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Use this Senior Timeline to help you plan!

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Do you play a sport? Are you hoping to play in college? Create NCAA Account!

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In January 2023, NCAA Divisions I and II adopted legislation to remove standardized test scores from initial-eligibility requirements for all student-athletes who initially enroll full time on or after August 1, 2023. Check with the NCAA school you plan to attend regarding whether standardized test scores are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements. For more information, .

Creating an account is the first step toward becoming an NCAA student-athlete
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Not sure which division your school is in? Learn more orsearch NCAA schools.

Want to Compete at an NCAA School?

Create the Eligibility Center account that's right for you!

If you want to compete in NCAA sports, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Plan to register before starting your freshman year of high school (or year nine of secondary school). The information below will help guide you through the registration process.

To get started, review the three account options and choose the one that's right for you! You'll only need to create one account with the Eligibility Center. Starting with the free Profile Page is best practice, as you can transition it later to the Certification account needed for your circumstances.

Not sure which division your school is in? Learn more orsearch NCAA schools.

Make registration easy.

Use this checklist to make sure you have all required information ready to enter.

Search our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about becoming an NCAA student-athlete.

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College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework.

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TSI Testing is required for any college in Texas, learn how to sign up and practice!

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Search the most growing careers in Texas!

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Texas Career Check lets you explore higher education options by looking at detailed information by school and progam of study, AND you can explore occupations of your interest by education level, region, trends and more.

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Not sure about a four year college, check out these trade schools!

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Trade Schools, Colleges and Universities

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Find the Best Trade Schools and Career Training Near You

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Explore a variety of trade schools near you! Use your zip code to discover local vocational programs and jumpstart your career today.

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Submit one application to multiple colleges all over Texas!

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Apply to college with a single application. With ApplyTexas, you can apply to any Texas public university and many Texas community colleges and private universities.

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With ApplyTexas you can apply for admissions and transfers to any Texas public university or community college, and many private universities

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Offers Direct Admission to college all over Texas, along with information on careers, college majors and more!

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Tour Smarter:  How Make Your College Visits Count

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When visiting colleges, know what to look for and what to ask.

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Tour Smarter: How To Make College Visits Count - Dobler College Consulting

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A practical guide to turning a campus visit into meaningful insight By Lara Poulios Develop A System For Sorting Out Observations I’m an Independent College…

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Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for college in the U.S. Understand aid, apply for aid, and manage your student loans today.

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Want to know if you're on track for the senior year timeline for the college application process? This college application timeline for seniors shows you what you should be doing, and when.

Fall

Narrow your list of colleges to between 5 and 10. Meet with a counselor about your college choices and, if you haven't done so yet, download college applications and financial aid forms. Plan to visit as many of these colleges as possible.

Create a college application process timeline or calendar that includes:

Tests you'll take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines.

College application timeline and due dates.

Required financial aid application forms and their deadlines (aid applications may be due before college applications).

Other materials you'll need (e.g., recommendations, transcripts)

Your school district's high school timeline for college application processing.

Ask a counselor to help you request a fee waiver if you can't afford application or test fees when applying for colleges senior year.

Take the SAT one more time: Many seniors retake the SAT in the fall as part of their college planning timeline. The additional coursework you completed since your last test could help you boost your performance. Plus, you'll already know what to expect on test day.

Send your SAT scores to the colleges you're applying to if your scores strengthen your application.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): To apply for most financial aid, you'll need to add completing the FAFSA to your timeline for college planning. October 1 is the first day you can file the FAFSA.

Complete the CSS PROFILE: CSS PROFILE is an online application used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to determine eligibility for their aid dollars.

Prepare early decision/early action or rolling admission applications as soon as possible. Colleges may require test scores and applications between November 1 and November 15 for early decision admission.

Ask a counselor or teacher for recommendations if you need them. Give each teacher or counselor an outline of your academic record and your extracurricular activities. For each recommendation, provide your teacher or counselor with the URL link and any college forms required. Allow them at least 10 school days to complete the recommendations.

Write first drafts of application essays, and ask teachers and others to read them before you submit them. If you're applying for early decision, finish the essays for that application now.

Complete at least 1 college application by Thanksgiving.

Ask counselors how to submit your transcripts to colleges.

Winter

Save copies as you finish and send your applications and essays.

Request your high school send an official transcript: It may be sent by U.S. mail or email. You may want a copy for yourself, though this copy wouldn't be considered official.

Work with your counselor on mid-year updates if the college wants to see second-semester grades.

