Embedded Files
General Information
General Information
College Application Help
College Application Help
There are many types of college applications. Students are strongly encouraged to research each application options before they begin applying. The best source of any college admission information is through the college or university itself.
All public and many private colleges in Texas use Go Apply Texas for college applications.
Many public and private in-state and out-of-state use Common App for college applications.
Some institutions, like Baylor, have their own applications process, which can sometimes be simpler than other application forums.
A new application system called The Coalition for Access and Affordability opened in 2016. As this application grows, it has pulled in more and more schools popular for our students, including - UT Austin, TAMU, Texas State, Trinity, and Rice as well as hundreds of colleges from across the country.
How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
While it depends on your goals and your needs, students who apply to a minimum of 4-6 schools are often able to find the best financial and academic "fit."
Your college list should be full of:
Places you'd be happy to attend
Realistic matches to your academic and financial profile
Only a few "stretch schools" where you only have a small chance of admission or a realistic financial aid package
Sometimes experts recommend you break down your list into:
Foundation Schools - guaranteed admission (2 minimum)
Fit Schools - strong match between your academic profile and that of the college (2-3+)
Stretch Schools - admission is possible, but your academic profile is not as strong as the average admitted student (1-2+)
Other helpful links:
College Majors & Career Paths
College Majors & Career Paths
Xello
Our PACE classes use Xello during their career unit as well as planning out their high school 4-year plan. Our counseling department uses the 4-year plans to advise students and to assist them with registration. Students can use the tool at any time to complete interest assessments, search careers, and search/compare schools.
Find Your Future
Career guidance tool that allows you to respond to questions and identify your top three Career Clusters™ of interest based on your responses. This is for educational purposes only.
Please note, interests may change over time, and it is recommended students consider more formal assessments and other resources or services to help plan their career. This assessment is intended for use as a guidance tool to generate discussion regarding careers and is valid for that purpose.
College Board MyRoad
MyRoad, is the career planning tool created by CollegeBoard. They use the ORA Personality Profile to help students in the self-exploration process. This website will also link to majors, colleges, and careers. Students will have to create an account, but the resources are free.
MyMajors
MyMajors is a free website program where students can create an account and get matched with recommended majors. This website is a little different because it also takes into account academic achievement/readiness.
Blog post from MyMajors about what to do if you're unsure about your major
US News and World Report
U.S. Department of Labor
College Search
College Search
College Raptor - My preferred search tool
College Visits
College Visits
For up-to-date information about college visits, please visit the CCHS Attendance Page or speak with the attendance office.
NCAA Eligibility
NCAA Eligibility
Prospective college athletes should research and understand the eligibility requirements to participate. Work closely with your coach and the recruiter at the university you're considering attending. Note that recruitment for college athletics doesn't necessarily correspond to university admissions. A coach or recruiter likely cannot guarantee admission to a university.
College athletes can also play in other athletic divisions. For more information, please see below:
Paying for College
Paying for College
Financial Aid
The financial aid window opens October 1st of the students' senior year and requires the parents' tax information from the previous year (i.e. 2020 tax information for the graduating class of 2022)
Please note the sooner financial aid applications are submitted, the better the chances are to receive larger financial aid packages from colleges and universities.
Students are parents need to obtain a FSA ID prior to completing the FAFSA which will serve as an electronic signature.
Male students over the age of 18 must register with selective service to be eligible to receive financial aid.
Foreign-born students and non-citizen Texas residents do not qualify for the FAFSA but should complete the TASFA, as they may be eligible to receive state financial aid.
Scholarships
PSAT Results
PSAT Results
PSAT Scores should be available to students in December.
Testing
Testing
Test Prep
Test Prep
Through CFISD
CFISD offers a high school course for SAT/ACT prep. Students can sign up for this course at the time of registration for the next year's course. It is a one semester class, often paired with another one semester elective.
When there is enough interest, this course may also be offered in summer school
There is also a by-invitation-only program called Scholars that is offered through CFISD to invited students in the summer between their sophomore and junior year. Invitations are sent to students on the basis of their sophomore PSAT results.
Online
Khan Academy SAT Test Prep (also good for PSAT prep)
SAT & ACT Tests
SAT & ACT Tests
The SAT and ACT are tests that colleges and universities use to measure incoming student's college ready ability.
Both tests can also be used to qualify students for dual credit coursework.
Every junior student is given one SAT test at no cost to the student during the school day, in spring of junior year.
Each college or university sets testing standards that are specific to that institution.
Cypress Creek High School recommends that students take the SAT, ACT or both in the spring semester of their junior year and again at the beginning of their senior year, if necessary, in order to ensure that test scores are received at institutions of choice before December 1st or before the institution's corresponding deadline.
PSAT & ACT Aspire 10 Tests
The PSAT measures progress toward student's college ready ability.
CFISD administers the PSAT to College Academy 9th grade, all 10th and self-selected 11th grade students on one day each fall. It is an option assessment, and students must register to take it.
There is a fee associated with PSAT testing for 11th grade students, but students qualifying for free or reduced lunch may receive a discount or take the test at no charge.
The PSAT results provide feedback on student's aptitude for AP courses.
TSI Assessment
TSI Assessment
The TSI Assessment is part of the Texas Success Initiative program, designed to help colleges and universities determine if students are ready for college-level course work.
The TSI Assessment is a primary way students qualify for dual credit courses.
ACT
ACT
What to know about the ACT...
$60 without writing or $85 with writing
ENGLISH
75 multiple–choice questions
45 minutes
Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and rhetorical skills
MATH
60 multiple–choice questions
60 minutes
Algebra I and II, geometry, and some trigonometry
READING
40 multiple–choice questions
35 minutes
Four passages (prose fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences) with 10 questions per passage
SCIENCE
40 multiple–choice questions
35 minutes
Questions on science-based passages presented with graphs, charts, tables and research summaries
ESSAY
Writing test is optional but recommended because some colleges require it
1 essay
40 minutes
SAT
SAT
SAT Resources
Test day information - including acceptable IDs, calculator policies, and what to expect
What to know about the SAT...
$55
No penalty for guessing
MATH
Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some — called grid-ins — ask you to come up with the answer rather than select the answer.
The Math Test is divided into two portions: Math Test – Calculator and Math Test – No Calculator.
Some parts of the test include several questions about a single scenario.
Focuses on: linear equations and systems, problem solving and data analysis, manipulation of complex equations, geometry, trigonometry, and other math relevant for college.
WRITING AND LANGUAGE
All questions are multiple choice and based on passages.
Some passages are accompanied by informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts — but no math is required.
Prior topic knowledge is never tested.
The Writing and Language Test is part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
READING
All Reading Test questions are multiple choice and based on passages.
Some passages are paired with other passages.
Informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts, accompany some passages— but no math is required.
Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.
The Reading Test is part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
All Reading Test questions are multiple choice and based on passages.
Some passages are paired with other passages.
Informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts, accompany some passages— but no math is required.
Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.
The Reading Test is part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
TSI Assessment
TSI Assessment
There are two basic types of college credit courses at Cy Creek - Advanced Placement and Dual Credit.
Advanced Placement is offered through the College Board, the makers of the SAT test.
Dual Credit in CFISD is offered through Lone Star College CyFair.
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