August 11, 2026

Welcome all to the new school year!

The College Update is typically sent about 2 times per month and sent to all junior and senior students and families. The newsletter includes all things related to college in addition to highlighting opportunities in leadership and for involvement in the community.

Freshmen and Sophomore Students and Families

If you would like to continue receiving the College Update as a freshman or sophomore student or family, please email Mrs. Darley to be added to the list.

Senior Parent Meeting


Immediately following the Parent Night program on August 12, senior parents are invited to stay for a general overview of the college application process. Parents new to the college application process are encouraged to attend. 

***Seniors***

Meetings during study hall on Thursday (Aug 13) & Friday (Aug 14):

All seniors with a study hall will be required to come to the media center during their study hall on Thursday and Friday. We will go over the Common App.

* If you do not have a study hall, please schedule a one on one meeting with Mrs. Darley

Common App:

Before Thursday, please create an account in the Common App. You do not need to complete any parts of the Common App, just create an account at this time and we will go over all tips during your study hall. Use your personal email account when creating a new account.

Activities List:

Please start working on creating an activities list/brag sheet ASAP. Instructions on how to create your resume can be found HERE.  

Colleges Planning to come visit at Aquinas in the next few weeks:



August 20, Thursday

UGA at 3pm in the Media Center. Pre-register HERE



Sept 4- Univ of North Georgia @ 2nd Lunch
Sept 4- Fairfield University @ both lunches

SAT® registration is now open for fall 2026. Many colleges require or consider SAT scores as part of their holistic admission and placement decisions, and your score is a great way to show colleges you’re ready. This year, it will be more convenient to take the SAT on your schedule, with dates available every month through the end of the year, beginning in August, and the ability to join the Waitlist if the date or test center you prefer is already filled.

Students are encouraged to take the SAT at least 3/4 times. Most juniors take their first SAT in the fall, and take it again at Aquinas in the Spring to get started. Then students take is again as seniors. The SAT can help you keep your college options open, demonstrate your unique strengths, and even qualify for scholarships. And with 100% free practice resources, now including enhanced tailored practice based on your prior test scores and free small-group tutoring, you’ll have everything you need to get prepared.

Students and parents are cordially invited to an admissions event for the United States Military Academy. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about West Point, life as a Cadet, and the application process. Register to reserve your place for this great opportunity to learn more about the Academy.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
• Time: 2:00 PM
• Location:  Veterans Bridge Home, 5260 Parkway Plaza Blvd, Charlotte, NC  28217

REGISTER HERE!

During the Admissions Presentation, they will discuss:

1. What West Point Offers: Learn why West Point stands as a premier institution for leadership development, academic excellence, and character growth.
2. Life as a Cadet: Gain insights into the daily life of a West Point Cadet, including academics, athletics, and leadership training.
3. The Application Process: Understand the steps to apply to West Point and gather valuable tips to enhance your application.

Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot at the event and register as soon as possible.

Schoolhouse is offering three free College Admissions Workshops for you to learn directly from current college students and gain practical guidance on the college application journey. 

Through Schoolhouse workshops, you will: 

• Learn from current college students from schools such as Harvard, Caltech, UChicago, Yale, and many more. These students have been where you are and can answer any of your questions.
• Follow a curriculum developed by college experts. Your tutor will guide your group through activities and discussions designed by admissions experts at the Coalition for College.
• Learn alongside a small group of peers. Each workshop includes no more than 15 students, creating a supportive environment where you can learn from others.

The workshops range from two to four weeks and will walk you through creating your college list, writing college essays, and understanding financial aid.

Registration open August 17! Sign up for CAW!

Learn more about Schoolhouse here.

Join Augusta University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia this fall (August 25-September 24) for the Peach State Tour!

The Peach State Tour will be offered in a hybrid format: students will have the opportunity to attend information sessions both in-person (Sept 1 in Augusta) and virtually and counselors will have the opportunity to join virtually.

This is your chance to learn more about our admission and financial aid processes and university offerings based on which session you attend. Our admissions staff members are excited to connect with you!

Find out more information about locations, dates and registration HERE.

University Days is your chance to explore the limitless opportunities available to you at The University of Alabama. Learn about life on campus, available majors and minors, academic and student support services, admissions, scholarships and much more. You’ll meet with representatives from the colleges you’re interested in, take an official campus tour and make connections with other prospective students as well as current students! University Days take place in person, on campus in Tuscaloosa for high school or transfer students interested in attending The University of Alabama. Register HERE.

