1. How Do I Find A College or University?
There are many search engines available on the internet to help you find the college or university that fits your needs. Your high school counselor is also an excellent source of information to help you find a college that matches your needs.
2. Do My SAT And ACT Scores Matter?
Yes. Many schools use these scores in the admissions process and some scholarships can be impacted by your score. Most colleges offer significant scholarships for students who have high SAT scores. Check with each individual college or university to determine requirements. In addition, a high score on the PSAT may make you eligible for a National Merit Scholarship.
3. What steps should I take to apply for college?
1. Research different colleges that you and your parents agree will be a good choice for you.
2. Set up folders for each school from which you are requesting a form.
3. Request an application for each school in which you are interested. You may call the schools directly, e-mail them, write, or check the school's web-site for online applications. For freshman admission to Texas Public Universities, you may use the online version of the Texas Common Application
4. Carefully fill out the applications( type or print in black ink). Read the applications very carefully! Make sure to place a copy of the finished application in your "school folder".
5. Mail your application. Obtain a Certificate of Mailing at the Post Office for each document before mailing. This will insure that you have mailed your documents on or before the deadline.
6. Make notations of dates in the "school folder" of any contact with the school, making certain that you name the person to whom you spoke. This will help expedite future contact later.
7. It is your responsibility to check the testing and admission requirements for each school.8. If you need assistance, check with your schools' counselor.
4. Should I apply for financial aid before I have choosen a school to attend?
Yes, it is advisable to begin your application process by the Fall of your Senior year in high school. You may obtain the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) from your Counselor or apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This form is needed to apply for federal financial aid for all universities and colleges. The form is also used to apply for Texas State aid such as Texas Grants.
Significant financial aid and many scholarships are also available through the admissions offices of each individual college. Be sure to check with financial aid department of each university that you are considering.
5. How do I apply for financial aid?
1. Complete the FAFSA as soon as you can during your senior year,after January 1. This application will ask for income information and is used to determine eligibility.Before you complete the application forms, have a copy of your previous income tax forms (IRS Form 1040 or EZ 1040A) and/or your parent's income and tax information based on W-2 forms. Often this information, especially tax paid, is entered incorrectly and you must make the appropriate corrections later. CAUTION: Having to make corrections slows down the process for you.
2. Once your FAFSA is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This is a summary of the information that you provided for the FAFSA application. Look over the SAR carefully and make sure that all of the information is accurate. If corrections are required, make them directly on the SAR and return to the Federal Processor.
3. The Financial Aid Office of the college or university that has received this information, will review all forms submitted to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study.
6. Can I apply for scholarships before I find out about my eligibility for financial aid?
Yes. Not all scholarships are based on financial need. Scholarship awards may be based on interest in a specific field of study, a special talent, athletic or artistic abilities,living in a certain region, extracurricular activites, or grade point averages. There are several search engines on the internet that can help you find your scholarships!
* Are You Exempt from paying college tuition in Texas?
Selective Service System You must register with the Selective Service System if you are a male between 18 and 25 years of age. Your Federal and State financial aid depends on it!
