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Getting Ready for College
Getting ready for college includes preparing academically and financially along with self-exploration to find your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Take a look at these checklists for college readiness for all grade levels.
https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/checklists
Exploring Post-Secondary Options
In addition to online resources and those available from the counseling center at your campus, Conroe ISD offers several venues to assist you in planning for post-secondary pursuits
- College Night, held during the fall, gives students and their parents an opportunity to visit with representatives from colleges and universities throughout the United States. Basic financial aid information is also presented.
- Financial Aid seminars offer information related to financial need and explores such topics as completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), types of financial aid available, and other concerns of parents trying to pay for post-secondary education and training. Speakers at Financial Aid seminars present information to parents in all phases of saving for college.
- Military Academies Night is for those students interested in pursuing appointments to one of the five military academies throughout the United States. Information covered includes a general background about what programs of study are available at each academy and how to proceed with applying to these academies. While all students are welcome, it is recommended that those seriously considering an appointment to an academy attend one of these meetings as early in their high school program as possible.
- Campus-led informational nights are offered by each secondary campus for assisting students with college and financial aid information. Please see your counselor for more information.
Four Key Dimensions of College Readiness
- Key Cognitive Strategies: Analytic reasoning, problem solving, inquisitiveness, precision, interpretation, evaluating claims.
- Key Content Knowledge: Writing skills, algebraic concepts, key foundational content, and “big ideas” from core subjects.
- Academic Behaviors (self-management): Persistence, time management, study group use, awareness of performance, self-advocacy.
- Contextual Skills and Awareness (“college knowledge”): Admissions requirements, cost of college, purpose and opportunities of college, types of colleges, college culture, interacting with professors.
Here is a list of Conroe ISD steps to help you prepare for both 2-yr colleges and 4-yr universities.
Seventh Grade Fall
o Begin investigating careers and college majors in Naviance.
o Start thinking about possible high school courses.
Eighth Grade Fall
o Take a career inventory in Naviance (your counselor will give directions).
o Take some courses for high school credit.
Eighth Grade Spring
o Study the high school courses available. Look at Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit opportunities.
o Create your High School 4-year course plan in Naviance. Be ready to declare an endorsement for your electives area. You CAN change your mind before your junior year.
o Listen carefully as counselors visit with you about high school classes, keeping in mind future plans for college and/or career.
o College information can be accessed through Naviance and other websites, such as College for All Texans.
http://www.collegeforalltexans.com
o Continue your college and career search through Naviance.
Freshman Year Fall
o Focus on the importance of high school and make good academic decisions.
o Become familiar with careers that relate to your abilities and interests through Naviance.
o Get involved in extracurricular activities sponsored by your school and/or community. Make note of time involved, leadership roles, and activities.
o Keep a portfolio/resume listing all your activities, awards, honors, and leadership roles.
o Be responsible for your education. Make sure your academic grades reflect your true ability and efforts. Take courses at the most challenging level you can.
o Talk with your parents about planning for college costs.
o Get to know your counselor! He/she will write letters of recommendation for college/scholarships/careers.
o Participate in CISD College Night and other college events at your school.
Freshman Year Spring
o Adjust your four-year plan as necessary in Naviance and make informed course selections for your sophomore year.
o Continue to research careers, majors and colleges in Naviance, and visit college campuses when you have the opportunity.
Sophomore Year Fall
o Continue to focus on the importance of high school and make good academic decisions.
o Visit college websites and even college campuses when you get the opportunity.
o Do your best on the PSAT in October. It is free for all sophomores and given during the school day.
o Be responsible for your education. Make sure your academic grades reflect your true ability and efforts. Take courses at the most challenging level you can.
o Continue to talk with your parents about planning for college costs.
o Get involved in activities outside the classroom. Work toward leadership positions in activities you like best.
o Make a visit to your counselor and establish a strong connection.
o Visit the College and Career Center.
o Attend CISD College Night.
o Continue to do your research on careers, majors, and colleges in Naviance.
Sophomore Year Spring
o Continue to monitor college/work and/or technical training entrance requirements for changes. Modify your four year plan in Naviance as these change or as you change your focus. Be flexible and proactive!
o Continue to research careers, majors, and colleges and the requirements of each through Naviance and by visiting the institutions websites. Begin to narrow down choices.
o Start looking at scholarship and financial aid options for when you are a senior.
o Meet with your counselor and visit the College and Career Center.
