Planning Resources
XELLO
Xello is a program that is available to all Fort Worth ISD middle and high school students. This program offers comprehensive assistance from learning about one’s interests, skills, and personality, to college and career research tools. Students may access Xello by going the Classlink Portal.
Texas Oncourse
Texas Oncourse provides parents and students with a variety of tools and information for preparing for college and careers. https://texasoncourse.org/
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Big Future
Big Future gives timely information and strategies for self assessment, college and career research, and applying to and paying for college. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
Career Onestop
Career Onestop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers resources for career exploration, training/education, and job search. https://www.careeronestop.org/
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Choosing a College
There can be several criteria for choosing a college. You can use filters in Xello to search for colleges that are right for you. If you’re not sure what your criteria are yet, see Big Future's How to Decide Which College Is Best for You.
Making the Most of College Visits
There is no better way to research colleges than to see them for yourself! Visiting a campus gives you the opportunity to talk to students, faculty in potential majors, and to see if it “feels right!” See “Making the Most Out of College Visits” by Princeton Review: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/college-visits
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Applying to College
See “Applying 101” by College Board’s Big Future - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying.
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College Fairs
Fort Worth ISD hosts a college fair with approximately 150 colleges. This typically takes place in September. Information will be shared with families prior to the fair.
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ACT/SAT Tests
Typically, students may take either the SAT or ACT as an entrance exam for college. It is recommended that students add the Writing portion of each test, as well. Be sure you are aware of deadlines for registering for the different administrations.
View the dates/deadlines for SAT/ACT tests.
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SAT - College Board - https://www.collegeboard.org/
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ACT - www.act.org
Financial Readiness/
Financial Aid
There are several types of financial aid: grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Applications are required for any of these types of aid. https://parents.collegeboard.org/planning-for-college/applications-and-admission
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FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Completing the FAFSA Application is a Texas graduation requirement and is also required for consideration for federal student aid, but many colleges require the completion of FAFSA for scholarship consideration, as well. FAFSA opens every year on October 1 for aid for students’ next year of college. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa