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.
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.
Admissions
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.
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.
Admissions
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.
Figure out your education and professional goals by choosing a major.
Choose a Major
Research what colleges or universities have a program for your career or major of choice.
Research admission requirements for the schools you’re interested in.
Research
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).
Select and Apply
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
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.
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.
The SAT or ACT is required to be accepted into college/university. Go to the Testing page to find out more about each test.
Learn About Tests
Sign Up for Tests
Study! There are many websites that have study guides and practice guides like Khan Academy, CollegeBoard and ACT.
Study
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.
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 may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool)
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
Combat pay, worker's compensation or disability (excluding SSI)
Veteran's noneducation benefits
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.
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.
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.
Complete loan counseling forms and requirements, if you choose to take out a loan.
Accept your financial aid package at the school you plan to attend.
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 may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool)
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
Combat pay, worker's compensation or disability (excluding SSI)
Veteran's noneducation benefits
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
Career and Major Exploration
Personality Exploration
Military Exploration