Senior Checklist for Applying to College
PDF version
Fall 2021
Visit Interested Colleges
There is nothing like seeing the school for yourself. See Mrs. Spradlin for a list of College Visit days. College Reps will be visiting the CCC during Talon. See schedule on CCC door!
Register for ACT or SAT Test
Registration for these test are done online at actstudent.org and sat.org. You can pick up a test fee waiver in the college and career office if you have free or reduced lunch or meet a certain income status
Study and Retake ACT/SAT
Several students retest to obtain highest grade possible. Use Khan Academy or pick up study materials in the CCC.
Write your Admission Essays
Colleges want to know about you. Most universities want an essay along with an application. See Career Center for essay prompts or assistance.
Apply to SAFE, TARGET and REACH school
Applications to colleges are done online. Use applytexas.org for Texas universities, thecommonapp.org for outside universities, or apply directly on the college’s website.
Set Up Account with Applied School
After applying, you should get an email to set up your school account. This is how the college will communicate to you about admission, financial aid and other important news.
Send Transcript to schools you applied
Colleges must verify grades to determine admission. Pick up a transcript order form in the CCC or use www.parchment.com to order and track your electronic copy to each college you applied to.
Create Your Federal Student Aid ID for student AND parent
This is the account you’ll use to sign your financial aid documents throughout college. Visit www.fsaid.ed.gov to get started. You will need social security numbers for these accounts.
Submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Application
The FAFSA application opens October 1. The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the more likely to receive university awards. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to get started.
Create Professional Resume
Visit career center for a template form. Resumes are used to get letters of recommendation and scholarships.
Contact and collect 3 letters of recommendations
Reach out to former teachers, coaches and professional references to obtain letters of recommendation. Have them write a general letter for any and all scholarships.
Spring 2022
Apply for scholarships
Some scholarships become available as early as October. Keep your eyes open for opportunity. Pfisd keeps a list of local scholarships you can apply to.
Become TSI exempt (if needed)
If you scored below 23 composite + 19 on math and English on ACT OR below 530 math, 480 English reading and writing on SAT, you must pass the TSI test to avoid remedial classes. See Spradlin for more information.
Compare School offers and Financial Aid awards
If you completed your FAFSA/TAFSA, the school will award you grants, loans or scholarships. Review the awarded aid to determine what money you’ll decline or accept. The school may ask for additional financial aid paperwork which is called VERIFICATION.
Submit Housing Deposit/Roommate form
If you plan on living on campus, you must choose a residence hall. Once accepted, your school will provide a way to choose housing.
Sign up and Schedule Orientation
Universities want to know you are coming! Schedule your orientation early to get the best choice of college classes!
Submit Scholarships Won
HHS keeps track of all scholarships earned by seniors. Please submit Scholarship Listing form in Career Center to be recognized at the Senior Awards Ceremony in May or in the Graduation Program!
Submit College Decision
HHS celebrates its seniors entering community college, university, junior college, military or trade school. Please submit your college decision to be recognized!
Visit Interested Colleges
There is nothing like seeing the school for yourself. See Mrs. Spradlin for a list of College Visit days. College Reps will be visiting the CCC during Talon. See schedule on CCC door!
Register for ACT or SAT Test
Registration for these test are done online at actstudent.org and sat.org. You can pick up a test fee waiver in the college and career office if you have free or reduced lunch or meet a certain income status
Study and Retake ACT/SAT
Several students retest to obtain highest grade possible. Use Khan Academy or pick up study materials in the CCC.
Write your Admission Essays
Colleges want to know about you. Most universities want an essay along with an application. See Career Center for essay prompts or assistance.
Apply to SAFE, TARGET and REACH school
Applications to colleges are done online. Use applytexas.org for Texas universities, thecommonapp.org for outside universities, or apply directly on the college’s website.
Set Up Account with Applied School
After applying, you should get an email to set up your school account. This is how the college will communicate to you about admission, financial aid and other important news.
Send Transcript to schools you applied
Colleges must verify grades to determine admission. Pick up a transcript order form in the CCC or use www.parchment.com to order and track your electronic copy to each college you applied to.
Create Your Federal Student Aid ID for student AND parent
This is the account you’ll use to sign your financial aid documents throughout college. Visit www.fsaid.ed.gov to get started. You will need social security numbers for these accounts.
Submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Application
The FAFSA application opens October 1. The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the more likely to receive university awards. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to get started.
Create Professional Resume
Visit career center for a template form. Resumes are used to get letters of recommendation and scholarships.
Contact and collect 3 letters of recommendations
Reach out to former teachers, coaches and professional references to obtain letters of recommendation. Have them write a general letter for any and all scholarships.
Spring 2022
Apply for scholarships
Some scholarships become available as early as October. Keep your eyes open for opportunity. Pfisd keeps a list of local scholarships you can apply to.
Become TSI exempt (if needed)
If you scored below 23 composite + 19 on math and English on ACT OR below 530 math, 480 English reading and writing on SAT, you must pass the TSI test to avoid remedial classes. See Spradlin for more information.
Compare School offers and Financial Aid awards
If you completed your FAFSA/TAFSA, the school will award you grants, loans or scholarships. Review the awarded aid to determine what money you’ll decline or accept. The school may ask for additional financial aid paperwork which is called VERIFICATION.
Submit Housing Deposit/Roommate form
If you plan on living on campus, you must choose a residence hall. Once accepted, your school will provide a way to choose housing.
Sign up and Schedule Orientation
Universities want to know you are coming! Schedule your orientation early to get the best choice of college classes!
Submit Scholarships Won
HHS keeps track of all scholarships earned by seniors. Please submit Scholarship Listing form in Career Center to be recognized at the Senior Awards Ceremony in May or in the Graduation Program!
Submit College Decision
HHS celebrates its seniors entering community college, university, junior college, military or trade school. Please submit your college decision to be recognized!