Spring

Keep active in school. Whether you are waitlisted or already accepted, the college will want to know what you've accomplished between the time you applied and the time you learned of its decision.

Visit your final college before accepting. The college timeline for high school students shows that you should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. Notify your counselor of your choice. If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor. Or call the college.r of your choice. If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor or call the college.

Inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid by May 1. Colleges can't require your deposit or your commitment to attend before May 1. Talk to your counselor or adviser if you have questions.

Send your enrollment deposit after you receive the admission letter. The deposit goes toward your first year's tuition. Some colleges may consider these deposits nonrefundable and may ask for additional funds related to fees like room and board.

Take any AP Exams. Show what you've learned in your AP classes. A successful score could even earn you credit, advanced placement, or both in college.

Waitlisted by a college? If you intend to enroll if you are accepted, tell the admission director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask whether funds will be available if you're accepted.

Work with a counselor to resolve any admissions or financial aid problems.

Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college either electronically or through the U.S. mail.

Review your financial aid awards: Not all financial aid awards are the same, so it's important to choose the aid package that's best for you and your family. Be sure to note what you have to do to continue receiving financial aid from year to year, and how your aid might change in future years.

When do college applications open for the next year's class?

Most college applications open August 1 each year for students who plan to begin college classes for the following year's fall semester.

Resources

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Want to know if you're on track in the college application process in your senior year? This checklist shows you what you should be doing, and when.

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Compare Colleges and Universities: College Scorecard | Texas OnCourse

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Compare colleges and universities based on information such as average cost, graduation rate, and salary after graduation.

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School Codes:

AHS: 440240

ACHS: 440273

BHS: 440243

JSHS: 440259

LHS: 440241

MHS: 440236

SHHS: 440242

VHS: 440249

REMEMBER

The student’s score on the SAT or ACT is a good predictor of his or her freshman year college grade point average, however, the score does not measure a student’s intelligence, nor does it predict whether the student will succeed.

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SAT Dates and Deadlines – SAT Suite | College Board

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Official SAT test dates and registration deadlines to help you plan. All deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET, U.S.

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For college applicants, the essay is the place to showcase their writing skills and let their unique voice shine through.

"The essays are important in part because this is a student's chance to really speak directly to the admissions office," says Adam Sapp, assistant vice president and director of admissions at Pomona College in California.

Prospective college students want their essay, sometimes called a personal statement, to make a good impression and boost their chances of being accepted, but they have only several hundred words to make that happen.

This can feel like a lot of pressure.

"I think this is the part of the application process that students are sometimes most challenged by," says Niki Barron, associate dean of admission at Hamilton College in New York, "because they're looking at a blank piece of paper and they don't know where to get started."

That pressure may be amplified as many colleges have gone test optional in recent years, meaning that ACT and SAT scores will be considered if submitted but are not required. Other schools have gone test-blind and don't consider such scores at all. In the absence of test scores, some admissions experts have suggested that more attention will be paid to other parts of an application, such as the essay.

But just as each applicant is unique, so are college admissions policies and priorities.

"Being test optional hasn't changed how we use essays in our selection process, and I wouldn't say that the essay serves as a substitute for standardized test scores," Barron wrote in an email. "A student's academic preparation for our classroom experience is always front and center in our application review process."

On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled against college admissions policies that consider an applicant's race. The ruling, though, does not prohibit students from writing essays on how their race has affected them, which experts say could significantly affect how students approach this portion of their applications.

Essay-writing tips offered by experts emphasize the importance of being concise, coherent, congenial, unique, honest and accurate. An applicant should also flex some intellectual muscle and include vivid details or anecdotes.

From brainstorming essay topics to editing the final draft, here's what students need to know about crafting a strong college application essay.

Getting Started on the College Essay

A good time for students to begin working on their essays is the summer before senior year, experts say, when homework and extracurricular activities aren't taking up time and mental energy.

Starting early will also give students plenty of time to work through multiple drafts of an essay before college application deadlines, which can be as early as November for students applying for early decision or early action.

Students can go online to review essay requirements for the colleges they want to apply to, such as word limits and essay topics. Many students may start with the Common App, an application platform accepted by more than 1,000 schools. Students can submit that application to multiple schools.

Another option is the Coalition Application, an application platform accepted by more than 130 schools. Students applying through this application choose from one of six essay prompts to complete and include with their application.

In addition to the main essay, some colleges ask applicants to submit one or more additional writing samples. Students are often asked to explain why they are interested in a particular school or academic field in these supplemental essays, which tend to be shorter than the main essay.