Junior Year Fall
o Use Naviance for college information to help you start narrowing your college/technical school/career choices.
o If interested in a military career, be sure to visit with local recruiters and/or get information about starting the military academy application process.
o Do your best on the PSAT in October. The district pays for all juniors to take the test. This is the qualifying test for National Merit Semifinalists.
o Continue to visit college and/or technical school campuses. Begin to focus on what you are really looking for in a postsecondary experience.
o Speak to college representatives who visit your high school.
o Continue to focus on the importance of high school and make good academic decisions.
o Register for, pay and take appropriate AP exams.
o Be responsible for your education. Make sure your academic grades reflect your true ability and efforts. Take courses at the most challenging level you can handle.
o Research all financial aid, scholarships, loans, and grants that are available, through institutions, as well as through public/private agencies, churches, and organizations.
o Through Naviance, continue to research college requirements, tuition and fees, other costs, student activities, course offerings, financial aid, etc. for any institutions in which you are interested.
o Continue to visit with your counselor and spend time in the College and Career Center.
o Participate in the CISD College Night and Junior Jumpstart.
Junior Year Spring
o Continue to conference with your counselor to make sure you are on track for graduation.
o Update your 4-year plan in Naviance.
o Take the SAT and/or ACT test.
o Check your class rank in Naviance. Remember, colleges like upward trends.
o Make good choices in selecting senior year classes. Consider an AP class. Do NOT plan to slack off during your senior year.
o Begin work on your college essays.
o Stay involved with your extracurricular activities.
o Visit campuses of those institutions in which you are interested.
o Continue to research information about colleges, careers, and majors in Naviance.
Senior Year Fall
o Be responsible for your own education. Make sure your academic grades reflect your true ability and efforts. Take courses at the most challenging level you can.
o Take SAT or ACT again if needed.
o Register for, pay and take AP exams.
o Perfect college essays.
o Make final decisions about institutions to which you will apply. Begin the application process, paying close attention to deadlines. Be sure to turn in requests for processing 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
o Track your college applications and scholarship applications through Naviance.
o Ask for letters of recommendation in a timely manner. Remember, teachers and counselors have many letters to write, so give them ample time to craft a letter that will showcase you in the best way possible.
o Observe housing and financial aid deadlines.
o Request and track transcripts through Naviance. Be sure requests are made well ahead of time.
o Research scholarship opportunities in Naviance, and apply to as many as you qualify for.
o Attend Financial Aid Night. Complete and file FAFSA.
o Pay close attention to audition and portfolio deadlines, which may differ from actual application deadlines.
Senior Year Spring
o Continue to complete and submit scholarship applications.
o Complete and submit the FAFSA if you haven’t already.
o Register for and take AP exams.
o Do NOT let down during the last semester. You still have to send a final transcript!
o Be sure all your college acceptances and scholarship awards are recorded in Naviance and that you complete your Senior Survey.
This is intended to encourage you to think about your future! Always seek information from parents, teachers, counselors, and college personnel. Ask questions!
- Conroe ISD has partnered with Lone Star College to offer dual credit classes for qualifying high school students in select subject areas.
- Dual credit allows students to enroll in college-level courses while they are still in high school, allowing them to earn credit for both.
- Prior to taking any Dual Credit course, students must have qualifying scorespdf. (Students should speak with their high school counselor to determine eligibility for courses.)
- The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is used to determine college placement level in reading, mathematics and writing for students pursuing credits. It is state required for all students who attend a public institution of higher education before they can be placed in any college level course.
Honors provides a rigorous and in-depth study of the class content, and Advanced Placement gives students the opportunity to study college level material and prepare for the AP exams which could give college credit. Students who take more rigorous classes consistently demonstrate higher success rates in college readiness.
Naviance is available to all 7th-12th grade CISD students and parents! With Naviance, students can find colleges and careers using research tools, career and personality assessments, and College SuperMatch – the leading online college research tool.
Seniors are able to build a college list to keep track of transcript requests, college applications and teacher recommendations. These tools keep the college application process organized, streamlined and allow full communication between students, counselors and parents.
Students can access Naviance through their student access.
Test Prep Courses
CISD test prep classes offer great value, are conveniently located, and are led by trained CISD instructors.
PSAT Test Prep Course
Test Prep Course Schedule 2024-2025
This course is for sophomores and juniors who will be taking the PSAT in October. The PSAT/NMSQT helps to prepare students for the SAT and scores are used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The Conroe ISD PSAT Test Prep Course develops student skills for the upcoming PSAT in October. The course includes 15 classroom hours with a full-length PSAT practice test and specialized instruction, PSAT study materials and access to on-line additional resources. This course is designed to be taken immediately prior to the actual administration of the PSAT test.
