College
Before you apply
College Research
2023-24 Assured admissions chart
QuestBridge - for high-achieving, low-income students
Tips for getting started
Make a list of colleges you are considering
Check application & due date requirements
Keep track of your application logins & passwords
College admissions policies vary by campus - reach out to admissions reps if you have questions. They are here to help!
The Application process
College Applications
Students can begin filling out college applications as early as July 1 of senior year. Some schools will allow students to apply directly through their website. You can also access applications on these platforms:
ApplyTexas.org - Texas public universities
CommonApp.org - Texas universities, out-of-state and private universities. View the CommonApp guide here.
Essays & Short Answer questions
Determine which essay and/or short answer questions are required for your schools.
Brainstorm, outline, and write your essay. Don't put this off!
Letters of Recommendation
Not all schools will require letters of recommendation. Check your school's website to determine whether they are required. If so, verify recommender requirements (counselor, teacher, open to anyone, etc.)
Requesting a teacher or counselor letter of rec
Talk to your teacher or counselor first to verify they are able to write you a letter - give them at least 4 weeks notice.
Submit the corresponding recommendation packet
Transcripts
Students will set up an account in Parchment.com. Once you have created an account, you can order your Rouse transcript to be sent to colleges.
Note: Some colleges require Self-Reporting of Academic Records (SRAR). If your college requires this, it will be listed on your application checklist.
Dual Credit students - here are the instructions for sending your ACC transcript
Sending SAT & ACT scores
RHS does not send SAT or ACT scores. Students must order official scores from your account:
SAT - Collegeboard.org
ACT - ACT.org
Many colleges are currently test optional. Learn more about test optional here.
Set up and check your application portal(s)
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 = Howdy Portal, 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
Finacial Aid - FAFSA & Scholarships
FAFSA - this is your first step to financial aid!
Begin filling out the FAFSA December of senior year
Completed independently of college apps - you can fill out the FAFSA before you finish all your applications
Scholarships - make sure to check your college's scholarship application and requirements
Some colleges have separate scholarship applications, others may include the app within Apply Texas
Private scholarship applications will be posted in the Class of 2023 Google Classroom and the RHS Scholarship page as they become available
CSS Profile - required for some private institutions (in addition to FAFSA)
Resources
Studentaid.gov - comprehensive resource for financial aid
After the application
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.
Sending AP scores
To get credit or placement for your AP exam scores, you have to request an official score report be sent to the college you are planning to attend.
Immunization Records
Most colleges require vaccination against bacterial meningitis. If you need a copy of your immunization records from LISD, the only way they can be obtained is by submitting a records request to student.records@leanderisd.org.
When making a records request, please note the following:
A photo identification will be required for all record requests.
If the student is under the age of 18, their parent/guardian must make the request for the immunizations.
If the student is over the age of 18, the student must make the request for the immunizations, as the right to access the information transfers to the eligible student from the parent/guardian.
*** Please note: the campus nurse or staff cannot provide you with a copy. ***