APPLICATION PROCESS
College Application Platforms
Essays & Short Answer Questions
Determine which essays & short answer questions are required, where you have choice, and where you can re-use essays.
Brainstorm, outline, and write your essay. Be sure to have someone you trust read your essay and ask for feedback.
TIPS:
Pay attention to work-count limites
Short Answers - get to the point, don't turn short answer questions into a story
Ordering Transcripts
Jarrell ISD has partnered with Parchment, a leader in eTranscript exchange, to send high school transcripts electronically, securely, and confidentially, to colleges and universities of your choice! The service is available online, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Students and alumni simply request a transcript and designate the academic institution, organization, or individual that they would like to receive it. Users will be notified when their request is complete and can also track the status of their request or view a saved copy of their transcript.
For ACC transcripts, please visit this site.
Creating an Applicant Portal
After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation with details to set up your applicant port. Each college calls this something different, for example UT = My Status, Texas A&M = AIS, etc. This is where you will log in to:
Verify required and optional pieces of your application have been received
Upload supplemental documents such as resume and possibly input recommenders' information to generate emailed requests
View your admission decision
View and accept/edit your financial aid award letter
Financial Aid & Scholarships
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
All colleges will require the FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid (grants, loans, work-study)
Some private institutions may require the FAFSA and CSS Profile
The CSS Profile opens annually October 1 and must be completed annually
Scholarships
Scholarships are a form of financial aid, but are considered merit-based (and may have a need-based component)
Final Transcripts
The final transcript can be ordered through Parchment prior to graduation by selecting "hold for grades" when you order. If after graduation, you can choose "send immediately". Either way, know that transcripts are typically not finalized until mid-late June, and orders will be processed at that time.
Dual Credit students - be sure to order a transcript to be sent to ACC along with the college you're attending; otherwise ACC will place a hold on your account (which may mean a hold on transferring your ACC credits). On that note, be sure you have sent your most recent ACC transcript to the college you're attending to ensure those credits are evaluated for transfer.