Students should budget more time for the writing process if the schools they're applying to ask for supplemental essays.

"Most selective colleges will ask for more than one piece of writing. Don't spend all your time working on one long essay and then forget to devote energy to other parts of the application," Sapp says.

How Long Should a College Essay Be?

Though the Common App notes that "there are no strict word limits" for its main essay, it suggests a cap of about 650 words. The Coalition Application website says its essays should be between 500 and 650 words.

"While we won't, as a rule, stop reading after 650 words, we cannot promise that an overly wordy essay will hold our attention for as long as you'd hoped it would," the Common App website states.

The word count is much shorter for institution-specific supplemental essays, which are typically around 250 words.

How to Pick a College Essay Topic

The first and sometimes most daunting step in the essay writing process is figuring out what to write about.

There are usually several essay prompts to choose from on a college application. They tend to be broad, open-ended questions, giving students the freedom to write about a wide array of topics, Barron says.

The essay isn't a complete autobiography, notes Mimi Doe, co-founder of Top Tier Admissions, a Massachusetts-based advising company. "It's overwhelming to think of putting your whole life in one essay," she says.

Rather, experts say students should narrow their focus and write about a specific experience, hobby or quirk that reveals something personal, like how they think, what they value or what their strengths are. Students can also write about something that illustrates an aspect of their background. These are the types of essays that typically stand out to admissions officers, experts say. Even an essay on a common topic can be compelling if done right.

Students don't have to discuss a major achievement in their essay - a common misconception. Admissions officers who spoke with U.S. News cited memorable essays that focused on more ordinary topics, including fly-fishing, a student's commute to and from school and a family's dining room table.

What's most important, experts say, is that a college essay is thoughtful and tells a story that offers insight into who a student is as a person.

"Think of the college essay as a meaningful glimpse of who you are beyond your other application materials," Pierre Huguet, CEO and founder of admissions consulting firm H&C Education, wrote in an email. "After reading your essay, the reader won't fully know you - at least not entirely. Your objective is to evoke the reader's curiosity and make them eager to get to know you."

If students are having trouble brainstorming potential topics, they can ask friends or family members for help, says Stephanie Klein Wassink, founder of Winning Applications and AdmissionsCheckup, Connecticut-based college admissions advising companies. Klein Wassink says students can ask peers or family members questions such as, "What are the things you think I do well?" Or, "What are my quirks?"

The essay should tell college admissions officers something they don't already know, experts say.

Writing the College Essay

Some experts encourage students to outline their essay before jumping into the actual writing, though of course everyone's writing process differs.

The first draft of an essay doesn't need to be perfect. "Just do a brain dump," Doe says. "Don't edit yourself, just lay it all out on the page."

If students are having a hard time getting started, they should focus on their opening sentence, Doe suggests. She says an essay's opening sentence, or hook, should grab the reader's attention.

Doe offered an example of a strong hook from the essay of a student she worked with:

"I first got into politics the day the cafeteria outlawed creamed corn."

"I want to know about this kid," she says. "I'm interested."

The key to a good college essay is striking a balance between being creative and not overdoing it, Huguet says. He advises students to keep it simple.

"The college essay is not a fiction writing contest," Huguet says. "Admissions committees are not evaluating you on your potential as the next writer of the Great American Novel."

He adds that students should write in the voice they use to discuss meaningful topics with someone they trust. It's also wise to avoid hyperbole, as that can lose the readers' trust, as well as extraneous adverbs and adjectives, Huguet says.

"Thinking small, when done right, means paying close attention to the little things in your life that give it meaning in unique ways," he says. "It means, on the one hand, that you don't have to come up with a plan for world peace, but it also means thinking small enough to identify details in your life that belong only to you."

How the Affirmative Action Ruling Could Change College Essays

The Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action has left some students feeling in limbo with how to approach their essays. Some are unsure whether to include racial identifiers while others feel pressure to exclude it, says Christopher Rim, CEO and founder of Command Education, an admissions consulting company.

"For instance, some of our Asian students have been concerned that referencing their culture or race in their essay could negatively impact them (even moreso than before)," Rim wrote in an email. He noted that many students he works with had already begun crafting their essays before the ruling came. "Some of our other students have felt pressure to disclose their race or share a story of discrimination or struggle because they expect those stories to be received better by admissions officers."

