Counselor's Desk

FROM THE COUNSELOR – Mrs. Nelson                                               February 2026

And just like that, we have arrived in February! As we move through the second semester, there are lots of things to be completed. Second-semester senioritis is real, but now’s the time to finalize admissions and narrow down next steps. Here are some highlights of both opportunities as well as some important deadlines.  

• Lewis-Clark State College (Seniors)

  On February 13, 2026, an admissions counselor will be at Troy Jr./Sr. High School to meet with any seniors that have been accepted and are interested in attending Lewis-Clark State College. They will be working with the seniors to make sure all their paperwork is completed, show them how to navigate their online portals, and go over what needs to be done before starting school in August.   

• Idaho State University Bengal Visit Day – April 11

  Visit ISU campus to tour campus, receive Bengal swag, explore academic programs, and more. For registration and more information, visit this link: https://www.isu.edu/bvd/  

• Scholarships (Seniors)

  A lot of local scholarships will be opening throughout the Spring semester, so keep a close eye on the monthly list. I don’t always see every available scholarship, so if you find one that you would like for me to share out to current or future seniors, please send it to me. 

  Current scholarship lists are now available and can be obtained from the Counselor’s Office or in the Computer Lab (room 223). They are also attached to this email and can be found online at the Troy Jr. / Sr. High School website https://ths.troysd287.org/counselordesk in the Academics section under “Counselor’s Desk.” 

• Campus Visits (Seniors)

  Most colleges will have some type of campus visit/orientation/registration event in the spring or summer. Some of these may be held in a virtual format. Be sure to check with the college you are going to attend to schedule a visit and do not miss any important registration deadlines. Here’s a video to show more about the college campuses in Idaho: https://vimeo.com/1103819733/18ab5dcb13?fl=ls&fe=ec  

• College Application Deadlines (Seniors)

  Please be aware that college application deadlines vary. Check each website to find the deadlines for your college of choice. 

• FAFSA (Seniors)

  If you and your student have not completed the FAFSA you need to do so ASAP!  The FAFSA for 2026-2027 school year opened on October 1, 2025.  This should be completed before scholarship deadlines. Our FAFSA night has passed, so if you need assistance with this please reach out to me or the financial aid office of your student’s chosen post-secondary institution. Most colleges/universities and scholarships have a priority deadline of March 1.   

• 7^th semester transcripts

  For those colleges that are requesting a 7^th semester transcript, you will need to meet with Mrs. Nelson to fill out a transcript request form, so those can be sent. 

• Create or refine your resume

  A resume tells employers who you are and what you are capable of. Now is a good time to refine of create your resume. Once you have finished your resume, have a teacher or staff member at the school look it over to make edits as needed. If you need help with creating a resume, follow this link for tips and free templates: https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/how-to-create-a-resume  

• College Admissions Parent/Guardian Meeting – February 5, 6:00-8:00pm

  This event is to support parents or guardians that have students going through the college admissions process. Come together, build connections, exchange tips and experiences, and share some laughs with other parents/guardians! Build a network of mutual support through the often wild and dizzying ride of navigating your student through the college admissions process. This event will be held at Mikey’s Gyros in Moscow ID (527 South Main St. Moscow, ID). To RSVP, visit this link: https://www.palousepathways.org/events/parent-guardian-feb-26  

• Career Fair – Lewiston High School (Juniors or Seniors) February 26

  58 businesses are expected to attend a career fair at Lewiston High School on Wednesday, February 26. This event will be from 6:00-8:00pm. All are welcome to attend and major prizes will be given away for those that participate. 

• Not interested in college? Looking for ideas for next steps for a career? Here are some ideas to explore:

-       Look into an apprenticeship (electrical, plumbing, construction, HVAC): This is a structured, paid work-based training program where you learn a skilled trade or profession by working alongside experienced professionals.

-       Healthcare certifications (CNA, phlebotomy, EMT)

-       Look into entry-level technology pathways and IT support

-       Manufacturing, logistics, and CDL training programs

-       Look into entry level positions at banks and credit unions

-       Look into positions at Schweitzer Engineering

-       Attend job fairs and hiring events in the area