Tips for Success
Create a college plan with your parents and guidance counselors.
- Determine the type of education that best meets your future goals.
- Research colleges and degrees you are interested in.
- Attend information sessions and college fairs.
- Schedule in-person campus visits.
- Take virtual campus tours.
- Research college costs, including degrees, tuition, and expenses such as room and board.
- Review college websites and interact through their social media.
Begin preparing before your senior year.
- Take a career assessment.
- Take honors, dual credit, and advanced placement classes.
- Begin composing essays required for college applications.
- Participate in organizations, clubs, and extracurricular activities.
- Volunteer in the community.
- Work part-time and summer jobs.
- Create a resume and update it as needed.
- Research financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Prepare to take the ACT, SAT, or TSIA.
- Follow ACT and SAT social media sites.
- Attend SAT and ACT preparation classes and take online practice tests.
- Set aside funds for testing fees.
- Ask your counselor if testing fees can be waived.
Finalize plans during your senior year.
- Research financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Ask teachers, counselors, employers, and other adults to write recommendations.
- Begin applying for scholarships in the spring.
- Notify your chosen college by May 1.
- Pay fees and deposits to your chosen college.
- Request your high school transcript with final grades be sent to your chosen college.
Helpful Links
Campus Tours
Career Assessment Tools
College Course Equivalency
College Entrance Exams
ACT.org (ACT information)
College Board (PSAT and SAT information)