COLLEGE PREP CHECKLIST

Use this information below to keep track of every step in the process, from admissions and testing requirements to financial aid. You can also download our checklist to complete it electronically or print to complete it manually. 

Students today have more educational opportunities available than ever before, but with so many options, what path to choose can be confusing. Follow our simple steps to get started! For complete details, visit inspirED’s website at yourgocenter.com.

Admissions

Choose a Major

Figure out your education and professional goals by choosing a major.

Select and Apply

Select at least three top schools to apply to.

Submit admissions applications online. You can apply for out-of-state schools on CommonApp or for Texas schools on ApplyTexas.

Submit Additional Admissions Application Materials (requirements vary by school).

Research

Research what colleges/universities have a program for your career/major of choice.

Research admission requirements for the schools you’re interested in.

Create Profiles

Create a student profile for each school you applied for to receive admission application updates.

Testing

Standardized testing may play a large part in your acceptance to college, but there's more than one way to make sure you get the best possible score!  For complete details, visit inspirED’s website at yourgocenter.com.

Learn About Tests

The SAT or ACT is required to be accepted into college/university. Go to the Testing page to find out more about each test.

Study

Study! There are many websites that have study guides and practice guides like Khan Academy, CollegeBoard and ACT.

Sign Up for Tests

Sign up for admissions test(s) by going to the SAT or ACT website. Make sure to ask your high school counselor if you are eligible for a test fee waiver.

Check for TSIA Requirement

Check to see if you need to take the TSIA2, Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0. The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) determines whether a student is college ready. The test has three sections: writing, reading and math. You can take the TSI at your local community college. Students may be exempt from taking the TSI based on their ACT or SAT test scores.

Financial Aid

Financial aid comes in the form of grants, work-study and loans. These programs come from three main sources: federal, state and institutional. Learn more about these forms of aid in the information below. For complete details, visit inspirED’s website at yourgocenter.com.

Apply for scholarships.

Determine which financial aid application to fill out: FAFSA or TASFA.

Complete the CSS Profile, if applicable.

View your financial aid award letter from each college and compare your financial aid packages. You can use CollegeBoard's tool to compare multiple financial aid award letters.

Accept your financial aid package at the school you plan to attend.

Complete loan counseling forms and requirements, if you choose to take out a loan.

Sign up for payment plans, if applicable.

Additional FAFSA and TASFA Details

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a federal application that will determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The application must be completed each year to qualify for federal aid and is available every October 1 for the following academic year.

Both students and parents (if the student is considered dependent per FAFSA) will need the following information and documents:

  • Date of birth

  • Social Security Number/Alien Registration Number

  • Tax returns, W-2s and other records of money earned (Note: You will transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA by using the IRS Direct Data Exchange)

  • FSA ID to electronically sign your application

Additionally, parents will need:

  • Month/Year of Marital Status

  • Additional financial information (if applicable)

  • Child support paid or received

  • Current balances of cash, savings and checking accounts

  • Net worth of investments, businesses and farms

For more information or to apply, visit www.studentaid.gov.

Note: If you do not meet the eligibility requirements to complete the FAFSA, but you are a Texas Resident and have attended a high school in Texas for at least three years, you may be eligible to complete the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). To learn more about the TASFA application, click here or contact your college’s financial aid office.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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