Applying to College

Timeline: By the end of your junior year, you should have a list of approximately 5 colleges to apply to. This usually consists of 1 "safety" school, 2-3 "match" schools, and 1 "reach" school.

Selecting a Major
Take a free career inventory to see recommended careers based on your interests and skills

Assured Admissions Chart
Some public colleges in Texas offer "assured admissions" for students who meet certain criteria.

Texas colleges that offer free tuition
Some universities offer free tuition based on family income.

College Search Engines
These tools can help you find colleges that have your major.

Explore Colleges Virtually with "The College Tour"
Free  videos that help students explore colleges across the U.S.

Community College Comparison Chart
This chart compares the community college options in the Williamson County Area.

List of Majors at Austin Community College
This is the current majors available at Austin Community College.

List of Majors at Texas State Technical College
This is the current majors available at Austin Community College.

Additional Resources
Additional  community resources that  provide college application support

Timeline: Before Start of Senior Year

Check College Requirements and Deadlines: Deadlines Vary (Early Action, Early Decision, Priority Deadlines, Scholarship Deadlines, Honors Deadlines, etc). 

Timeline: Most applications open by August 1, senior year. Application due dates vary by institution. Please check individual websites for specifics.

College Application Portals
Below are the links to college applications. Make sure to complete your application by the deadline and pay the application fee. See your counselor if you qualify for free or reduced lunch and we can help provide a waiver to help waive the application fee if you qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Apply Texas

Application for many Texas Universities-Colleges that use Apply Texas

Common App 

Application for many colleges nationwide, including select Texas Universities-Colleges that use Common App

Step by step guide for the Common App

Application to Austin Community College 

Application to Texas State Technical College

College Application Essays
Get tips and assistance on your college admissions essay

Resume
This link has several examples of college resumes as well as verbs that can describe your skill set.

Timeline: Request for your transcripts and test scores to be sent immediately after you submit your application.

Send your SAT/ACT scores to colleges
Many colleges are "test-optional"  (minus UT Austin and some degree specific programs at certain university), so only send your SAT/ACT scores if they support your application or are required.

This site will help you view average test scores by university.  (Type in the name of the college and then click "admissions" to see school specific data

Send your EVHS Transcript
Common App Users: If you add your counselor as your recommender within the application, you do not need to use the link above to request your trainscript.

Apply Texas Users:  Students must request your EVHS transcript to be sent to each college they apply to. Click the link above for instructions.

Send Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation from teachers, school counselors, and other sources can help college admissions officers get a more complete picture of applicants.  These are often required for private/highly competitive colleges. Most state schools do not require them.

Common App Users: Email your recommender FIRST to see if they would write a letter of recommendation for you. Then add them as a "recommender" in Common App so they can receive a link to upload their letter.

Apply Texas Users: Email your recommender FIRST to see if they would write a letter of recommendation for you. Then ask them to email a copy of the letter to you. Once you submit your applcation and receive access to the school specific portal, you can upload the letter of recommendation in the portal.

Send your ACC Dual Credit Transcript (Free)

Send your UT Austin/On Ramps Transcript ($20)-May not be required

Timeline: After the application is submitted. 

Monitor the status of your applications
Within 72 business hours of submitting and paying for your application, you will receive an email from the university to set up an account to monitor the status of your application. Make sure to create an account and log in frequently to know if you are missing any materials.  

Financial Aid Information

Scholarship Information

• Housing: Apply for housting and watch housing deadlines

• Financial Aid:  Compare Financial Aid Offers (usually arrive mid-March)

• Final Decision: Make your college decision by the requested deadline (usually May 1)

• Final Transcript: Before you gradudate, request for your final transcript to be sent to the college you will be attending  Directions

• College Readiness:  Send SAT or TSI Documentation, if required

• College Credit:  Send AP Scores, Dual Credit + On Ramps Transcripts to final college