Some of the uneasiness stems from what feels like a contradictory message from the court, Rim says. In his majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., said the ruling shouldn't be construed "as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant's discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise." But he added that colleges may consider race only if it's tied to an applicant's individual experiences or qualities, such as demonstrating courage against discrimination.

Personal essays shouldn't serve as a way for universities to ask students about their race as a means to admit them on such basis, Roberts added.

Rim says he expects there to be a lot of confusion from parents and students as they navigate that line when writing their essay. He says his guidance will vary with each student depending on their specific situation.

"For a student from an immigrant family, sharing their racial and cultural background may be integral to understanding their identity and values and therefore should be included in the essay," he says. "On the other hand, a student who has never meaningfully considered ways in which their race has shaped their life experience and worldview should not push themselves to do so in their essay simply because they believe it will better their chances."

Editing and Submitting the College Essay

While admissions officers try to learn about students via the essay, they are also gauging writing skills, so students want to make sure they submit top-notch work.

"The best writing is rewriting," Sapp says. "You should never be giving me your first draft."

When reviewing a first essay draft, students should make sure their writing is showing, not telling, Huguet says. This means students should show their readers examples that prove they embody certain traits or beliefs, as opposed to just stating that they do. Doing so is like explaining a joke to someone who's already laughed at it, he says.

"Let's say, for example, that the whole point of a certain applicant's essay is to let admissions officers know that she thinks outside the box. If she feels the need to end her essay with a sentence like, 'And so, this anecdote shows that I think outside the box,' she's either underestimating the power of her story (or the ability of her reader to understand it), or she hasn't done a good enough job in telling it yet," Huguet says. "Let your readers come to their own conclusions. If your story is effective, they'll come to the conclusions you want them to."

After editing their essay, students should seek outside editing help, experts recommend. While there are individuals and companies that offer paid essay help - from editing services to essay-writing boot camps - students and families may not be able to afford the associated fees. Some providers may offer scholarships or other financial aid for their services.

The availability and level of feedback from free essay advising services vary. Some college prep companies offer brief consultations at no charge. Free essay workshops may also be available through local high schools, public libraries or community organizations. Khan Academy, a free online education platform, also offers a series of videos and other content to guide students through the essay writing process.

Colleges themselves may also have resources, Barron notes, pointing to pages on Hamilton's website that offer writing tips as well as examples of successful admissions essays. Likewise, Hamilton also holds virtual panel discussions on writing admissions essays.

Students have other options when it comes to essay help. They can ask peers, teachers, school counselors and family members for help polishing an essay. Huguet says it's typically wise to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to seeking feedback on essays. Too many perspectives can become counterproductive, he says.

"While it can be valuable to have different perspectives, it's best to seek out individuals who are experts in the writing process," he says. "Instructors or professors can be helpful, particularly if they possess subject expertise and can provide guidance on refining arguments, structure and overall coherence."

Proofreaders should not change the tone of the essay. "Don't let anyone edit out your voice," Doe cautions.

And while proofreading is fair game, having someone else write your essay is not.

When an essay is ready to go, students will generally submit it online along with the rest of their application. On the Common App, for example, students copy and paste their essay into a text box.

Sapp says even though students often stress about the essay in particular, it's not the only thing college admissions officers look at. "The essay is the window, but the application is the house," he says. "So let's not forget that an application is built of many pieces."

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A strong application essay can boost a student's chances of being admitted to a college. In this guide, admissions experts offer advice on picking a college essay topic as well as navigating the writing and editing processes.

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Paying for College - Grants, Work Study and Loans

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Paying for College - Grants, Work Study and Loans

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Asking "How do I pay for college?" is like asking, "How do I get healthy?" or, "How do I learn another language?" There are lots of answers, but there's not always one clear path.

If you're like most students and families, you'll cobble together funds from multiple sources. Some types of financial aid are better than others, so use the following advice in this order:

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid even if you don't expect to qualify for any aid, says Ben Miller, senior director of post-secondary education at the Center for American Progress. The FAFSA is your ticket into the financial aid arena. Submitting it puts you in the running to receive financial aid including federal grants, work-study opportunities, student loans, and some state and school-based aid.

2. Search for scholarships

You don't have to wait until you're a senior in high school to start your scholarship search. In fact, it could pay to start earlier. For example, the Evans Scholars Foundation awards full-ride scholarships to hundreds of golf caddies each year. But you have to be a caddie for at least two years to qualify, which means you'd have to start caddying during your sophomore year in high school at the latest to be eligible by the time you apply at the beginning of your senior year.

