Cup of College: Making the College Journey Clear, Personal, and Manageable

The College Counseling Office’s goal is to help Trinity Prep graduates continue their education at colleges around the world while focusing on finding schools that fit each student’s individual goals.

College planning can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Trinity Prep’s College Counseling Office wants families to know that the process does not need to happen all at once. 

During the recent Cup of College: Ask Us Anything presentation, counselors shared a simple message: college planning is a four-year journey.

College preparation looks different at every grade level. Rather than asking students to tackle everything at once, College Counseling provides age-appropriate programming and guidance throughout Upper School.

Ninth Grade: Build the Foundation
Freshmen are encouraged to establish strong study habits, become involved in activities that interest them, attend college visits and fairs, and begin exploring resources available through SCOIR and Canvas. They can begin logging their activities and achievements in SCOIR and start tracking their hours for Bright Futures in X2Vol.

Grades matter, but ninth grade is primarily about making a successful transition to Upper School and developing strong habits.

Tenth Grade: Explore and Grow
Sophomores begin participating in student workshops, take the PreACT and PSAT, are assigned a college counselor in the spring, and continue taking advantage of college visits and fairs. 

The focus is on academic growth, meaningful involvement, and exploration—not choosing a “dream school” just yet.

Eleventh Grade: Begin Making Decisions
Junior year brings a greater focus on college exploration and planning. Students take the PreACT and PSAT again, begin SAT and/or ACT testing, participate in College Counseling classes in the spring, and in individual meetings. Family meetings with their counselor will ensure that all interested parties have a voice in the process.

At this stage, families should begin discussing factors such as academic fit, testing plans, and college preferences, while keeping in mind that the final application list does not need to be finalized immediately.

Twelfth Grade: Put the Plan Into Action
For seniors, the focus shifts to applications, deadlines, recommendations, financial aid, scholarships, and Bright Futures. College Counseling classes continue in the fall, along with regular individual meetings designed to support students throughout the application process. We are with you every step of the way until graduation.

Key Takeaways

Families are encouraged to allow students to explore their interests and passions without placing unnecessary pressure on the college process. 

Students' interests can change, and applying to college as an undecided student is perfectly acceptable.

Freshmen do not need a college list; sophomores do not need a dream school; juniors do not need a finalized application list; and seniors do not need to worry about comparing admission offers before those offers exist.

For seniors, families can begin each week with a quick “preview of deadlines,” encourage students to identify their own action steps, and periodically reflect on what organizational strategies are—or are not—working. The goal is to help students gradually develop greater independence and ownership of their responsibilities.

Resources for Students and Families

College Counseling offers programming throughout the year for both students and parents. Opportunities include grade-level information nights, financial aid programming, mock admissions panels, and parent-focused Cup of College sessions covering topics such as Bright Futures, testing, and common college-admission myths. Canvas also provides information about scholarships, summer programs, internships, research opportunities, and other resources.

Mark Your Calendar

Several College Counseling programs are already scheduled for the 2026–27 school year, including College Counseling Family Night for Grades 9 and 10 on September 9, Family Night for Grades 11 and 12 on September 17, Cup of College: Financing Your Child’s Future on September 30, and the Digital PSAT/NMSQT for Grades 10 and 11 on October 30. 

Spring programming will include additional Cup of College sessions, Healthcare Careers & Accelerated Pathways Night, registration programs, and a College Admissions Case Study Panel.

The takeaway from Cup of College is simple: students do not need to have their entire future figured out today. Each year has its own priorities, and every step contributes to the bigger picture. With structure, thoughtful planning, and support from the College Counseling team, students and families can approach the college journey one step—and perhaps one cup of coffee—at a time.