University Days is your chance to explore the limitless opportunities available to you at The University of Alabama. Learn about life on campus, available majors and minors, academic and student support services, admissions, scholarships and much more. You’ll meet with representatives from the colleges you’re interested in, take an official campus tour and make connections with other prospective students as well as current students! University Days take place in person, on campus in Tuscaloosa for high school or transfer students interested in attending The University of Alabama. Register HERE.

The U.S. Senate Youth program application is open to all Georgia high school juniors and seniors who meet the program eligibility criteria, complete the state-level application, secure signatures from their principal, counselor, and parent or legal guardian, and obtain two letters of recommendation. Previously selected delegates to Washington Week and U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship recipients are ineligible for the program.

• Verification forms for principal, counselor, and parent/guardian signatures can be downloaded here.
• Find the official U.S. Senate Youth Program brochure here.

Program Eligibility Criteria

Georgia high school juniors or seniors:

• Must hold a high-level leadership position in a student government, civic, or educational organization during the entire 2026–2027 academic year.
• Must be a legal permanent resident or citizen of the U.S. at the time of application.
• Be enrolled for the entire 2026-2027 academic year in a public or private high school in Georgia.
• At least one parent or guardian is required to be a Georgia resident.
• Must attend all Washington Week events in person to serve as a delegate and receive the scholarship. The 65th Annual Washington Week is March 6-13, 2027.
• 

The deadline for submitting the U.S. Senate Youth application is September 30 at 5 p.m.

The Youth Lead Georgia equips youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to be the future leaders of our state.

The program brings together high-potential 10th and 11th graders for an immersive leadership experience: four weekend retreats and a four-day summer bus tour across our state, where students build leadership skills, discuss the issues facing Georgia, and connect with prominent business and community leaders.

Recruitment Criteria:

• Rising 10th and 11th grade students with leadership potential
• School attendance records indicate academic commitment
• Demonstrates motivation through personal behavior, desire and determination
• Interest or desire to learn about leadership
• Willingness to engage in new and different experiences

There is no cost for student participants. Meals, transportation for tours and program activities, and program materials are available through generous donations from Chick-fil-A. Students will be required to arrange transportation to the sessions.

Those selected for the 2027 Youth Lead Georgia™ class will be expected to attend all sessions, which are scheduled for the following dates:

• January 23-25
• March 14-15
• June 8-11 – Bus Tour
• September 12-13
• November 14-15

In addition, Youth Lead Georgia participants will be invited to participate in the youth leadership summit at UGA on July 15-16.

Students who have been nominated must submit their application by September 4, 2026. Click HERE for more information.

What Selective Colleges Actually Want in 2026

and How Your Teen Can Stand Out

Admissions standards at selective colleges are shifting faster than most families realize, and strategies that worked two years ago aren't necessarily moving the needle anymore. George Washington University Online High School is hosting a free webinar on what top colleges are actually evaluating this cycle — academic rigor, authentic extracurricular engagement, and how to build an application that reflects who your student really is. Worth attending if you're starting to think seriously about the application process.

 Thursday, August 13, 2026 |  6:00 PM ET

Register Now

The College Admissions Guide for Parents

College admissions can feel like a process designed to confuse parents on purpose. CollegeAdvisor's free webinar The College Admissions Guide for Parents brings in former Yale Admissions Officer Stacey Tuttle to walk through how decisions actually get made, what colleges value most, how to build a balanced college list, financial aid basics, and how to support your student without taking over the process. Live Q&A included.

 Monday, August 24, 2026 |  8:00 PM ET

Register Now

CLASS OF '27 COLLEGE ADMISSION WORKSHOP - HOW TO THINK STRATEGICALLY ABOUT DECISION PLANS 

As college application season gets underway, one of the most consequential decisions you'll make is when and where to apply. Join us for our live College Admission Workshop and you'll come away with:

• A clear understanding of Early Decision and Early Action—what they mean, how they work, and whether they’re right for you
• Guidance on how to build an application strategy that fits your financial circumstances, academic profile, and educational goals
• Concrete steps you can take now to plan ahead and apply with confidence

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 7:30 pm ET 

Register here

Maria Darley

Director of College Counseling

mdarley@aquinashigh.org

706-736-5516