Research
Research
There are so many choices when it comes to college - where do I begin?
You can begin narrowing your search by selecting some key factors that are important to you. There are some helpful online tools that can give suggestions based on your criteria including the Naviance SuperMatch (under the "Colleges" tab), College Board's Big Future "Find your Future" search tool, or the Compare College TX website.
In the meantime, here are some factors you might consider:
In state vs. out-of-state
Small school vs. large school
Public vs. private
Selectivity - GPA, rank, ACT/SAT requirements
Specific major
Extracurricular organizations - intramural sports, Greek life, service organizations, clubs
How do I know if a college is right for me?
The best way to figure out if a school is a good fit is to visit the campus. Campuses offer many opportunities throughout the year - check the school's website or contact them directly to find out what your options are. There are many schools within a close driving distance to CPHS, so we highly recommend you take advantage of these opportunities.
Here are some ideas:
Preview days - large events geared toward graduating seniors which highlight various aspects of campus life
Campus tours - hosted by a student tour guide
Self-guided tour - perfect if you are just passing through or if you are on campus when the welcome center is closed. You can usually find printable tour info online
In-depth look - programs vary by campus. These give you a closer look into specific areas of interest on campus. Some smaller schools even have programs that allow you to stay overnight in a dorm!
If you aren't able to make it to a campus, that's ok too - we have reps that come to you! CPHS hosts college presentations made by college and military representatives on a regular basis. We have reps from a variety of different schools from across the country, but if there's one you're really interested in that isn't on the calendar, let us know!
Should I let cost determine whether or not I apply to a school?
NO! You will not know the full scope of where you stand financially until AFTER you apply and complete the FAFSA! You should avoid what we call "sticker shock," which happens when you look at the cost of attendance, fees, room & board. This number does not take into account any financial aid you may be eligible for. You can, however, research costs using a net price calculator.
Also consider when comparing two schools - School A might have a lower tuition cost, but School B might have more financial aid to offer. Again, this is not something you would know for sure until after you complete the FAFSA.
Check out the Scholarships & Financial Aid tab for more info!