top of page
college planning 2.JPG

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/

​

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/ 

​

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

​

Applying to College

See “Applying 101” by College Board’s Big Future - https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying.

​

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.

​

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

 

 

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

​

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

 


 
NCAA-COLLEGE SPORTS
http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future
 
ROTC
https://www.todaysmilitary.com/education-training/rotc-programs

MILITARY
https://www.todaysmilitary.com/joining-eligibility
 
ADVICE FOR PARENTS ON HELPING YOUR CHILD WITH THE PROCESS
https://grownandflown.com/help-kid-college-application-process/

ACCEPTED TO COLLEGE...NOW WHAT?
https://www.texasgearup.com/hub/accepted-now-what-hub

School Profiles

bottom of page