www.myfuture.com                                college search engine

                               www. princetonreview.com                   college search engine

                               www.mapping-your-future.com              help with various college related issues

                               www.ed.gov/thinkcollege                       College Preparation

                               www.adventuresineducation.org            College Preparation

                               www.collegexpress.com                        College Preparation

                               www.collegeuspossible.org                   College Preparation

                               www.review.com/college                      College Preparation

• Research several colleges that offer the major you are interested in and match the other criteria you are looking for before applying. Make personal visits to the campuses and try to make a personal contact at each campus if possible. Visit college websites to check on open house dates for college visits or call the college to make an appointment for a personal visit and tour. This is a major investment in time and financial resources, consider your options carefully.
• Apply early! Apply as soon as possible in the fall of your senior year. Some colleges have early deadlines or fill available slots quickly. Most colleges require that you be accepted before you can compete for their large scholarships. Scholarship deadlines are usually much earlier than their admissions deadlines. The Texas Common Application lists deadlines for freshman admissions, financial aid and scholarships for all Texas Public Universities.
• Learn the admission requirements for each school you plan to apply to and fulfill these requirements completely. Follow all directions and complete the applications neatly and completely if using paper applications.
• Apply to several colleges you are interested in to avoid disappointment in case you aren’t accepted to your first choice. If you are accepted to more than one college, you may also have different financial aid options to choose from.
• Use the Texas Common Application to apply to Texas public universities. This application can be used to apply to multiple universities by completing only one form—preferably online.
• There is also a common application used by many private colleges and universities. Check the list on the website to see which schools accept it.
• Before mailing paper applications, make sure all required signature blocks are completed. Before submitting online applications, make sure all electronic signature blocks are completed or download and submit completed paper signature pages. Applications won’t be processed without the required signatures.
• Have the ACT and or SAT test scores sent directly to each college you are considering. Take these college admissions tests early to make sure the scores reach the admissions office before the application deadlines. Take the test(s) during the junior year if possible and repeat the test(s) early in the senior year if the scores don’t meet your expectations.
• Order high school transcripts early in order to meet admissions deadlines. Transcripts may be ordered at the front reception desk by completing a transcript request form. The fee is $2.00 per transcript. Indicate on the request form whether you will pick up your transcript(s) at the reception desk or you want them sent directly to the college or university. Most colleges prefer the official transcript be sent directly from the high school. Each transcript will come in a sealed letterhead envelope stating that it is an official transcript. If you open the envelope it is no longer considered an “official transcript.” If you need to see the information on the transcript, order an extra copy that you can open for your own use. Each request form takes 3 school days to process so allow plenty of time.
• Order a final high school transcript before the end of the senior year. Be sure to write “final transcript” on the transcript request form so the transcript will not be prepared and mailed until it is complete and shows final graduation information. College admission is conditional until receipt of the final high school transcript.