one step at a time

5

Many colleges and universities use online application portals, which allow you to submit your application and track its progress. Be sure to keep track of your login credentials so you can easily access your application status and any updates from the schools you’ve applied to.

Common App is an application portal to over 900 schools worldwide. Apply TX is an application portal to over 100 public, private, and community colleges in Texas.

“There are a lot of random scholarships that you have to look out for. They might be small amounts of money, but if you get enough, it adds up.”

- senior Leah Miller

6

Transcripts provide a record of your academic achievements, including your grades, GPA and class rank. You can ask your school counselor to forward your transcript to the college you’re applying to.

7

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, including grants, loans and work-study programs. To apply, you’ll need to provide information about your parents’ income and assets. The application can be completed online and should be submitted as soon as possible after it becomes available on Oct. 1. Be sure to also check with the colleges you are applying to for any additional financial aid applications or requirements they may have.

9

Send your enrollment deposit after committing to a collegethis deposit goes toward your first year’s tuition.

Out of courtesy, decline colleges you choose not to attend by sending an email to their admissions office. Technically, you’re not required to reach out, but this might free up financial aid that was previously reserved for you.

8

When it comes to managing the expenses of college, obtaining scholarships are crucial. There are a multitude of scholarship opportunities, the most popular being merit-based, need-based, and essay-based. Many scholarship deadlines are as early as junior year, so it’s important to be consistently checking for available ones. Popular scholarship websites include Chegg, Niche, College Board, and Unigo

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Even after you’ve been accepted, continue to maintain your grades. Colleges reserve the right to withdraw your