Seniors and their families are encouraged to review the checklists below and choose the list or lists that best fit their needs. Print a copy of the pdf version and mark off the items as you progress.

• College Board "Big Future" (PDF) - Want to know if you are on track in the college application process? This checklist from The College Board shows what you should be doing, and when. 

Colleges are waiving some things about ACT and SAT requirements but aren't they still essential in terms of scholarships or honor programs?

Some institutions have indeed updated their admissions requirements regarding testing. However, it is important that you keep your options open, and the SAT/ACT presents opportunities for admission and scholarships. Some colleges are waiving the SAT/ACT requirements for acceptance and still requiring those tests or a TSIA2 score to determine if a student is ready to take college-level classes without remediation. As always, check with the individual college regarding admissions requirements.

When do I start applying to colleges? 

Many colleges start accepting applications in the summer for "early decision." Check the college website for specific admission information. 

What do I do once I am accepted to college? 

If you have applied to several colleges, keep lists reminding you of where you applied and whether you were accepted, wait-listed, or denied. Note deadlines, costs, and financial aid each school offers. Discuss your options with your family and make the choice that best leads to the path you want to be on. Once you have finalized your decision, let the college know you are coming. 

I don't think my family will qualify for financial aid. Should we still apply? That seems pointless. 

Texas requires that every student complete the Free Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) as a graduation requirement. However, there are a couple of exceptions:

1. Students who do not have a social security number are not eligible to complete the FAFSA. Instead, they should contact their college and ask about submitting a TASFA (Texas Application for Student Finacial Aid). Your student's counselor or college and career specialist can help them with this if needed.
2. Students who choose not to complete the FAFSA or TASFA may complete an Opt-out form and have it signed by their parents or guardians. 

Keep in mind that several factors are considered by colleges when they are reviewing applications. "Need" can often be misunderstood. In addition, if a student is considering a federal student loan or work-study, they will need to complete the application. Colleges also review the FAFSA to determine non-need scholarship awards. For complete information, visit studentaid.gov.

I thought school districts or high schools qualified or recommended students as recipients of outside scholarships. Since that is not true, where do I go to see what is available? 

There are many scholarship matching services, and some will be happy to charge families hundreds of dollars for their service, but there is no need to pay for access to scholarships. Below are some of our favorite sites:

• MajorClairty - Students can access MajorClairty through their student portal and search a database of national, state, and local scholarships. MajorClarity will even be available after graduation to help students find scholarships along the way. 
• Going Merry - NISD uses Going Merrry to assist students in submitting their FAFSA, but the site also has a huge database of scholarships.
• CollegeBoard - The College Board maintains a searchable scholarship database. In addition, simply applying for scholarships is one of the ways students and be automatically enrolled in the College Board Opportunity Scholarships. 

Juniors and their families are encouraged to review the checklist below to serve as an aid in making their junior year a success and set them up for success their senior year and beyond. 

1. Take challenging classes: Continue to take challenging classes that will prepare you for college-level coursework. Consider taking advanced classes in subjects that interest you or that relate to your intended college major or career path.

2. Focus on grades: Your junior year grades are especially important in the college admissions process, so focus on achieving your best possible grades.

3. Prepare for college entrance exams: Register for college entrance exams such as the SAT or ACT and start preparing for them. Consider taking practice tests and enrolling in test-prep courses if necessary.

4. Research colleges and careers: Continue researching colleges and careers that interest you. Visit college campuses and attend career events to learn more about your options.

5. Meet with your school counselor: Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to discuss your college and career goals. Your counselor can provide guidance on course selection, college applications, and financial aid.

6. Build your resume: Continue to participate in extracurricular activities and community service, and consider taking on leadership roles in these activities. This will help you build a strong resume for college applications and future job opportunities.

7. Develop strong relationships with teachers: Build strong relationships with teachers who can provide recommendation letters for college applications.

8. Research financial aid options: Research different types of financial aid available for college, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Talk to your school counselor about your options.

9. Attend college fairs and information sessions: Attend college fairs and information sessions to learn more about specific colleges and their programs.

10. Think about your career goals: Start thinking about your career goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them. Consider internships, job shadowing, and networking opportunities to gain experience in your intended field.

By following this checklist and staying focused on your academic and career goals, you can continue to prepare yourself for success in college and beyond.

Sophomores and their families are encouraged to review the checklist to help create a plan to be college and career ready before high school graduation. 

1. Evaluate your academic progress: Evaluate your academic progress and adjust your goals as necessary. Consider what classes you need to take and what grades you need to earn to achieve your goals.

2. Continue building strong study habits: Continue to develop good study habits, including time management, organization, and note-taking skills. Consider using online resources or apps to help you stay organized.