Scholarships, unlike student loans, don't have to be paid back. Thousands are available; use a scholarship search tool to narrow your selection. While many scholarships require that you submit the FAFSA, most also have an additional application.

Need-to-Knows for 2021 College Grads

Got that degree? Congrats! NerdWallet and Inceptia walk you through what's coming your way next financially.

3. Choose an affordable school

Paying for college will be exponentially easier if you choose a school that's reasonably priced for you. To avoid straining your bank account, consider starting at a community college or technical school.

If you opt for a traditional four-year university, look for one that is generous with aid. Focus on the net price of each school or the cost to you after grants and scholarships. Use each school's net price calculator to estimate the amount you'll have to pay out of pocket or borrow.

Just because one school's sticker price is lower doesn't mean it will be more affordable for you, says Phil Trout, a college counselor at Minnetonka High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and former president of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. For example, if a $28,000-a-year school doesn't offer you any aid, and a $60,000-a-year college offers you $40,000 in aid, the school with the higher sticker price is actually more affordable for you.

4. Use grants if you qualify

Don't make that mistake. As long as you submit the FAFSA and renew it each year you're enrolled in school, you'll receive Pell money if you're eligible for it.

A college job checks multiple boxes: It provides an income, work experience and potentially valuable connections. The federal work-study program funds part-time jobs for college students with financial need.

To apply for work-study, submit the FAFSA. If you qualify, you'll see "work-study" listed on your financial aid award. However, just because you're eligible for work-study doesn't mean you automatically get that money. You have to find an eligible work-study job on your campus and work enough hours to earn all of the aid you qualify for.

If you or your parents saved money in a 529 plan - a state-sponsored tax-advantaged college investment account - access the funds by contacting the plan's administrator.

7. Take out federal loans if you have to

You don't have to say yes to all the aid you're offered - especially student loans. As a rule of thumb, aim for student loan payments that don't exceed 10% of projected after-tax monthly income your first year out of school.

8. Borrow private loans as a last resort

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How To Pay For College: 8 Expert-Approved Tips - NerdWallet

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Asking "How do I pay for college?" is like asking, "How do I get healthy?" or, "How do I learn another language?" There are lots of answers, but there's not always one clear path. If you're like most students and families, you'll cobble together funds from multiple sources.

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apply to college with common app | your future starts here

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Apply to college with Common App | Your future starts here

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Common App is a nonprofit organization of 1000+ colleges and universities that simplifies, informs, and supports your college application journey.

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A major is a specific subject area that students specialize in. Typically, between one-third and one-half of the courses you'll take in college will be in your major or related to it.

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This page compares the 2023 Tuition and College Costs between Texas Colleges.

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The benefits and drawbacks of applying early

Early decision (ED) and early action (EA) plans can be beneficial to students - but only to those who have thought through their college options carefully and have a clear preference for one institution.

Early decision versus early action

Early decision plans are binding - a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are nonbinding - students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1. Counselors need to make sure that students understand this key distinction between the two plans.

Approximately 450 colleges have early decision or early action plans, and some have both. Some colleges offer a nonbinding option called single-choice early action, under which applicants may not apply ED or EA to any other college.

ED plans have come under fire as unfair to students from families with low incomes, since they do not have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers. This may give an unfair advantage to applicants from families who have more financial resources.

ED applicants

Apply early (usually in November) to first-choice college.

Receive an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date (usually by December).

Agree to attend the college if accepted and offered a financial aid package that is considered adequate by the family.

Apply to only one college early decision.

Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.

Withdraw all other applications if accepted by ED.

Send a nonrefundable deposit well in advance of May 1.

EA applicants

Apply early.

Receive an admission decision early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February).

Consider acceptance offer; do not have to commit upon receipt.

Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.

Give the college a decision no later than the May 1 national response date.

Who should apply early?
Applying to an ED or EA plan is most appropriate for a student who:

Has researched colleges extensively.

Is absolutely sure that the college is the first choice.

Has found a college that is a strong match academically, socially and geographically.

Meets or exceeds the admission profile for the college for SAT® scores, GPA and class rank.

Has an academic record that has been consistently solid over time.

Applying to an ED or EA plan is

Has not thoroughly researched colleges.

Is applying early just to avoid stress and paperwork.

Is not fully committed to attending the college.

Is applying early only because friends are.

Needs a strong senior fall semester to bring grades up.

not appropriate for a student who:
Encourage students who want to apply early to fill out NACAC's Early Decision Self-Evaluation Questionnaire, in the Deciding About Early Decision and Early Action handout. You may want to share this with parents as well.

