Senior Year Checklist
Complete testing requirements. Be sure you have taken the TSIA and SAT or ACT. All Texas colleges and universities require the TSIA test. If necessary, you can retake the SAT and ACT this school year. Check the admissions testing policies of your target schools. Are they test-optional or do they require you to submit SAT or ACT scores? Even if a college does not require the SAT or ACT, submitting your scores may qualify you for scholarship money. Check out the ACT/SAT/TSIA for more information about testing.
Know your deadlines. Many colleges have multiple deadline options. Consider the implications of early action and early, rolling or regular decision - and confirm the rules and deadlines for financial aid - so you can plan accordingly. An early decision can lower stress. A mix of deadlines also means applictions aren't due all at once.
Apply. Craft your essays with well-throught-out narratives. Complete applications carefully. Review a copy of your transcript. Have you displayed an upward trend that should be discussed? Does an anomaly need contest? Chat with your counselor about any issues. Leave time to reread essays and fix any errors. Search Google and YouTube for college essay tips.
Follow up. Check that colleges have received records and recommendations from your high school - and your TSIA/SAT/ACT scores. About a month after you submit your application, log into each of your application portals (Apply Texas; Common App) to be sure that your file is complete.
Confirm aid rules. Check with each college for its specific application requirements for financial aid. Dates and forms may vary.
Make a choice. Try to visit or even revisit the colleges where you've been accepted before committing. Talk with alumni; attend an accepted-student reception. Then make your college choice official by sending in your deposit. Congrats, you made it!