3. Participate in extracurricular activities: Get involved in clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities that interest you. These activities can help you develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management.

4. Build relationships with teachers and mentors: Build positive relationships with teachers and mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout high school and beyond.

5. Take challenging classes: Take challenging classes that will prepare you for college-level coursework. Consider taking advanced classes in subjects that interest you and that align with your career goals.

6. Continue preparing for college entrance exams: Continue preparing for college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT. Consider taking practice exams and enrolling in test-prep courses if necessary.

7. Research colleges and careers: Research different colleges and careers that interest you. Attend college fairs and career events to learn more about your options.

8. Participate in community service: Participate in community service activities, such as volunteering at a local charity or organizing a fundraiser. This can help you develop a sense of social responsibility and leadership.

9. Build digital literacy skills: Develop skills in using technology, such as creating presentations and spreadsheets, and understanding computer programming. These skills are increasingly important in many careers.

10. Plan ahead for college: Start thinking about what you need to do to prepare for college, such as researching financial aid options, selecting a major or area of interest, and considering what type of college would be the best fit for you.

By following this checklist and staying focused on your academic and career goals, you can continue to prepare yourself for success in college and beyond.

Freshmen and their families are encouraged to review the checklist below for ideas to help students succeed in high school and prepare them to graduate college and career ready. 

1. Establish academic goals: Set academic goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Consider what classes you need to take and what grades you need to earn to achieve your goals.

2. Develop strong study habits: Continue to develop good study habits, including time management, organization, and note-taking skills. Consider using online resources or apps to help you stay organized.

3. Get involved in extracurricular activities: Join clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities that interest you. These activities can help you develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management.

4. Build relationships with teachers and mentors: Build positive relationships with teachers and mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout high school and beyond.

5. Take challenging classes: Take challenging classes that will prepare you for college-level coursework. Consider taking advanced classes in subjects that interest you.

6. Start preparing for college entrance exams: Start preparing for college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT. Consider taking practice exams and enrolling in test-prep courses if necessary.

7. Research colleges and careers: Research different colleges and careers that interest you. Attend college fairs and career events to learn more about your options.

8. Participate in community service: Participate in community service activities, such as volunteering at a local charity or organizing a fundraiser. This can help you develop a sense of social responsibility and leadership.

9. Build digital literacy skills: Develop skills in using technology, such as creating presentations and spreadsheets, and understanding computer programming. These skills are increasingly important in many careers.

10. Plan ahead for college: Start thinking about what you need to do to prepare for college, such as visiting college campuses, researching financial aid options, and selecting a major or area of interest.

By following this checklist and staying focused on your academic and career goals, you can continue to prepare yourself for success in college and beyond.

Sixth grade students and their families are encouraged to review the checklists below for ideas to help set them up for success in high school and beyond. 

1. Set academic goals: Start thinking about your academic goals and what you would like to achieve in middle and high school. Identify areas where you may need additional support or enrichment.

2. Develop study habits: Begin developing good study habits, including time management, organization, and note-taking skills. Set aside time each day for homework and studying.

3. Get involved: Participate in extracurricular activities that interest you, such as sports, clubs, or music programs. This can help you develop skills and interests that may be useful in college and career.

4. Explore career options: Use MajorClarity (access through your student portal) to research different careers and think about what you may want to do after high school. Talk to adults about their jobs and what they like and dislike about them.

5. Focus on reading and writing: Reading and writing skills are important for success in college and many careers. Read books that interest you and practice writing essays and research papers.

6. Develop math skills: Math skills are important for many careers. Work on developing strong math skills, including problem-solving and critical thinking.

7. Take challenging classes: Consider taking advanced classes or courses that challenge you academically. This can help prepare you for success in college courses.

8. Build good habits: Develop good habits, such as showing up to school every day, being on time, staying organized, and being respectful to teachers and peers. These habits can help you succeed in school and in the workplace.

9. Talk to your school counselor: Your school counselor can provide valuable guidance and support as you prepare for college and career. Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss your goals and plans.

10. Review the NISD CTE Opportunity Guide: The Opportunity Guide is a great place to learn about the career and technical education programs of study and certifications available for you in high school.

11. Plan ahead: Use MajorClarity (access through your student poral) to research different colleges and universities and start preparing for college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT. 

By following this checklist and staying focused on your academic and career goals, you can set yourself up for success in college and beyond.

Seventh grade students and their families are encouraged to review the checklists below for ideas to help set them up for success in high school and beyond. 

1. Continue to set academic goals: Review your academic goals and make any necessary adjustments. Start thinking about what classes you want to take in high school and what colleges or careers you are interested in.

