College Planning

The student who plans to attend college after high school graduation should begin early to plan a course of study to ensure acceptance by the college or university of his/her choice. Students must graduate on the Distinguished Achievement program or the Foundation with Endorsement graduation plan to apply to a 4-year college or university right out of high school.

Once the student has made a definite choice of the school he/she plans to attend, it is advisable to keep in contact with the school’s admission office; by doing so, the student will know well in advance any entrance requirement changes.

Generally, college admission is based on a specific high school curriculum, class rank, and college entrance exam scores. Most colleges post their catalogs on their websites.

College Readiness Exams
Financial Aid
Early Admission and NCAA
Student Timeline for Admission
FAQs
College Info Websites
student taking test

College-Readiness Exams

PSAT-NMSQT

This test, administered in mid-October of each year, is designed to aid juniors in estimating their ability to do college-level work and to guide them in making their college plans.

National Merit and Commended Student status is determined based on PSAT scores earned during the junior year administration.

PSAT scores are also used by many industries, private foundations, and universities for scholarship purposes.

There are fees associated with this assessment.

SAT and ACT

The Association of Texas College and Universities has approved a statewide system of testing prospective college students for the purpose of admission and counseling.

Students should determine which test is required or preferred by the institutions they are considering attending.

These tests are administered several times during the year on Saturdays.

Each of the tests requires advanced registration and payment of a testing fee prior to the actual exam administration (approximately one month in advance).

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the corresponding AP exam.

These exams are administered each May in multiple subject areas with variable fees.

Because AP courses are introductory college-level courses, the program promotes colleges and university policies that grant college credit and/or advanced standing to students with strong AP examination results (scores of 3, 4, or 5).

Each university makes its own policy as to what is an acceptable score. It is advisable to take AP courses to prepare for AP exams.

There are fees associated with this assessment.

Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI)

The TSI is a measure of college readiness given to high school students. Students who are planning to take dual credit courses during their high school years must take and pass the TSI to be eligible.

TSI scores are valid for five years from the date of testing.

It is recommended students download the TSI Study App.

college graduation cap on money

Financial Aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Completion of the FAFSA or TASFA is a graduation requirement for all students enrolled in a Texas public school district.

Students in Grade 12 must complete and submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or a Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA) before graduating from high school.

Scholarships

The freshman year is the time to start preparing for the stiff competition for scholarships that students face in their senior year of high school.

Involvement in extra-curricular activities, community activities, clubs, organizations, and volunteer work are of vital importance in the pursuit of scholarships.

Texas Grant Program

(Contingent on funding)

Students graduating under the Distinguished Achievement Program or the Foundations with Endorsement Plan may be eligible for the Texas Grant.

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in early fall of their senior year to determine financial need.

Special Enrollment Cases

student walking at TJC

Early Admission Program

Students may enroll in Tyler Junior College provided the following conditions are met:

  • Obtain written approval of both your counselor and parent or guardian.

  • Meet enrollment requirements at Tyler Junior College.

  • Give written permission to Tyler Junior College to release attendance and grade reports to Tyler ISD.

student with family on signing day

NCAA College – Bound Student Athletes

If you are planning to enroll in college and participate in Division I or Division II athletics, you must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.

Visit eligibilitycenter.org where important changes are posted annually.

Student Timeline for College Admissions by Year

This is a perfect guide of what to do each year to be fully prepared for the college admissions process.

Freshman Year

  • Get to know your high school counselor

  • Participate in school activities and organizations

  • Look for opportunities for leadership and community service

  • Attend local college fairs

  • Start a student profile of activities and honors. Save it and update it annually.

  • Take challenging courses (Pre-AP) for college preparation

  • Study hard and keep grades high to earn the best possible class rank

Sophomore Year

  • Explore college choices on the internet and visit campuses

  • Prepare for SAT/ACT and college by taking the most rigorous courses you can handle

  • Attend College Night at TJC in November

  • Continue school activity involvement and volunteer work

  • Update student profile

Junior Year

In the Fall

  • Take PSAT-NMSQT in October

  • Attend College Night at TJC in November

  • Visit with College Admission Representatives

  • Challenge yourself with rigorous courses

In the Spring

  • Take SAT or ACT in spring semester (fee waivers are available for students with financial need)

  • Take SAT Subject Tests in late spring or June if you are considering a school that requires them

  • Narrow college choices to a short list

  • Visit websites for admission information and deadlines

  • Continue to challenge yourself with Pre-AP and AP courses

  • Continue school activity involvement. Update student profile

  • Visit college campuses – take a tour

  • If planning to play college athletics, register with the NCAA Clearing House at the end of your junior year

  • Take AP examinations for courses taken

Senior Year

In the Fall

  • Check admissions, housing, and scholarship deadlines for schools still on your list (Many are as early as November)

  • File FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) (Federal Financial Aid Form) as early as possible after October 1st

  • Get organized. Mark your calendar with deadline alerts. Make files for each school and scholarship

  • Attend College Night at TJC in November

  • Take SAT or ACT again if necessary (to try for higher score) and SAT Subject Tests if needed

  • Make sure SAT/ACT/AP scores and transcripts have been forwarded to colleges in which you have interest

  • Use the internet for scholarship search, plus college websites for campus scholarships

  • Update and fine-tune your student profile. Do not forget to include community service, volunteering, summer enrichment study/travel, and part-time work

In the Spring

  • Attend Financial Aid Nights at area colleges or your high school

  • Take TSI if you are attending a Texas public college or university (if not EOC, ACT or SAT exempt)

  • Wait for decisions from institutions. Make final decision and notify college of your choice

  • Take AP Exams for courses taken through your high school years

FAQs

College Information Websites