COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

Its never too early to plan for college

College Guide for Parents
Why is College Important?

College is an investment in your future.

College graduates have the potential to earn more money.
A college education provides more job opportunities.
College graduates enjoy a better quality of life. * Most jobs today require some form of
college education.
Look How Far YOU Can Go!
Higher education is worth the extra effort. Statistics show that the higher your education
level, the higher your annual income potential. A college education can open up a world
of possibilities for your child. A college graduate can earn up to $1 million more than a
person with just a high school diploma.

Education

Income Level

Professional Degree

$119,343

Doctorate Degree

$93,593

Masters Degree

$68,302

Bachelors Degree

$56,740

Associate Degree

$39,662

High School Diploma

$31,664

No High School Diploma

$23,612

Types of Colleges
Four-year Colleges and Universities - Offer bachelors degrees in various fields of study
Two-year Colleges and Universities - Offer associates degrees, certificates for specialized

training and courses for transfer credit. Vocational and Technical Colleges - Private
schools specializing in trades or vocations.

There are over 3,800 colleges and universities in the

United States. Encourage your child to research and
explore all of their options for secondary education.
College Testing Requirements
Most fouryear universities require students to take a college entrance exam as part of
their admissions requirements. Colleges in Texas also require students to take the THEA
test to determine college readiness.

PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test)

Practice test designed to prepare students for the SAT
Test can be taken in both 10th and 11th grade

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

Tests critical reading, writing and math skills
SAT Subject Tests may also be required by select colleges

ACT (American College Test)

Tests English, math, reading and science reasoning
Includes an optional writing section

THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment)

Test used to evaluate reading math and writing skills
Determines if students will take remedial classes in college
Admission Requirements
Colleges are looking for well-rounded students that are able to maintain a good academic
record while also being actively involved in their school and community.

Academic Records
Test Scores
Letter of Recommendation
Essay(s)
Student Activities and Employment
College Costs

The cost of college depends on what type of institution your child will attend and whether
or not it is public or private. College costs usually include tuition and fees, room and
board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. While college costs can
be expensive, dont put your dream of a college education for your child on hold because
you think you cant afford it!
Paying for College

Many families pay for college using savings, current earnings and prepaid tuition plans.
More than half of all families receive some type of financial aid to pay for college.
Types of Financial Aid:
Grants - Need-based aid that does have to be paid back.
Loans - Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
Work-Study - Allows students to work to earn money for educational expenses.
Scholarships - Usually awarded based on grades, talent or need.
What can you do to prepare your child?

Prekindergarten-6th Grade
Emphasize the importance of maintaining good grades and attending school daily
Start talking about college
Be actively involved in your childs education
Read to your child
Encourage good study habits
Visit a college campus
Start saving now, every dollar counts!

Middle School
Continue to emphasize good grades and attendance
Talk about goals and future career plans
Talk to the counselor about high school graduation requirements
Learn about earning college credit while still in high school
Ask about college prep programs such as AVID, Talent Search or Upward Bound
Visit a college campus

9th Grade
Continue to emphasize good grades and attendance
Encourage your child to take challenging
Meet with the counselor to discuss college and career plans
Encourage participation in extracurricular and volunteer activities
Investigate summer college enrichment programs

10th Grade
Continue to emphasize good grades and attendance
Have your child take the PSAT in October
Develop a list of potential colleges and universities
Research college admissions requirements
Attend college fairs and college and financial aid workshops
Talk to the counselor about enrolling in AP, IB or Dual Credit courses

11th Grade
Continue to emphasize good grades and attendance
Meet with the counselor to review transcripts and graduation plans
Narrow down your list of potential colleges
Have your child take the PSAT again
Attend college fairs and college and financial aid workshops
Register your child to take the SAT or ACT in the spring or summer
Help your child develop a rsum that list activities and accomplishments
Begin researching scholarship opportunities

12th Grade
Continue to emphasize good grades and attendance
Make sure your child is on track to graduate
Attend college fairs and college and financial aid workshops
Help your child apply for scholarships
Narrow college choices down to the top five picks
Begin the college application process in the fall
Register your child for the SAT or ACT test
Complete the Free Application for Federal Stu- dent Aid (FAFSA)
Help finalize college plans and financial aid offers

More College and Career Resources

www.bridges.com
www.collegefortexans.com
www.collegeboard.com
www.act.org
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.fastweb.com
www.college.gov