Student Tools

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. 

• NISD Senior Checklist (PDF) - Coming Soon!
• 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.
• College Preparation Checklist (PDF) - A to-do list starting with elementary school to help students prepare academically and financially for education beyond high school. Each section is split into subsections for students and parents, explaining what to do and which publications or websites might be useful to them. 
• Gen TX Make it Happen Checklist (PDF) - 

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 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.NISD Junior Checklist (PDF) - Coming Soon!

• College Preparation Checklist (PDF) - A to-do list starting with elementary school to help students prepare academically and financially for education beyond high school. Each section is split into subsections for students and parents, explaining what to do and which publications or websites might be useful to them. 
• Gen TX Make it Happen Checklist (PDF) - 

Sophomores 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.

• NISD Sophmore Checklist (PDF) - Coming Soon!
• College Preparation Checklist (PDF) - A to-do list starting with elementary school to help students prepare academically and financially for education beyond high school. Each section is split into subsections for students and parents, explaining what to do and which publications or websites might be useful to them. 
• Gen TX Make it Happen Checklist (PDF) -

Freshmen 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.

• NISD Freshman Checklist (PDF) - Coming Soon!
• College Preparation Checklist (PDF) - A to-do list starting with elementary school to help students prepare academically and financially for education beyond high school. Each section is split into subsections for students and parents, explaining what to do and which publications or websites might be useful to them. 
• Gen TX Make it Happen Checklist (PDF)

Middle school students 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 Preparation Checklist (PDF) - A to-do list starting with elementary school to help students prepare academically and financially for education beyond high school. Each section is split into subsections for students and parents, explaining what to do and which publications or websites might be useful to them. 
• Gen TX Make it Happen Checklist (PDF) - Gen TX has gathered resources into a handy checklist students and families can use to navigate the process of being ready for college and career. Print a pdf version of the checklist and mark off boxes as you go to help you stay organized and on track. 

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

• College Preparation Checklist (PDF) - A to-do list starting with elementary school to help students prepare academically and financially for education beyond high school. Each section is split into subsections for students and parents, explaining what to do and which publications or websites might be useful to them.