Application Process
Reminders
Personal Email Address
It’s imperative you use your personal email address on anything that you will need AFTER high school! Also, make sure you’re using an email that you would be okay sending to someone you respect! Companies consider this when hiring, selecting scholarship recipients, and even determining whether to accept you into their program!
Good email: johnsmith@gmail.com Bad email: hottboy2023@gmail.com
Username & Passwords
Save your login and passwords somewhere secure! I can’t stress this enough!!! It’s very frustrating when you get ready to start working but has to spend 10 minutes resetting your password because you didn’t save it!
College Application Process & Timeline
Request letters of recommendation
Strengthen your college list - I recommend a balanced mix of at least six academic safety, fit, and reach schools.
Create your application portals
Start crafting your essays and personal statements
Apply for Scholarships
Take college visits
Apply to College (know ADMISSION OPTIONS) ( application fee waivers: SAT & ACT)
ApplyTexas (most in-state colleges)
Common Application (most out-of-state colleges and some Texas colleges)
Individual college application
Send Transcripts
Request Letters of Recommendation
Apply for Scholarships
The college's scholarships
Create your FSA ID (login) for your FAFSA- Before December
Stay organized and keep a master calendar of important deadlines
Get ready for early decision, early action, or rolling admissions deadlines.
Acceptance Rates (August 2022)
Start and finish your personal essays (these usually are released in March of Junior year).
Register for CSS PROFILE® (if you qualify)
Follow up with your references to ensure they have written and sent their letters of recommendation.
Register for the AP Exams for your enrolled courses this school year.
Take College Visits
Accept your ACCEPTANCE!
Register for housing when it becomes available
NEW: The FAFSA opens in December for the Class of 2024
Complete FAFSA or TASFA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, as soon as possible.
It takes 3+ months to receive your responses AFTER you hit submit. You don’t want this to be the thing you’re waiting on.
Need-based aid breakdown by college
*The FAFSA is not just for those that qualify for FREE money; It's federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
Review your financial aid awards and choose the aid package that’s best for you and your family
Finalize housing arrangement
Register for orientation
Continue to apply for scholarships
Accept or kindly reject their admission and/or financial aid offer by May 1.
Send your deposit to the college where you decide to enroll.
If you’re waitlisted, stay active in school to show the college what you accomplished since you applied.
Take the AP Exams you registered for to show colleges you’re committed and motivated to succeed.
Send your AP scores to your college once they become available!
Send a final transcript to your college. These are not usually ready until two weeks after graduation.
Apply for Scholarships
The college's scholarships (search freshmen scholarships on their website)
Click the image to watch the video.
Admissions: Holistic Review
Because of all the craziness that COVID brought, the admissions process has slowly been evolving to a NEW way, and holistic review is one of those:
Holistic review is a selection process that considers the applicants’ experiences, attributes, academics, and the value an applicant would contribute to the school's program. This process allows admissions committees to consider the “whole” applicant rather than focusing on any one factor. I personally like this process because they take the time to get to know the applicants as people, not just a number. After all, YOU ARE more than a number!