We are here to help you SUCCEED!!!

Paying for College

Steps:

1. Research and shop for a college

• www.bridges.com (site id 1211505, password: tigers)

• www.fastweb.com

• http://www.petersons.com/

• compare colleges  http://www.collegefortexans.com/CollegeCompare/

• college matcher http://www.collegefortexans.com/cfbin/collegematch.cfm

2. Research the Cost of Attendance (COA) at the prospective colleges (i.e. tuition, fees, housing, living expenses, meals, books)

3. Apply to colleges, universities, or trade schools as early as August 1st your senior year

• www.applytexas.org (most Texas community colleges and universities)

• www.commonapp.org(several out of state colleges and universities)

4. Some institutions have their own Admissions Applications

5. Apply early - watch for deadline, some are as early as December 1

6. Top 10% students need to adhere to admission deadlines

• http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/additional/top10rule.cfm

8. Have someone proof read your essays and application

9. Submit your application by mail or electronically

10. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online as early as January:   http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

11. Check status of application frequently

12. Compare award letters from prospective colleges

13. Make a decision and accept the offer that meets your educational needs

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