How to Complete the College Admissions Process in the State of Texas

Are you planning to attend a college or university in the state of Texas? If so, there are a few steps that you will need to complete in order to apply and be accepted into a school of your choice. The following is a list of steps to help guide you through the college admissions process in Texas.

1. Choose the college or university that you would like to attend. Select a school that will best suit your educational goals and personal needs such as a two-year community college, four-year university, or a trade or vocational school. Also, think about whether or not you want to attend a public or private school and if you want to live on campus or stay at home and commute. You will need to make a list of all of the schools where you plan to submit an application for admissions.

2. Research the schools on your list before you apply to them. You can research each college by a) visiting the school's website, b) going to the school and speaking with a counselor or advisor, or c) contacting the school and requesting information to be mailed to you. You can also attend career fairs and college nights at your high school or in the community.

3. Make a list of the admissions deadlines for each school on your list. Every school will have its own deadline for each semester, quarter or term. You will have to submit all required documents by the stated deadline. Write down the admissions requirements for each school such as GPA and SAT/ACT score requirements. You will also need to make a list of the financial aid and housing deadlines for each school.

4. Complete the admissions application online (on the school's website) or by completing a paper application from the school. If you are applying to more than one college, you should consider filling out the Apply Texas Application or The Common Application (both online). This will allow you to fill out one main application and then you can submit it to any school that accepts this type of application. You can locate these applications at www.applytexas.org or www.commonapp.org. Be sure to include all relevant information on your application. Do not leave any questions blank unless the questions do not apply to you. In addition, make sure that your application is neat and turn it in on time.

5. Pay the appropriate application fee to each school. The application fee can vary for each institution and you may qualify for an admissions application fee waiver if you show a financial need for it.

6. Submit an official high school transcript to each college. The transcript must be sent directly from your high school to each college that you are applying to. An official transcript must have your high school's official seal, the signature of a school official, your class rank (if available), your cumulative GPA, your high school coursework and your graduation date. Do not send copies, faxes or e-mails of your high school transcript to the college.

FYI- If you earned college credit while you were in high school, then you will have to request an official transcript to be sent from that college to each school that you are applying to.

7. Take the necessary college entrance and placement tests- THEA (formerly TASP), SAT, ACT or an alternative test to the THEA such as the COMPASS, ACCUPLACER or ASSET test. Placement tests are administered to assess a student's readiness to enroll in college level courses. If you do not meet the college or state testing standards, you will be referred to developmental courses or programs to enhance and develop your skills in reading, writing and/or math.

FYI- All students must take the THEA test if you are attending a public college or university in Texas, unless you qualify for a THEA exemption. (Non-degree seeking or non-certificate seeking college students are not required to take the THEA test).

THEA exemption Based on SAT, ACT or TAKS tests

Meet the THEA exemption by having one of the following minimum test scores:

ACT

English 19

Math 19

Composite score of 23

SAT

Verbal 500

Math 500

Verbal/Math total of 1070

TAKS (Exit-Level)

English/LA 2200

Math 2200

Writing sub-score of 3

Please visit the following sites for additional information about the SAT, ACT and THEA tests:

http://www.testprepreview.com/

http://www.thea.nesinc.com/

FYI-ACT and SAT scores cannot be older than 5 years old and TAKS scores not older than 3 years old, to qualify for the THEA exemption.)

8. Complete the additional documents for the admissions package (if required by that college or university). Some schools might request the following documents from you:

a) Letters of Recommendation- Your letters should come from an adult such as a guidance counselor or teacher, coach, band or choir director, employer, mentor, etc. The letter should include your full name, how he or she knows you, how long that person has known you and a description of your skills, qualities and personality.

b) Personal Essay- Some colleges will require you to complete a personal essay as a part of the admissions process. The school might give you a topic or you may have the option to choose your own topic. You should brainstorm ideas, create rough drafts and have others read your essay for you. Be sure to proofread your essays for errors.The typical essay question will ask you to share personal information about one of the following topics:

a) your plans or goals
b) an important event in your life
c) your philosophy or beliefs
d) your financial situation

Important tips when writing your essay.

a) Follow all guidelines regarding things such as font size and essay length.
b) Verify if the essay needs to be typed or hand-written. Also, check to see if the essay should be included on the application or on a separate sheet of paper.
c) Spell all words correctly and follow grammar and punctuation rules.
d) Make your essay look neat and professional.
e) Be sure to save your essay on your computer and on a disk.

c) Resume- Your resume should highlight your academic and personal achievements. You should include information about activities, community service and volunteer work, honors, awards, organizations, employment , qualities and skills.

Remember to begin the application process early and submit all of the required documents by the due date!