1.  The very first step in obtaining scholarships and financial aid is to complete the FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Financial Aid.  The FAFSA opens in October of your senior year. See video below.  Click here for FAFSA information at a glance. If you are cannot complete the FAFSA, please complete the TASFA, Texas Application for State Financial Aid.  Click here for TASFA information. 

Checklists can be very helpful when preparing for scholarships and financial aid.  Click here for Financial Aid check lists for all grade levels.

Some colleges and universities require applicants to fill out the CSS Profile.  Click here for the CSS Profile guide.

2.  Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships for each university or college to which you apply, before the deadline. Some scholarship applications are included in your application for admission, make sure that you fill out the application.  Here are a few examples of scholarships offered at Colleges and Universities: Texas A&M University, The University of Texas, University of North Texas,  Sam Houston State University,  Stephen F. Austin State University, Baylor University, and  Lone Star College.  Go to the Financial Aid and Scholarship page for each university or college to which you apply.  Contact your counselor if you have any questions.

3.  All students should create an account at a scholarship search engines website starting in the 9th grade.  Here are a few examples: Big Future College Board, Fast Web, Cappex, National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and Student Scholarships.  It is also recommended that you create an account at Raise Me for micro-scholarships at selected colleges and universities.

4. Scholarship opportunities are e-mailed to students' school e-mail addresses as they are received by the Counseling Office. Please check your e-mail frequently for scholarship opportunities.