College prep checklist

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

Admissions

• Figure out your educational and professional goals by choosing a major.
• Research what colleges/universities have a program for your career/major of choice.
• Research admission requirements for the schools you’re interested in.
• 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).
• Create a student profile for each school you applied for to receive admission application updates.

Testing

• The SAT or ACT is required to be accepted into college/university. Go to the Testing page to find out more about each test.
• 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.
• Study! There are many websites that have study guides and practice guides like Khan Academy, CollegeBoard and ACT.
• 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

• Apply for scholarships.
• Determine which financial aid application to fill out: FAFSA or TASFA?

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. To learn more about the TASFA application, click here or contact your college’s financial aid office.

• 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.
• Apply for incoming freshman scholarships.
• Complete loan counseling forms and requirements, if you choose to take out a loan.
• Sign up for payment plans, if applicable.