Your future starts here.

Build a balanced plan and follow each college’s requirements.

1. Research admission requirements, majors, cost and campus fit.
2. Create a balanced list that includes likely, match and reach options.
3. Use the application platform required by each college.
4. Submit all required materials by the college’s deadline.
5. After applying, activate and monitor each college’s applicant portal.

Request documents early.

• Follow each college or scholarship program’s instructions for official transcripts.
• Official high school transcripts must be sent directly to the receiving institution or organization.
• Students who completed Lone Star College dual-credit courses may also need to order a separate Lone Star College transcript.
• Prepare a résumé or activity list highlighting academic achievements, leadership, service and extracurricular involvement.
• Ask recommenders well before the deadline—allow at least three school weeks whenever possible.
• Provide your recommender with the deadline, submission instructions and information about your accomplishments.

Testing requirements vary by institution and program. Students should verify the current admission and scholarship policies for every college on their list.

Registration deadlines occur before each SAT or ACT test date. Eligible students should ask their counselor about available fee waivers.

Advanced Placement courses allow academically prepared students to complete college-level coursework in high school. Students may earn college credit or advanced placement based on their AP Exam scores and the policy of the college they attend.

Earn high school and college credit at the same time.

Through the CFISD partnership with Lone Star College–CyFair, qualifying students can take approved college courses while enrolled in high school. Eligibility, testing, registration and course requirements apply.

Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, work-study and loans.

• Search and apply for scholarships throughout senior year.
• Check eligibility requirements and deadlines carefully.
• Complete financial-aid applications only through official websites.
• Submit applications as early as possible because some funding is limited.
• Review each college’s priority deadline and any additional financial-aid requirements.

Students can prepare for high-demand careers through associate degrees, certificates, apprenticeships, technical schools and other workforce-training programs.

Compare programs carefully.

• Confirm that the institution is appropriately accredited.
• Compare total cost, program length, job-placement support and completion rates.
• Ask whether credits transfer and whether the program prepares students for required licenses or certifications.
• Review local job demand, typical pay and advancement opportunities.
• Complete the FAFSA or TASFA when the program is eligible for financial aid.

Career exploration helps students connect their interests and strengths with education, training and employment opportunities. CFISD CTE programs also allow students to complete career-focused coursework and pursue industry-based certifications.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) can support both career exploration and military planning. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program includes an aptitude assessment, interest inventory and tools for exploring civilian and military careers.

Students considering military service should compare branches, career fields, education benefits, enlistment requirements and service commitments. Meet with multiple representatives and involve a trusted adult before signing an agreement.

College, scholarship and financial-aid deadlines vary. Students are responsible for checking the official deadline for each institution and program.