79t__;JQ!!EGopUXURJw!mx1IWyqByCYEVCeM8LSMVBzss-_1eNfzFiaP99uVVa2UUp4cTCcdm29alOIVHJ-EjlNDLKfQTt7vVPGOP-AcIreJwQ$
-
【KUAS Webinar】 "Keys to Success 1: Navigating the 2027 Admission"
We are hosting a series of webinars to guide you through the updates. To kick off the series, Mr. Kiyoshi Takeda, Director of the International Admissions Office, will provide an exclusive overview of our latest English-taught programs and the new admission system.
Register for the webinar today via the link below to secure your spot and learn how KUAS can support your academic and professional goals.
【Date & Time】
June 6 (Sat), 2026
14:00 - 15:00 (Japan Standard Time)
【Registration】
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gridy.jp/mb_link?p=64Z9lAbR*2Bjwpcnoyr0H*2B__;JSU!!EGopUXURJw!mx1IWyqByCYEVCeM8LSMVBzss-_1eNfzFiaP99uVVa2UUp4cTCcdm29alOIVHJ-EjlNDLKfQTt7vVPGOP-DpFA5PFw$
Congressional App Challenge
This competition is nonpartisan and is official duty of all congressional offices who chose to participate.
The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.
The House of Representatives knows how crucial these skills are and wants to encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.
This competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. We strongly encourage students of all skill levels to participate, enabling them to learn how to create their own apps. Students are encouraged to register online and submit their apps by October 30th.
To learn more about the competition or to submit an app go to the CongressionalAppChallenge.us website. This year, the Congressional App Challenge will open mid May, and close on October 26th at 12:00pm EST.
Check out this link for more details about the Congressional App Challenge.
AMTAP with Lockheed Martin
This program would be a good option for graduating high school seniors, this is also a great opportunity for those looking to gain entry into a career in space manufacturing who don't have previous experience but do have related skill sets.
AMTAP offers immediate access to pay and benefits and those given full-time offers after the eight-week paid training program have immediate access to Tuition Assistance.
On Tuesday September 8th a link will appear on our AMTAP website to apply
COLLEGE UPDATES
🏖️University of Alabama - Nursing Admission Updates; First time freshmen must apply by December 4, 2026 priority deadline to be considered. Admission to University does not guarantee admission into nursing program. Exploring for Success Program; Updates to Admissions Process; Financial Aid Timeline; 2027 Undergrad App; Career Center & Internships
🏖️Mississippi State University - Find a Major; Admissions Application opens August 1st; If housing priority is important to student then apply directly instead of through Common App; Application Process Video; Screen Recording of Application
🏖️University of Advancing Technology (UAT) - Discovery Expo this Saturday, August 8th; Virtual Open Houses; Career Services FAQ
🏖️DigiPen Institute of Technology - How to Apply; Take a Campus Tour; Preview Days; Watch the Student Game Showcase 2026
🏖️Arizona State University - Fall 2027 Application is open - priority deadline is November 1, 2026
🏖️University of TX @ Austin - 2 new majors: Civics Honors and Great Books Honors; Freedom and Virtue Seminars - register now for August presentations
🏖️University of Oklahoma - Freshmen Apply Now; Connect with your Admissions Counselor
🏖️Oberlin College - Overnight Program
🏖️Salve Regina University - Experiential Learning Opportunities; Mercy Mission; 20 Division III Teams; 70 Student Clubs and Organizations; New Residence Hall; New Student Center Pavilion; when completing the Common App in the Salve Questions section use code SALVECNSLR then enter Jennifer Szilagyi for an application discount.