- Course cost is only $150.
- The PSAT is administered on campus to all CISD sophomores and juniors.
- All prep course registrations will close once classes have reached full capacity, and/or one week before the start date.
- Can I get Financial Aid?Financial Aid may be available for students who qualify under the free/reduced lunch program. Contact the College Readiness office for more information.
- Registered students and parents will be notified by email with specific information and/or updates concerning their specific class(es).
- Class dates and locations are subject to change – provide a current email.
- Refunds may be issued until the start of the second class. The refund amount will be the class cost minus a 3.25% processing fee and the cost of any materials provided. Please contact College Readiness at 936-709-7921 for assistance.
Questions?
Have questions about the College Board PSAT/NMSQT and why it is important for your student?
SAT Test Prep Course
Test Prep Course Schedule 2024-2025
This course is for juniors and seniors who will be taking the SAT; courses are designed to correspond with a scheduled SAT date. The SAT is an entrance exam widely used as part of college admissions. This course includes 18 classroom hours with a full-length SAT practice test and specialized instruction, SAT study materials and access to on-line additional resources.
- Course cost is only $200.
- Courses are designed for students who are planning to take the SAT immediately after completing the class; visit the SAT website to determine the best test date for you.
- All prep course registrations will close once classes have reached full capacity, and/or one week before the start date.
- Registered students and parents will be notified by email with specific information and/or updates concerning their specific class(es).
- Can I get Financial Aid? Financial Aid may be available for students who qualify under the free/reduced lunch program. Contact the College Readiness office for more information.
- Class dates and locations are subject to change – provide a current email.
- Refunds may be issued until the start of the second class. The refund amount will be the class cost minus a 3.25% processing fee and the cost of any materials provided. Please contact College Readiness at 936-709-7921 for assistance.
Registration for the test prep course DOES NOT include registration for the SAT test.
Have questions about the SAT and why it is important for your student?
Merit Achievement Program (MAP) PSAT/SAT Strategies with CISD
This class is offered by invitation only based on student PSAT scores from sophomore year. MAP is designed to help academically advanced students prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT & the SAT. Courses are designed for juniors who will be taking the PSAT immediately after completing the class, generally in October on their high school campuses. Spring SAT sessions correspond to the March test date.
- Course cost is only $250.
- Registration opens in May; deadlines vary for individual classes.
- Registered students and parents will be notified by email with specific information and/or updates concerning their specific class(es); dates and locations are subject to change.
- Students are not required to participate in PSAT Prep courses to participate in the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
Registration for the test prep course DOES NOT include registration for the SAT test
Have questions about National Merit and what it means for your student?
National Merit Scholarship Info
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is included? Tuition of $250 covers up to 30 classroom hours (PSAT practice test, PSAT/NMSQT sessions, and SAT classes), PSAT & SAT materials and access to on-line additional resources.
- Can I get Financial Aid? Financial Aid may be available for students who qualify under the free/reduced lunch program. Contact the College Readiness office for more information.
- Can my freshman/sophomore/senior take the class? Classes are designed for invited juniors who will take the PSAT in October of their junior year. Other students may be interested in our prep courses specifically for the PSAT or SAT.
- When does registration close? Registration closes 1 week before first class, OR when seats are full to maintain a low student to instructor ratio.
- What if I need a refund? Refunds may be issued until the start of the second class. The refund amount will be the class cost minus a 3.25% processing fee and the cost of any materials provided. Spring MAP (Part 2 classes of the Merit Achievement Program) is non-refundable. Please contact College Readiness at 936-709-7921 for assistance.
Register Online:
Step 1: Access the SchoolCash Online website
Step 2: Register by selecting Get Started Now and following the steps.
Step 3: After you receive the confirmation email, select the click here option, login and add each of your children to your household account.
Once you have signed in to your account, your student(s) will be linked. For each student, click on the first tab (see below) to find items added specifically to their account. Most test prep classes will be in the second tab for Conroe Independent District.
If you cannot quickly find the class you are looking for, use the Search bar at the top of the page. Please use general terms (i.e. Boot Camp, SAT). Add the item to your cart and checkout.
Note: If you want to review what items you have purchased, click on the Payment History button at the top right of your School Cash page to see a list of all of your transactions.
- Class registrations close once classes are full, and/or 1 week before the start date.
- Classes may close earlier than the registration deadline if sessions are full.