2. Develop strong study habits: Continue to develop good study habits, including time management, organization, and note-taking skills. Consider using online resources or apps to help you stay organized.

3. Get involved in leadership opportunities: Start looking for leadership opportunities in extracurricular activities, such as clubs or sports teams. These opportunities can help you develop skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

4. Explore college and career options: Continue to research different colleges and careers that interest you. Attend college fairs and career events to learn more about your options.

5. Focus on reading and writing skills: Continue to practice your reading and writing skills by reading challenging books and writing essays and research papers. Consider taking advanced English classes in high school.

6. Develop strong math skills: Focus on developing strong math skills, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Consider taking advanced math classes in high school.

7. Build digital literacy skills: Develop skills in using technology, such as creating presentations and spreadsheets, and understanding computer programming. These skills are increasingly important in many careers.

8. Get involved in community service: Participate in community service activities, such as volunteering at a local charity or organizing a fundraiser. This can help you develop a sense of social responsibility and leadership.

9. Continue to build good habits: Develop good habits, such as being on time, staying organized, and being respectful to teachers and peers. These habits will help you succeed in high school and in the workplace.

10. Plan ahead for college: Start thinking about what you need to do to prepare for college, such as taking college entrance exams, visiting college campuses, and researching financial aid options.

By following this checklist and staying focused on your academic and career goals, you can continue to prepare yourself for success in college and beyond.

Eighth grade students and their families are encouraged to review the checklists below for ideas to help set them up for success in high school and beyond.

1. Review your academic goals: Review your academic goals and make any necessary adjustments. Consider what classes you want to take in high school and what colleges or careers you are interested in.

2. Develop strong study habits: Continue to develop good study habits, including time management, organization, and note-taking skills. Consider using online resources or apps to help you stay organized.

3. Get involved in leadership roles: Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports teams, or student government. These opportunities can help you develop skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

4. Research colleges and careers: Research different colleges and careers that interest you. Attend college fairs and career events to learn more about your options.

5. Take challenging classes: Consider taking advanced classes or courses that challenge you academically. This can help prepare you for the rigor of college courses.

6. Build digital literacy skills: Develop skills in using technology, such as creating presentations and spreadsheets, and understanding computer programming. These skills are increasingly important in many careers.

7. Participate in community service: Participate in community service activities, such as volunteering at a local charity or organizing a fundraiser. This can help you develop a sense of social responsibility and leadership.

8. Prepare for high school: Start thinking about what you need to do to prepare for high school, such as selecting classes and extracurricular activities. Consider talking to older students or your guidance counselor for advice.

9. Build relationships with teachers and mentors: Build positive relationships with teachers and mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout high school and beyond.

10. Plan ahead for college: Start thinking about what you need to do to prepare for college, such as taking college entrance exams, visiting college campuses, and researching financial aid options.

By following this checklist and staying focused on your academic and career goals, you can continue to prepare yourself for success in high school and beyond.

Elementary families are encouraged to review the suggestions below for useful ideas to help set your students up for success on their track to be career and college ready when they graduate from high school.

Kindergarten:

• Establish a consistent routine for schoolwork and homework
• Encourage curiosity and exploration of new ideas and concepts
• Develop strong reading skills and read with your child regularly
• Explore and participate in extracurricular activities

First Grade:

• Continue to develop strong reading skills and read with your child regularly
• Encourage independent thinking and problem-solving
• Introduce basic math concepts and practice simple math problems
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and stay informed about your child's progress

Second Grade:

• Continue to develop reading skills and practice reading comprehension
• Encourage creativity and imagination through art, music, and writing
• Develop basic writing skills and practice writing short stories or journal entries
• Encourage physical activity and healthy habits

Third Grade:

• Continue to focus on reading comprehension and develop vocabulary skills
• Encourage independent learning and research skills
• Develop basic math skills and practice multiplication and division
• Encourage community involvement and volunteer work

Fourth Grade:

• Develop strong writing skills and practice writing persuasive essays and research papers
• Develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities
• Continue to develop math skills and practice fractions and decimals
• Encourage participation in team sports or other group activities

Fifth Grade:

• Prepare for middle school by developing study skills and time management habits
• Develop strong communication skills and practice public speaking
• Encourage an interest in science and technology
• Begin researching potential careers and talk about the importance of education in achieving career goals

Throughout elementary school, it is also important to emphasize the importance of attending school regularly, being respectful to teachers and peers, and developing good social skills. Additionally, parents and guardians can work with their child's teacher to identify areas where additional support or enrichment may be needed, such as tutoring or advanced classes.