The benefits of applying early

Reduce stress by cutting the time spent waiting for a decision.

Save the time and expense of submitting multiple applications.

Gain more time, once accepted, to look for housing and otherwise prepare for college.

Reassess options and apply elsewhere if not accepted.

For a student who has a definite first-choice college, applying early has many benefits besides possibly increasing the chance of getting in. Applying early lets the student:

The drawbacks of applying early

Pressure to decide: Committing to one college puts pressure on students to make serious decisions before they've explored all their options.

Reduced financial aid opportunities: Students who apply under ED plans receive offers of admission and financial aid simultaneously and so will not be able to compare financial aid offers from other colleges. For students who absolutely need financial aid, applying early may be a risky option.

Time crunch for other applications: Most colleges do not notify ED and EA applicants of admission until December 15. Because of the usual deadlines for applications, this means that if a student is rejected by the ED college, there are only two weeks left to send in other applications. Encourage those of your students who are applying early to prepare other applications as they wait to receive admission decisions from their first-choice college.

Senioritis: Applicants who learn early that they have been accepted into a college may feel that, their goal accomplished, they have no reason to work hard for the rest of the year. Early-applying students should know that colleges may rescind offers of admission should their senior-year grades drop.

Students and parents can use our Pros and Cons of Applying to College Early, in the Deciding About Early Decision and Early Action handout, to weigh their options.

Does applying early increase the chance of acceptance?

Many students believe applying early means competing with fewer applicants and increasing their chances for acceptance. This is not always true. Colleges vary in the proportion of the class admitted early and in the percentage of early applicants they admit.

Higher admission rates for ED applicants may correlate to stronger profiles among candidates choosing ED. Students should ask the admission office whether their institution's admission standards differ between ED and regular applicants, and then assess whether applying early makes sense given their own profile.

The ethics of applying early decision

The Common Application and some colleges' application forms require the student applying under early decision, as well as the parent and counselor, to sign an ED agreement form spelling out the plan's conditions.

Make it clear in your school handbook and at college planning events that your policy for early-decision applications is to send the student's final transcript to one college only: anything else is unethical.

ED and EA program specifics vary, so students should get information as soon as possible directly from the admission staff at their first-choice college.

ED and EA applicants must take the October SAT or SAT Subject Tests™ in order for these scores to make it to the college in time.

Keep in mind

Print out and share the Early Decision and Early Action Calendar with students and parents to be sure they are aware of all the required steps for applying early.

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Early decision (ED) and early action (EA) plans can be beneficial to students - but only to those who have thought through their college options carefully and have a clear preference for one institution. Early decision plans are binding - a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college.

# data[].attributes.body
School Codes:

AHS: 440240

ACHS: 440273

ACCHS: 440518

BHS: 440243

JSHS: 440259

LHS: 440241

MHS: 440236

SHHS: 440242

VHS: 440249

REMEMBER

The student’s score on the SAT or ACT is a good predictor of his or her freshman year college grade point average, however, the score does not measure a student’s intelligence, nor does it predict whether the student will succeed.

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act.org,actprofile.org,act.org,actstudent.org,act.alertline.com,services.actstudent.org,career4.successfactors.com,engage.act.org,discoveractaspire.org,qc.vantage.com,myworkkeys.act.org,twitter.com,facebook.com,youtube.com,plus.google.com,linkedin.com,preview.act.org,workreadycommunities.org,pearson.com,instagram.com,actaspire.org,run2.careerready101.com,run2.keytrain.com,leadershipblog.act.org

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Testing Advice for the ACT - ACT College Planning Resources - Students and Parents

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College planning resources covering testing advice for the ACT.

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What should I do after high school? | Roadtrip Nation

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Five Ways High School Seniors Can Finish Strong

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Spread the Knowledge. Share:

Feeling like the best summer vacation ever is about to start? But you still have months of school ahead? You may be getting "senioritis." Here are six ways to fight it.

The Urban Dictionary defines senioritis this way: " A crippling disease that strikes high school seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants....Also features a lack of studying, repeated absenses, and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as Graduation."

However you might define it, senioritis is an affliction you don't want to "catch." Here's why.

Your Last Months in High School are Important

Colleges that accept you will look closely at your academic performance in the second half of your senior year. They want to know if you have the discipline and maturity to maintain-or even improve-your grades and to resist the temptation to kick back and rest on your laurels. You could end up wasting all your hard work in high school if you drop the ball during your last year-and especially your last term.

