Preparing for College
It is never too early for you and your parents to start thinking about college. Preparation, information and organization are the keys to meeting your higher education goals.
The more information you have, the more prepared you will be to plan ahead for your future. To find more information and resources on applying and paying for college, visit College for Texans.
Here are some additional resources to aid in planning for college:
- ACT Assessment® is designed by ACT, Inc., to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. Participation is voluntary. The test is generally administered six times a year. Students can choose to take the test multiple times. The examination covers four academic skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. The scores for each section range from 1 to 36. Participation in and performance on the ACT are indicators in the Texas public school Academic Excellence Indicator System.
- PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
- SAT® is developed by the College Board to assess high school students' readiness for college-level work. Participation is voluntary. The examination is generally administered seven times a year. Students can choose to take the test multiple times. The SAT I: Reasoning Test consists of two sections: Verbal and Mathematics. The scores for each section range from 200 to 800.
- Saving for College is a great source for objective information about Section 529 college savings plans and other ways to save and pay for college.
- College Savings Plan Network is a national non-profit association dedicated to making college more accessible and affordable for families. This web site provides detailed information about 529 college savings plans and allows you to compare plans from around the country.
- College is Possible is the American Council on Education's K–16 youth development program that motivates middle and high school students from underserved communities to seek a college education.
- Think College is a U.S. Department of Education web site with special sections for parents whose children have not yet entered high school, high school-aged youth and their parents, and adults seeking to return to school.
