College FAQs

Can Non-U.S. Citizens attend college?

  • Yes, you can! When creating your account, the college application website will ask for you to enter your information regarding your country of birth and your Legal Resident card information (if applicable). If you have any issues, questions or concerns, contact the College Access Team. To learn more about financial aid and financial aid FAQ's, click HERE.

Why should I apply to college?

  • You should apply to college to further your education and create more economic and educational opportunities for yourself, but your family as well. To learn more, read this article by CollegeBoard.

When should I start applying to college?

  • You should start applying as early as the summer before your senior year. It's recommended to write a rough draft of your college essay during the summer. Most college applications open at the end of summer. To prepare, view our senior checklist.

What application do I complete for in state vs. out of state?

  • For Texas universities or community colleges, apply on ApplyTexas. For resources, click HERE.

  • For out-of-state universities or community colleges, apply on CommonApp. For resources, click HERE.

How many colleges do I apply to?

  • It's reccomended to apply for 3-6 colleges (2 dream, 2 target and 2 safety schools).

What are dream, target and safety schools?

  • Dream schools are schools that might be a little out of reach but are still possible. For example, SAT requirement is 1100 and you have a 1000.

  • Target schools are where you meet the school's admission requirements. For example, SAT requirement is 1000 and you have a 1000.

  • Safety schools are where you exceed the school's admission requirements. For example, SAT requirement is 800 and you have a 1000.

What is the difference between community college and university?

  • Community colleges, sometimes called junior colleges, are two-year schools that provide affordable postsecondary education as a pathway to a four-year degree or to earn an associate's degree or certificate.

  • A university provides education for those that are pursuing a bachelor's degree and on average takes 4 years to complete.

What degree should I be applying for?

Undergraduate Degrees

  • Associate's degree: An associate degree is an undergraduate degree awarded which typically takes two-years. These are awarded at community colleges.

  • Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree is a four-year undergraduate degree. These are awarded at four-year universities.

Graduate Degrees

  • To pursue a graduate degree, you must have been awarded a bachelor's degree.

What is Dual Credit? How can I qualify for it?

  • Dual-Credit is a program that allows students earn college credit hours by enrolling in college-level courses without having to leave their high school campus. Anyone can qualify for it!

  • Applications open up every semester. To learn more, contact Mrs. Cantu.

Why do seniors need to take TSI?

  • If a student does not meet the college readiness requirement, as determined by their SAT/ACT score, they will be required to take TSI. If students do not take TSI, they will be placed in remedial classes for the subject that they did not meet the college readiness level.

  • To take the TSI, colleges and universities charge a fee. However, to avoid the fee, it's highly encouraged for seniors to take the TSI at Elsik High School. Mrs. Cantu will be contacting students via their Alief email. It's very important that the student attends their scheduled TSI appointment; testing will be done virtually.

  • For any questions or concerns regarding TSI, contact Mrs. Cantu.