College

How do I apply for college?

  • Complete a College Application

  • Send SAT/ACT Scores

  • Pay application fee, or submit fee waiver (If you qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch you are eligible for college application fee waivers. See GO Center Staff for details.)

  • Send Transcript (This will be requested through Xello. See instructions here.

  • Send any additional documents if needed (resume, essay, teacher recommendations)

  • Check you email for updates!

  • Complete the FAFSA/TASFA!

SAT & ACT

For information regarding preparation, registration deadlines, testing locations, and to sign up to take these college entrance tests, use the links below:

** All students eligible for Free/ Reduced Lunch get 2 fee waivers to take the SAT and the ACT. Please see Go Center Staff for details.

Applying to College

There are a handful of online platforms students will use to apply to college:

  • ApplyTexas. Apply Texas allows students to apply to various public and private universities and junior colleges in Texas using one application. This site also provides information about application deadlines and fees.

  • The Common App. Common App serves over 700 colleges via one application.

  • CommonBlackCollegeApp. Apply to 55 HBCU and UNCF member schools with a single $20 application fee.

  • School-specific/individual applications. Some colleges you can apply to directly on their website, like Dillard University.

  • The Coalition App. Students can start using the Coalition platform as a toolbox for their academic record & resume, then use it later to apply to certain colleges.

  • The Universal College Application. A handful of more selective schools use the Universal Application, a tool similar to the Common App.

Automatic & Assured Admissions

Of course Texas has the top 10% rule, but many colleges offer assured admissions for students who meet set academic criteria (typically a combination of rank or GPA and test scores). This chart outlines several Texas public institutions and their assured admissions criteria by quartile.

Financial Aid

FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is available online every year beginning October 1st. By completing the FAFSA, students may be eligible for grants, work-study, and/or loans. The FAFSA4caster can be used to estimate your eligibility for federal student aid using past tax information. For more information about financial aid, check out FinAid.

Scholarships - Scholarships can take some work to find, then more work to apply.

  • Apply, Apply, Apply

Will my AP Test Score Count for College Credit?

This site on College Board allows you to search for specific colleges to determine which AP tests and scores will translate into credit at their school.

Additional Resources:

  • College for All Texans is one of the most comprehensive resources for students and parents. It includes links and information about preparing for, applying to, and paying for college or technical school.

  • Try Mapping Your Future for financial aid, school searches, and career-planning information

  • Get Schooled has college prep tools, college tour resources, and information about application essays for current high school students.

  • Xello allows you to take personality, and career assessments. You can also explore potential career fields, majors of study, or colleges that you are interested in.

  • 25 Best Value Colleges & Universities in Texas is a great resource for students looking for affordable college education without breaking the bank.

  • The College Affordability Guide provides a listing of the most affordable colleges and universities & breaks them down by degree interest.