Get Ready for Free College Application Week 2026!

Digital Learning Opportunities for Educators

On September 15, we hosted a Professional Learning Series session focused on preparing educators and students for Free College Application Week 2026. Christy Manouelian, Program Manager for the ApplyTexas Applicant Portal, provided an overview of portal updates and shared how the ApplyTexas team is preparing for increased demand during Free College Application Week. Gladis Rodriguez, Program Specialist for College and Career Advising, showcased the new Free College Application Week Toolkit, which provides resources and strategies to help educators engage with students and families. Marie Bridgeman, College and Career Advisor at Hutto High School, also shared how their district prepares students to make the most of Free College Application Week.

The ApplyTexas Applicant Portal includes several updates designed to help students navigate the application process and prepare for Free College Application Week. During the session, educators received an overview of what students can expect when they begin applying:

• Free College Application Week banner: From October 12 to 18, students will see a banner with Free College Application Week dates, and a link to the Free College Application Week website.
• Updated School search: When they use the School search feature, students will now find only schools that offer their selected application type based on their screener responses. The School search feature will no longer display specific application or semester information.
• Graduation date alert: If a student selects a semester that begins before their expected graduation date, the portal will display an alert to remind them to review their selection.
• View details: Students can review application deadlines, essay requirements, fees, and other term-specific information through a school’s View details link before beginning an application.

Educators can also encourage students to prepare before Free College Application Week by researching institutions, gathering application information, and completing as much of their application as possible ahead of time.

Free College Application Week Toolkit

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has created a toolkit designed to help you prepare your students and their families for Free College Application Week. This toolkit was designed with Texas counselors, advisors, and educators in mind. From getting students ready to submit their applications to building campus-wide awareness, the toolkit provides you with important steps to take before, during, and after Free College Application Week. 

Inside the toolkit, you'll find the following: 

• A timeline to help you prepare and complete action steps on your campus for Free College Application Week
• Guidance for helping students prepare their college lists with the ApplyTexas Student Planning worksheet
• Ready-to-use communication materials, including social media graphics, one-pagers, and a sample press release
• Strategies for engaging students, families, teachers, and campus staff

Hutto High School's Lessons from the Field

During our session, Marie Bridgeman shared how Hutto High School approached the first year of Free College Application Week by making support accessible to students throughout the school day. Throughout the week, Hutto High School hosted daily lunch workshops, allowing students to drop in when they had time and receive support without an appointment. The campus also monitored application counts through the ApplyTexas Counselor Suite and followed up with students who had Open (i.e., unsubmitted) applications during the week. Marie emphasized the importance of preparing for technology issues and account access challenges before Free College Application Week. Their team recommended not waiting until the final day to submit and encouraged students to have their applications fully completed ahead of time so they could focus on submitting during the week.

For 2026, Hutto High School is taking an even more proactive approach. The campus will continue conducting weekly Wednesday workshops, so students have ongoing opportunities to work through application questions and technology issues throughout the year. They will also deliver early and repeated messaging to current juniors to help them prepare for Free College Application Week 2027.

ApplyTexas Webinar Series

Get ready to make the most of the enhanced ApplyTexas Counselor Suite features. The THECB has introduced updates to the Student Details feature to help you easily manage student rosters and monitor application progress. In our webinar series, we'll provide an overview of the ApplyTexas system and share guidance for using the new tools to support students throughout the application process. Review the accompanying one-page flyer for an overview of the series and registration details.

Professional Learning Series

If you missed it, you can view a recording of the Get Ready for Free College Application Week 2026 webinar. Our next session will explore the fundaments of FAFSA and TASFA completion. Join us on October 13 to explore current financial aid updates and discover practical strategies for supporting students and families every step of the way. Make sure to register today!