College Applications open August 1st! Which website is right for you?

1. ApplyTexas - This includes most in-state colleges. Create your account here: applytexas.org

2. Common Application - This includes most out-of-state colleges and prestigious Texas colleges like The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M. Create your account here: commonapp.org

3. Individual college application - Some colleges will require applications directly from their website. Check the admissions page for the college you are interested in.

You've submitted an application. Now what?

After you apply, you must submit any required supporting documents. Check with each college to see what is required to send.

Transcripts

1. • Initial MacArthur HS transcripts can be sent by Mrs. Guerra or your counselors via Schoolinks. You must connect your Schoolinks to ApplyTexas and/or Common App for this to occur. Instructions on the final bullet.

   • For a paper copy of your transcript, please reach out to Mrs. Guerra or your counselor. Please note that this copy must remain sealed when you send it to the college or university. You can not open it.  

   • If you just want to view your grades, you can go into HAC or Schoolinks to view your transcript.  

   • Use these instructions to complete your FERPA and connect either your Common App or ApplyTexas account

2. Test Scores

   • SAT/AP: collegeboard.org

   • ACT my.act.org

   • TSI ACCUPLACER Student Portal – The College Board 

3. Letters of Recommendation

   • Complete and send your recommender a MacArthur Brag Sheet so they include accurate academic and extracurricular information.

   • Add a recommender to your college application on Schoolinks or Common App so that they can upload their letter of recommendation.

Once all documents are submitted, wait for the college to send you an admissions email.

If you are accepted:

You will need to begin working on your new student checklist. This will include signing up for orientation, sending final transcripts, sending college readiness scores, and applying for housing. You will also need to make sure that you update the acceptance on your Schoolinks account; this allows us to keep track of all college acceptances.

If you are denied:

Connect with your counselor or CCMR Coordinator for your options. Some schools offer an appeal process you can go through, which will require you to provide new information, like updated grades, test scores, or a letter explaining special circumstances.

Early Decision vs. Early Action Applications

Early decision plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are non-binding — students receive an early response to their application, but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1.

Rolling Decision

Rolling admission means colleges review applications as they're sent in; there is no hard deadline by which you need to submit your application. In contrast, schools with a regular decision policy require you to submit your application by a certain deadline — usually in late December or January. Double-check each college's deadlines. 

Holistic Review

A selection process that takes into consideration the applicants’ experiences, attributes, and academics, as well as 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.

You may be eligible for a college application fee waiver if you:

• Have a financial need (this is based on your family's income). 

• Received an SAT or ACT fee waiver: Eligibility for one often translates to eligibility for a college application fee waiver. 

• Are enrolled in public assistance programs: This includes programs like the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL) program. 

• Are a ward of the state or an orphan. 

• Are homeless.

• Participate in federal programs: for low-income students, such as TRIO or GEAR UP. 

In order to receive your waivers, you need to first link your Schoolinks account to your ApplyTexas/Common App account. Instructions are below.

Link Schoolinks to ApplyTexas & Common App 

When thinking about where to apply, it’s important to know which colleges and universities you may already qualify for admission to based on your academic record.

Automatic Admission in Texas

In Texas, students in the top 10% of their high school class are guaranteed admission to any Texas public university (except for the University of Texas at Austin, which automatically admits the top 5%).

Assured Admissions

Some colleges also offer assured (or guaranteed) admissions. This means that if you meet certain requirements—like class rank, GPA, and SAT/ACT scores—you are guaranteed a spot, even if you aren’t in the automatic admission percentage.

To make this easier, Mrs. Guerra has created an Assured Admissions Chart that shows exactly which Texas colleges you may qualify for based on your academic profile. This is a great tool to help you see your options and build a strong, balanced college list.

 Before You Use the Assured Admissions Chart

• Find out your Class Rank Percentile (Top 10%, Top 25%, etc.)

• Compare your rank to the admissions criteria in the Assured Admissions Chart

• Check each college’s official website for the most current requirements—they change often!

• Make a list of your target colleges and label them:

  • ✅ Safe: You meet or exceed all admissions criteria

  • ⚠️ Target: You’re close—test scores or GPA could help

  • 🎯 Reach: You fall below the criteria but want to apply anyway

Quartile and Decile Breakdowns for the Class of 2026

As of September 2025, the graduating size of MacArthur's Class of 2026 is 800 students.