Why Go?

As you make your plans for the future, continuing your education with either a two-year or four-year college degree is recommended.

Consider:

• 56% of jobs today require some college
• 80% of the jobs projected to grow the fastest over this decade require some post high school education
• Dropping out of high school or failing to earn a college degree severely limits a student’s employment options and earning potential
• A college graduate makes twice as much as a student who does not complete high school
• Adults who stay in school longer are more likely to have good health,    volunteer in their communities, and exercise their right to vote
• Earnings* over a lifetime with a college degree:
  
  • Professional Degree: $4.4 million
  • Master’s Degree: $2.5 million
  • Bachelor’s Degree:$2.1 million
  • Associate’s Degree:$1.6 million

*Source: US Census Bureau

• The highest ranking graduate at each Texas public high school receives a  certificate from the Texas Education Agency that can be used as a scholarship to cover tuition costs at any Texas public college or university.
• Students ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating class from an accredited public or private Texas high school are eligible for automatic admission to any Texas public  university.
• Students can earn college credit while still in high school by taking advanced placement courses and passing the advanced placement tests or by enrolling in and passing dual credit courses.
• A college graduate will have average lifetime earnings twice that of a high school graduate.

Graduation Checklist

• Keep track of your high school credits to be sure you will meet all local and state requirements by the end of your senior year
• Consider taking Advanced Placement or dual enrollment courses to earn college credit while still in high school
• Begin keeping a list of the awards and honors you receive (handy for scholarship applications) as well extracurricular activities
• During your sophomore year, begin researching the universities or colleges you are interested in attending– check what prerequisites are required for admittance and any time lines required for applications
• Explore your interests and take advantage of Career Day opportunities
• If you are not sure what college or university you are interested in, attend the college nights hosted by your high school. While you  have the opportunity, be sure to talk with school representatives about what types of financial aid packets may be available.
• If possible, take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in your sophomore year for practice, but in your junior year, take the PSAT for eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Students who take the PSAT tend to score higher on the SAT than those who do not.
• Check with your counselor’s office to learn about available scholarships. Be sure to begin applying early and for as many scholarships as possible. Do not limit yourself just to local scholarships.
• Preferably in your junior year, sign up and take the ACT and/or SAT test, but no later than the fall of your senior year.