September is officially Tennessee College Application & Exploration Month, and it is a great time for Oakland students and families to start thinking about what comes after high school! This statewide initiative encourages students at every grade level to explore college and career opportunities, learn more about the college application process, and begin planning for their future. For seniors, the goal is to ensure that every student has an opportunity to apply to college.

The CollegeforTN website provides resources for both students and parents, including tools to explore colleges and careers, learn about the application process, understand financial aid, and prepare for the next steps after applying. High school resources include college application FAQs, planning guides, college exploration tools, and information about Tennessee Direct Admissions.

Class of 2027: Claim Your Spot TN

This year includes the statewide launch of TN Direct Admissions for the Class of 2027. During Claim Your Spot TN Week, September 21–25, eligible seniors can use their Direct Admissions information or the THEC Student Portal to claim their spot at a participating college. Students who do not receive a Direct Admissions letter are still encouraged to submit college applications during this week.

The month continues with What’s Next Week, September 28–October 2, when students are encouraged to focus on next steps such as applying for additional scholarships and preparing to complete the FAFSA.

Whether you are a senior preparing to apply or an underclassman beginning to explore your options, now is a great time to start planning!

Students and families can explore all of the resources, important dates, and college-planning tools here:
TN College Application & Exploration Month – CollegeforTN