This section of our website contains tips and links with regard to helping students in preparing for the college admissions process. Many factors will be involved, including preparation for college entrance tests, exploring potential colleges and universities, financial aid,  and scholarships. Your goal for going to college should not be overlooked; thus we have included information about learning more about career occupations and professions.

Note: Although numerous links are found below that are highly useful, their placement here is for informational purposes and does not imply our endorsement.

ACT

The ACT is one of two major college entrance examinations. Check with the colleges you are considering to attend to determine if this is an appropriate test for you. Also visit with your school counselor for additional information. Below you will find several links you may use to do the following:

• To learn about the ACT

• To view the ACT testing schedule

• To prepare for the ACT

• To register for the ACT

SAT

The SAT is the oldest of the two college entrance tests. The areas tested and the format of the test are different from those of the ACT. Again, we suggest that you check with the colleges you are considering to attend to determine which test is appropriate for you. Consult with your school counselor for more information. To aid you with the SAT, the following links are provided:

• To learn about the SAT

• To view the SAT testing schedule

• To prepare for the SAT

• To register for the SAT

THEA

In some cases students need to take the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) as part of the college admissions process for Texas colleges and universities. Students meeting certain guidelines are exempt from having to take the THEA. See your school counselor for more information about the THEA. Below you will find links that lead to details about the THEA:

• To learn about the THEA

• To view the THEA testing schedule

• To prepare for the THEA

• To register for the THEA

Colleges & Universities

One of the best ways to learn about a specific college or university is to make a campus visit. Attending college and university representative's presentations is another method of gathering information about a perspective college or university. There is also a great deal of information online, such as college and university websites, and even virtual tours in some cases. Here are a few links to useful websites that deal with information about colleges and universities:

• ACT college and university search engine

• College Board college and university search engine

• Peterson's college finder

Financial Aid

The first comment we'll make here is to watch for scams. There are "agents" who are ready to take your money and give you little, if anything, in return. We have personally known of students and families that have been scammed. When in doubt, consult with your school counselor. For more about scholarship scams view the Federal Trade Commission's $cholarship $cams.

Become knowledgeable about the FASFA, the Free Application for Student Federal Aid. Even if you do not meet the financial aid guidelines for this type of assistance, many colleges, universities, and other agencies utilizes the FASFA information to award other types of financial, such as scholarships. Completing the FASFA application process may well be worth your time. Students and families may begin to apply in January of the student's senior year.

Learn about the different types of financial aid, especially the differences between money that you do not have to repay, and money you will have to repay at some point in time. Be completely aware of all the details when it comes to loans, for there will be time lines for repayment, plus the added cost of interest on the loan. Many college students and their families have had to utilize loans to finance a college education; however, be completely award of your loan obligations.

Here are a few links to informational websites that deal with financial aid:

• To view the FAFSA information

• To view the ACT financial aid planning information

• To view the College Board financial aid planning information

Scholarships

When it comes to scholarships you are looking at a type of financial aid that is based upon academic merit or financial need, and most likely both. You academic record and college entrance test performance will both be major factors. For many scholarship applications you will need letters of recommendation, academic records (transcripts), college entrance test scores, essays, and at times your record of school and community service. Do yourself a favor and those whom you ask to write letters of recommendation -- give them a couple of weeks lead time. You want the individuals you ask to write letters of recommendation to have ample time, plus you want the letters to be as supportive of you as possible. Below are some links that will provide more information about scholarships, and seek the assistance of your school counselor.

• ACT scholarship information

• College Board scholarship information

• FastWeb scholarship search engine

Occupations and Professions

Perhaps this section needed to be first, since knowing what you want to study in college can be a tremendous time saver, as well as a money saver. We are suggesting that you explore career profiles quite seriously. For that purpose, we have placed the links below. The websites will provide important information about careers, and what it takes to get to that occupation or profession you aspire to reach.

• Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Health Opportunities in Texas: H.O.T. Jobs

• Discover Nursing

• Health Care Career Resource Center

• Work-Force1

• College Board Major and Career Profiles

• Princeton Review Majors Search