If You Aren't on Track....CATCH UP!! Adapted from: CollegeforTEXANS.com
- September
- October
- November
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May/June
September
Ask your high school counselor for information on college entrance exams, the
SAT and ACT, and register to take the appropriate test(s), if necessary.
Use the Texas Common Application for Admission if you are applying to one of
the 35 public universities in Texas. Apply online at
www.ApplyTexas.org. Applying online can save you time: complete the
application once and send it directly on to as many of these public
universities as you choose.
If you plan to apply to a public community or technical college, contact the
school directly for an application. You can find applications for many Texas
independent (private) colleges and universities online at www.texasmentor.org
(Your Guide to Texas Private Colleges), or contact the college or university
directly for an application.
October
Keep track of the application deadlines. Fill out application forms carefully
and neatly. Start thinking about admission essays if required at the
institutions to which you are applying. Write a rough draft.
Choose your references. Colleges often want reference letters from two or
three teachers. Pick teachers who know you well. Be sure to thank the
teachers for their help.
Check for Scholarship Deadlines.
November
If the college you are applying to has a December deadline (deadlines vary),
complete your admission application. Give the teachers who are writing
letters of recommendation stamped, addressed envelopes for mailing your
reference letters.
Check for Scholarship Deadlines!
December
Check all deadlines for early application and scholarships.
Make sure all of your school records and test scores are sent in time to meet
the December deadline. Call to verify that the college or university received
your materials.
If the college(s) to which you are applying have later deadlines, go ahead
and finish preparing application materials.
Check for Scholarship Deadlines!
January
Deadlines are near. Make sure your application files are complete.
Check with the admissions office to find out if more information is needed.
Supply any additional information as quickly as possible.
If you plan to apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply online at FAFSA ONLINE.
You may also call 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can't apply before
January 1, but plan to submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.
The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the better your chance for a good financial
aid package. If you and your parents need help with these forms, contact the
college or university financial aid office. Make sure the form is filled out
properly and mailed before the deadline. Keep a copy for your records.
Important note for your parents: Prepare your IRS tax return early. This
information will be needed to complete the FAFSA. You do not have to submit
your tax return to complete the FAFSA but your student will need your
information to complete the FAFSA.
Check for Scholarship Deadlines!
Begin your local scholarship essay - "Why I need this scholarship."
February
Students that did not score a 2200 or higher on their ELA & Math TAKS must
take a basic skills test before enrolling in a Texas public college or
university. This test is not used to decide admission, but shows which
students need to improve their reading, writing or math skills. Students who
need help are directed to developmental education courses or other activities
to make sure they are prepared for college-level courses.
Check for Scholarship Deadlines!
March
Continue sending other information that your college requests.
If your college requires you to have a physical exam before you can register
for classes, make an appointment for an exam with a doctor and take the
appropriate forms from the college.
Check for Scholarship Deadlines!
Local Scholarship Applications Due Next Month!
April
By the end of the month, the college(s) to which you are applying should have
received your applications, letters, test results, and other information.
Call to confirm that they have received all of the materials. The application
process is over, and the waiting begins. You should receive word on
acceptance by the end of the month.
Check for Scholarship Deadlines!
Local Scholarships Due this Month! Check for exact date!!
May/June
Graduation!
Acceptance letters are arriving. Some colleges will ask you to accept or
decline an offer of admission. Write to the college you have chosen and say
you plan to attend. Also, write to other colleges that accepted you and tell
them you will not attend so they can offer admission to another student.
The college you have chosen will send you more information on orientation
dates, housing deposits, course schedules, and information on enrolling.