College Application Season Begins for the Class of 2027

Myra Miller
Even before classes begin, TJ seniors will take the first official step in one of the defining experiences of their final year: applying to college!  Click to read more about the College Application Boot Camp on August 4th!
On Saturday, August 1, the Common Application officially opens for the 2026–27 admissions cycle, giving seniors the opportunity to begin building their college lists, reviewing supplemental essays, and tackling the writing that will tell their stories to colleges around the country.

That work will begin in earnest at Thomas Jefferson School's annual College Application Boot Camp on Tuesday, August 4 at 5:30–8:30 p.m. in Yellow Classroom, when every senior gathers on campus (or via Zoom) with Director of College Counseling Eric Steere to launch the application season together. The event—complete with pizza, treats, and soda—is a required kickoff that helps students organize their plans and begin one of the most individualized parts of their TJ experience.

In the days leading up to Boot Camp, seniors are already hard at work preparing. They are:
  • Creating their Common App accounts and completing their profiles.
  • Reviewing the latest application requirements and supplemental essays for the colleges on their lists.
  • Revising their Common App personal statements with feedback from Mr. Steere and Mrs. Roth.
  • Completing a detailed Goals Survey in Scoir, which provides important context for Mr. Steere's counselor recommendations.
  • Updating their Activities Lists to reflect the depth and impact of their extracurricular involvement.
  • Refining individualized college lists and application plans that will continue to evolve throughout the fall.
The process is intentionally structured, but it is also deeply personal. Every senior works closely with Mr. Steere to develop an application strategy that reflects their strengths, interests, and aspirations.

One of the most meaningful traditions at TJ is that each graduating class leaves advice for the class that follows. Among this year's favorite pieces of wisdom:
"Always do your essays early and have plenty of time for editing."
"Stick to your deadlines!!"
"The sooner you write essays and supplements, the better."
"Stay twice as far ahead on your work as you think you should."
"Get your stuff done early, so you don't have to stress out."
"Stick to Mr. Steere's internal deadlines... They're there for a reason."
"Be strong."
This advice captures something TJ students learn long before senior year: success comes not from last-minute heroics, but from thoughtful preparation, steady effort, and a willingness to ask for feedback along the way.

As the Class of 2027 begins this journey, the entire TJ community is cheering them on. For our younger students and families, this is also a glimpse of what lies ahead—a college process built not around rankings or checklists, but around helping each student discover the colleges where they will thrive.

Good luck, seniors. You've got this.
 
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Thomas Jefferson School

4100 S. Lindbergh Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63127
P. (314) 843-4151
F. (314) 843-3527