12th grade
Submit your college applications and create a plan for how you will pay for college.
Fall
As you start your senior year of high school, gather all the materials you’ll need and submit your college applications. Apply for financial aid and scholarships to help pay for your degree.
- 1
See where you’re accepted before applying
Get a list of college acceptances before starting your college application.
Learn more - 2
Retake entrance exams
If needed, register and retake the SAT or ACT. Send a copy of your scores to the schools you’re applying to.
Register for the SAT - 3
Match your career goals to a major
Use the Career Explorer to view careers and find related programs that match your goals.
Explore careers - 4
Complete college applications
Submit applications to schools on your college list. Be sure to have your test scores, transcripts, and resume ready.
Apply for schools in Texas - 5
Complete financial aid applications
Review the types of financial aid to see what’s right for you. Then, submit your federal and state financial aid applications.
Apply for financial aid
Apply quiz results to your career goals
Apply for scholarships
Spring
In the spring, check your email often to make sure you submit any extra materials for your applications. Start to build a plan to pay for college costs using financial aid and scholarships.
- 1
Review and compare financial aid offers
Use online tools to compare financial aid offers. Consider housing and other college costs to see which offer is right for your budget.
Compare financial aid - 2
Plan for college cost
Create a plan to cover the cost of college including tuition, housing, books, and more.
Learn how to cover college costs
Develop skills
Understand student loans
Summer
Before you start college in the fall, build the skills you'll need through internships and jobs. Meet with an advisor to make sure you met all requirements to enroll in college.
- 2
Explore college life
Learn how to navigate college life and make the most out of your college experience.
Navigate college life - 3
Apply to a job or internship
Find internships and jobs to help you build skills that can set you up for success in college and the future.
Search for internships
Next: After high school
Have you already finished high school? View the college and career action plan for after high school.