Its' Here! College Application Updates for the Class of 2026!
An overview prior to completing applications
Update for class of 2026 Apply Texas will open on July 1, 2025 for you to create an account and begin working on your applications. Texas A&M and The University of Texas at Austin will start accepting applications on August 1.
Update for Class of 2026: The Common App is currently ready for you to create an account, but on August 1, 2025 your information will roll over to the new application cycle.
Click on the link to search for colleges that use The Common App as well as to begin your application: The Common Application
Always verify admission requirements with the university. Some qualifiers may not get accepted to their major of choice. Students who meet automatic standards for admission must still complete an application and submit required materials.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are wonderful ways to prepare for the rigor of college-level courses, but will you earn college credit? Colleges and universities set their own requirements for AP test scores and the type of credit they will award to students.
Here is a tool for researching colleges and AP credit, but as always, it's best to check DIRECTLY with the colleges to confirm their procedures.
This resource provides guidance to students on what writing questions they can expect within individual college questions!
Use this infographic to understand all of your options.
Colleges handle letters of recommendation differently. Some colleges would like the letter mailed directly to the college, some will allow you to upload the letter to your student portal, and some colleges do not want letters at all. It is important to read the directions carefully and ask questions if you are confused.
Allow the recommender three weeks to prepare the letter. Do not wait until the deadline and expect to receive a strong letter of recommendation.
You might consider giving this form to your teacher. This is a SHORTER version of the Wildcat Resume, and it contains prompts that will help your teacher write an AMAZING letter for you.
You may order official transcripts (sent directly to the college from CFISD) through this link.
Don't forget to order your final transcript for the college you’ll be attending in May before graduation. The Cypress Woods registrar’s office is not open during the summer months and colleges may not allow you to begin classes until they receive your final transcript from high school.
If you have completed Dual Credit courses, you will need to send the college you are applying to a copy of your Lone Star transcript. Click HERE for instructions. The Cypress Woods Registrar does not send Lone Star transcripts to colleges and universities.
Lone Star College Cy Fair will have a representative at Cypress Woods on Wednesdays from 7:30AM – 1:30PM to meet with you. Please let Mrs. England know if you would like to speak directly with our representative. stephanie.england@cfisd.net
Juniors and Seniors are gifted two (2) college days each school year. Unused college days do not roll over.
When you arrive at the college or when your complete your campus tour, make sure to have this document signed by an admissions representative at the college. Bring this form back to attendance for your absence to be excused as a College Day.
Check out The College Tour at this link:
https://www.thecollegetour.com/about/
The College Tour is a TV series brought to you by Emmy-nominated and multi-award-winning producers. The series tells the story of colleges and universities around the world. Each episode of The College Tour will focus on a single college or university. From campus life, academics, housing, sports, activities, and much more… each student driven segment will give young people an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at the featured college or university.
Click here for a master list of links to college videos: MASTER LIST
There are many versions of this spreadsheet on the internet. The point is to keep all deadlines and requirements organized. If you are applying to several schools, there is a lot of information to track. Don't miss out on opportunities because you missed a deadline.
A free resource to help students plan for the future. Students can explore regional, in-demand careers, take a 5 minute career interest quiz, and explore careers and college programs.
A fun activity to do before exploring the world of work. Take a few minutes to answer 60 questions to identify occupations relevant to your likes and interests. Your results will lead you to a list of occupations for you to explore.
While the idea of a "good" college is somewhat faulty, sometimes students and parents just need a place to start the college search.
Check out College Navigator.
This is a great tool which allows you to search by majors offered, location, institution type and more.
Take a Career Assessment to learn about yourself and Career Coach will give you career suggestions based on your interests.
Browse or search for careers and we will give you relevant data on wages, employment, and the training you need.
Browse or search for the available Programs of Study that lead to the career you want.
Texas Children’s is pleased to announce the launch of an innovative, on-demand video series targeting over 20 selected healthcare job roles from entry level certification positions to careers requiring doctorate degrees. The videos are published to our Texas Children’s Hospital YouTube channel. To access all available content anytime, anywhere, simply click the link below.
Some colleges will allow you, or even require you, to upload an expanded resume as part of your application, but what does one look like? They are quite different from a business resume.
Take a look at Bevo's resume for the University of Texas.
Fine more resume tips here
"Restricted Early Decision", "Coed", "Writing Supplement" - College applications can be filled with unfamiliar terms. Use this link to a helpful college application dictionary and make applying to college a little easier.
This is a "buzzword" in college admissions, but what is it? Colleges want to know you are interested in them, and that the chances are high that if you were to be accepted, you would enroll there. You don't need to travel to each campus though as there are other ways to show interest. Pay attention to Number 10!
1.) Encourage your student to be their own advocate. Familiarize yourself with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) so that you are aware of what information colleges and will and will not share with parents/guardians.
2.) Attend college fairs or college preparation events hosted at your student's school or community to learn about new or familiar schools, get your questions answered, and meet admission representatives that can help your student through their college application journey.
3.) Help your student create a list of potential colleges. Research each college's application process, scholarship offerings, and financial aid opportunities.
4.) Make sure your student is signed up to take the PSAT/SAT/ACT, and research test prep options. Many high schools and colleges offer preparation courses for these exams.
5.) Research your student's school's policy of excused absences for the purpose of visiting prospective colleges. Register for preview days, information sessions, and/or campus visits at your student's top choice schools.
6.) Help your student create a spreadsheet to organize information about what is required for each college. Include important dates like when the application opens (usually July or August before their senior year), the scholarship priority deadline, the financial aid priority deadline, and lists of documents needed to complete each application.
7.) Research the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so you are familiar with the process. The FAFSA opens on October 1 of your student's senior year.
8.) Familiarize yourself with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) and possible exemptions. Ensure that your student signs up to take the TSI if they are not exempt.