Step 1 - Investigate schools, majors

• In state vs. out of state

• Proximity to home

• Large campus vs. medium campus vs. small campus

• Honors programs

• Climate

Step 2 - Create a spreadsheet of colleges, college application email address and passwords

• We recommend that you apply to at least 3-5 Safety and Target schools and then as many reach as you want. Each school will have a different cost and differing amounts of aid. Having options in the spring is a good thing.

• Spreadsheet - college applications are complicated and have several parts. Creating a spreadsheet for the schools you are applying to will help you keep track of where you have applied, DEADLINES, and where you are in the application process. 

• Email address - we highly recommend creating an email address that is only for college applications. As you probably already know, senior year is full of spam. By having one email for applications, it can help you keep track of all your correspondence and hopefully cut through the spam.

• Password Log - you will have multiple accounts, multiple logins and passwords. Creating one place where you have all of this information will make your life easier.

Step 3 - Take/Retake College Admissions Tests if needed*

• Learn more about College Admissions Testing in the drop down at the bottom of the page 

Step 4 - Create your application portal account 

• Apply Texas - (opens July 1st) allows students to apply to various colleges in Texas using one application

• Common Application - (opens August 1st) serves over 1,000 colleges via one application

Step 4 - The Application - We recommend that you have this completed by OCTOBER 15th

• Demographic Information

• Essays

  • Personal statement

  • Supplemental essays

  • Optional essays

  • Major specific

• Activities Resume

• Supplemental Items

  • Transcript - make sure you order it through Parchment (see VRHS counseling website for the link!)

  • Test Scores - is the school test optional? Do you want the school to see your scores?

  • OPTIONAL Letters of recommendation 

    • Letters of recommendation are not required by all schools. Some schools will only read 2-3 letters. Make sure you fully investigate the school’s requirements

Step 5 - (Optional) Interviews, Auditions and Portfolios

• Auditions and Portfolios - If you’re applying to music, art or theater programs, the colleges may want to see samples of your work. This means you may need to audition or send portfolios or videos showing your artistic ability as part of your application.

• Interviews - It’s a good idea to ask for an interview, even if it’s not required. It shows you’re serious and gives you a chance to connect with someone in the admission office. Even if a college is far away, you may be able to interview with a local alumnus.

SAT Test Dates and Deadlines - Register here!

• • Register with the CEEB code 441175 in order to test at Vista Ridge

ACT Test Dates and Deadlines - Register here!

• • Closest ACT testing location is Cedar Park High School or Leander High School

• Test Prep:

  • SAT Practice Tests and Question Banks - Includes free, live, small-goup tutoring, downloadable resources, and Question of the Day;

  • Khan Academy - Free Official Digital SAT prep, partners with College Board to help focus on exact skills needed to succeed on test;

  • ACT Practice and Prep - Free quizzes, practice tests, Question of the Day, plus links to guides and tutors;

  • More than a Teacher - Offers test prep classes, workshops & bootcamps, and practice test opportunities;

  • and other various test prep companies

• Reach out to your counselor if you need a fee waiver code for either test!