Oops! There Goes Your Admission to College!

Let's say you are admitted to several great colleges. What if you decided not to study for exams, and your grades drop significantly? Did you know that most college acceptance letters stipulate that you must continue to do well in high school until you graduate? Yes, the college is within its rights to withdraw its acceptance offer if your academic performance dips too far below its standards.

Same goes for any senior pranks that get out of hand. If your high school takes disciplinary action against you or your name ends up in a police report, your college may be notified.

Graduated? OK-NOW You Can Celebrate!

It's better to wait until after graduation to relax and reward yourself for all you've accomplished. But in the meantime, how can you stay curious and engaged in your learning during your last few months of high school?

6 Ways to Fight Senioritis

1. Accept the feelings. Senioritis can take many shapes. You might have a general feeling of malaise, have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, or even feel a loss of purpose now that you've attained the goal of getting into college. These feelings are normal.

2. Set some academic goals for the rest of the year. Setting goals will help you stay engaged in school intellectually and socially. For example, you could set out to achieve a certain score on an AP exam, end the year with straight As, or get involved in school activities and end-of-year festivities.

3. Pretend you're in college boot camp. You can expect college to be more challenging and demanding than high school. So use this time to hone your study skills. Read more, especially in an academic area of interest. Take on an independent study project. Experiment with organizational and time management tools and apps.

4. Make some money. Consider getting a part-time job to help cover college expenses and gain practical skills and work experience you can use later on. Don't forget to continue to search and apply for scholarships. If you plan to work while in college, this will give you experience juggling work and school demands.

5. Try something new. Show colleges you are focused on personal growth and willing to venture out of your comfort zone. Explore a passion, interest, or activity you didn't have time for while you were busy with college applications. Perhaps it's volunteering in your community, taking an art class, or trying a new sport. You might test drive a potential career or major by interviewing people working in that field or by finding an internship.

6. Savor your senior year. While you might feel totally "finished" with high school, it's also the end of a significant stage of your life. Spend time with friends and family members, thank your teachers, and enjoy your last couple of months as a high school senior. Then celebrate all you've accomplished and start planning your new college life.

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Spread the Knowledge. Share: Feeling like the best summer vacation ever is about to start? But you still have months of school ahead? You may be getting "senioritis." Here are six ways to fight it. The Urban Dictionary defines senioritis this way: " A crippling disease that strikes high school seniors.

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To see the average cost for Texas colleges and universities, choose the kind of school you'd like to attend.

College Locator

Find Texas colleges in your area.

Clicking this link will reroute you to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's website to access a listing of institutions that have a Net Price Calculator available.

Our system is compatible with the following internet browsers: Edge, Google Chrome, and Safari.

Need more information?
Still have questions?

We're here to help guide you through the financial aid process. Give us a call at 1-888-311-8881.

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To see the average cost for Texas colleges and universities, choose the kind of school you'd like to attend. College Locator Find Texas colleges in your area. Clicking this link will reroute you to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's website to access a listing of institutions that have a Net Price Calculator available.

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ROTC scholarships can be a great way to pay for college.  ROTC programs are available at over 1,000 colleges and universities.

A service commitment is required upon graduation.

ROTC can offer:

Tuition and Fees

Monthly Stipends

Leadership Skills

Real-World Training

A Job after College Graduation

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Ways to Serve

Discover what it takes to join the Military and learn how a career of service can lead to a fulfilling life.

Private First Class | Keegan Lewins Army National Guard

The Benefits of Service

In addition to camaraderie and meaningful work, the Military offers access to affordable health care, paid vacation, retirement plans and other benefits that often surpass those offered by civilian employers.

Learn More

Discover What's Right For You

The Benefits of Service

In addition to camaraderie and meaningful work, the Military offers access to affordable health care, paid vacation, retirement plans and other benefits that often surpass those offered by civilian employers.

Learn More

Sergeant | Brian Threat Army

Your Child's Future

Get support and hear stories from real families so you know what to expect as a parent of a child in the Military.

Learn More

Future Careers Today

Military cyber positions provide rewarding career growth opportunities, including access to advanced training, higher education and exposure to exclusive technologies.

Explore Cyber

Do you have what it takes to be a Cyber Warrior?

Play Now

Types of Military Service

The U.S. Military consists of six active-duty Service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve components. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve.

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Ways to Serve Discover what it takes to join the Military and learn how a career of service can lead to a fulfilling life. Private First Class | Keegan Lewins Army National Guard In addition to camaraderie and meaningful work, the Military offers access to affordable health care, paid vacation, retirement plans and other benefits that often surpass those offered by civilian employers.