- Registered students will be notified by email with details about their upcoming classes.
- Class dates and locations are subject to change so provide a current email.
- Full payment must be received before students can attend the class.
- Classes will start promptly so arrive early for check-in!
- Some classes may extended the first session for pre-tests.
- Refunds may be issued until the start of the second class. The refund amount will be the class cost minus a 3.25% processing fee and the cost of any materials provided. Please contact College Readiness at 936-709-7921 for assistance.
Official SAT practice on Khan Academy is SAT prep that is effective, personalized, and 100% free.
Visit Khan Academy here
Testing Information
Taking the PSAT 8/9 is a great way to find out how prepared you are for college and career. The test also connects you to College Board programs and services.
The PSAT/NMSQT helps to prepare students for the SAT and scores are used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Registration and costs are covered for all CISD sophomores and juniors. The test date window is October 2 – October 31, 2023. Contact your campus for their selected date.
Have questions about the College Board PSAT/NMSQT?
The SAT Test is a college entrance exam. The SAT tests Evidence Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics. Scores on each section range from 200 to 800 with a perfect score being 1600. Most CISD campuses offer a SAT School Day and the test is also offered several Saturdays throughout the year.
The cost of the test is $68.00. Fee waivers are available in the counseling center of your campus.
The ACT Test is a college entrance exam. The ACT tests skills in English, math, science and reading with an optional essay. Scores on each section range from 1 to 36. Those scores are combined into a composite score which also ranges from 1 to 36. The test is offered several Saturdays throughout the year.
The cost of the test is $68.00 without the essay and $93.00 with the essay. Fee waivers are available in the counseling center of your campus.
The College Board AP exams are given annually, in May during the school day. Each exam covers college level content in a specific course. Scores range from 1-5, with most colleges awarding credit for scores of 3 or higher. Visit with your college choices to determine if credit will be received. Registration and payment takes place in the fall in the counselor’s office.
TSIA2 Testing: February through March
The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 is used to determine college placement level in reading, mathematics and writing for students pursuing credits. It is State required for all students who attend a public institution of higher education before they can be placed in any college level course.
Paying for College
There are 4 types of financial aid: grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
Grants are a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid (unless, for example, a student withdraws from school).
Scholarships are gifts and do not need to be repaid! There are thousands of scholarships, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.
Loans are a form of financial aid that students borrow and must pay back with interest. There are 2 types of loans: Subsidized loans and Unsubsidized loans.
- Subsidized loans – a loan based on financial need for which the federal government generally pays the interest that accrues while the borrower is in an in-school, grace, or deferment status.
- Unsubsidized loans – a loan for which the borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status. Interest on unsubsidized loans accrues from the date of disbursement and continues throughout the life of the loan.
Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expense.
In accordance with Texas Education Code 28.0256, beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student must do one of the following in order to graduate:
- Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
- Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA); or
- Submit a signed opt-out form.
For more information, please log onto your Parent Access or Student Access accounts and/or contact your campus College & Career Counselor.
The FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application students must complete to apply for federal and state aid. Federal student aid includes the Federal Pell Grant, federal student loans, and the Federal Work-Study program.
FAFSA opens: January 1st
Helpful Links for FAFSA
Free Financial Aid Support for Texas Students and Families
Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEnu3BHoR9IYgBnCkqQdgmA
Federal Student Aid resources website
https://studentaid.gov/resources#webinars
How do I create a FSA ID?
https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/creating-using-fsaid.pdfpdf
https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/creating-using-fsaid-spanish.pdfpdf
Should I file as a Dependent or Independent?
https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/fafsa-dependency.pdfpdf
https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/fafsa-dependency-spanish.pdfpdf
Who is my parent?
https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/fafsa-parent.pdfpdf
https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/fafsa-parent-spanish.pdfpdf
What do I do after I file my FAFSA?
Where to get help:
FAFSA phone help line: Call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). If you are hearing impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-730-8913.
- Lone Star College Montgomery: Sessions available for all CISD students – visit https://www.lonestar.edu/financial-aid.htm for upcoming events.
- Caney Creek High School: Coming soon
- Conroe High School: Coming soon
- Grand Oaks High School: Coming soon
- Oak Ridge High School: Coming soon
- Washington High School: Coming soon
The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is used to help determine eligibility for state financial aid programs that are administered by institutions of higher education in the state of Texas. Students that are classified as a Texas Resident who cannot apply for federal financial aid using the FAFSA are encouraged to complete the TASFA.
TASFA opens: October 1st