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If you're considering a service academy or military college, start planning early.  Speak to recruiters, your guidance counselor and students at the school.  Research the physical, academic and post-graduate commitments expected of you.

Military schools combine a top-notch education with the             opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills.  Students who choose to attend a military institution become part of a tradition of national service and principle.

By attending a service academy, you have also committed to    fulfilling a service requirement in that branch of the military.  Your service time begins after graduation and varies among the armed forces branches.

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Protecting Yourself From Scams

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Never invest more than a postage stamp.

Legitimate foundations do not charge application fees.

Spend the time, not the money.  You have access to the same information scholarship search services provide

Check out the Scholarships listed on the AISD website linked below.

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Early decision is binding, which means you must attend that college or university if it accepts you and gives you a reasonable financial aid package.  It is not a good idea to apply if you are  worried about financial aid or if you are curious about other schools.

Early action has no real disadvantages.  Admitted students have no obligation and may still apply to other schools.  A decision to accept admittance does not have to be made until May 1st.

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Applying for financial aid requires a little work on your part. But the fact is, you won't receive assistance unless you ask for it. And asking for it means completing a few forms.

There are three very important things to remember about applying for aid:

You only have to complete one financial aid application (either the FAFSA or the TASFA (English or Spanish) to start the process.

The financial aid office at the college you plan to attend will be in charge of awarding you financial aid.

Deadlines matter! The earlier you submit your forms, the more likely you are to get a good financial aid package.

You and your family can choose from many different types of financial aid. Some are based on financial need, and some on academic performance. Others are tied to a student's or family's ability to borrow. Not all colleges and universities participate in all programs, but the more you know about financial aid, the better prepared you'll be. Here you'll find links to the many kinds of financial aid available to students attending Texas colleges and universities. You can also search for a particular program using the search box above.

Financial Aid Guidance

Selective Service

Federal student loans make the dream of a college education come true for many people each year. These students are investing in a degree that can lead to a steady job and a successful life. For men, there is one action that can make this all possible. But, if they miss the message, it could just as easily be impossible to achieve any of these goals. Registering with the Selective Service System is a quick and easy way to make sure that men can get many of the jobs they seek, and keeps them eligible for the federal student loans and job training programs that make those jobs a possibility.

In order to qualify for federal college loans and grants, all young men must register with the U.S. Selective Service System when they turn 18. Registering will also keep men eligible for important opportunities like jobs and job training programs. The easiest way to register is to check 'yes, register me' when filling out the FAFSA, or register online at https://www.sss.gov/Home/registration. There's no late penalty for registration, but once a man turns 26 he can no longer register, and becomes permanently barred from all opportunities associated with registration, including college loans and grants. Visit https://www.sss.gov/ to learn more.

Additional information and resources for counselors and college advisors are available at http://sssresources.us/.

Stay Connected by liking the Selective Service Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sssregistration or following them on Twitter at @sss_gov.

Need more information? Still have questions? We're here to help guide you through the financial aid process. Give us a call at 1-888-311-8881.

College Locator

Find Texas colleges in your area.

State's Net Price Calculator (NPC)

Learn your costs to attend Texas institutions.

Need more information?
Still have questions?

We're here to help guide you through the financial aid process. Give us a call at 1-888-311-8881.

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College For All Texans: Types of Financial Aid

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Applying for financial aid requires a little work on your part. But the fact is, you won't receive assistance unless you ask for it. And asking for it means completing a few forms. There are three very important things to remember about applying for aid: You only have to complete one financial aid application (either the FAFSA or the TASFA (English or Spanish ) to start the process.

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You Should  visit the campus, talk to students, learn about       academic programs, and make sure the college offers courses in the area you want to study.  Two college visits are allowed excused   absences.

Do  get a real feel for the campus.  Visit the dorms, sit in a class, and walk around the areas popular with the students there.  Visit with a professor who teaches in the field of study you would like to pursue.  Ask questions to see if the college is a good fit for you.

Make sure you call ahead to make arrangements with the campus visit coordinator and avoid campus visits during busy holidays and finals week.  Try to visit while classes are in session.

Ask someone at the college to provide you with  documentation of your visit on college letter head. If your visit is during the day this   letter will prevent your absence from counting against your             exemptions.

Meet with the financial aid counselor.

Get the name of the collegiate guide who helped you with your visit and send a thank you note.