Universal Steps to College

Steps to College

1. DO WELL IN YOUR CLASSES
   • College and work should be an exercise of your passions; the work you do in high school provides the skills and habits to allow you to live those passions. If you are having a hard time with the material, contact your teacher. Upperclassmen can be a great resource, as well: make some time with them for some one-on-one tutoring before school on Thursdays.
   • If you're on free/reduced lunch, check out OKPromise for free college tuition. You must sign up before you finish 10th grade; no way around that.
2. DO COOL THINGS

   Join a club or create your own. There are plenty of opportunities around the school to spend time with others learning and doing amazing things. Now is also good time to begin your résumé. Build it in Google Drive so you'll always have it.

3. TAKE THE TESTS

   TSAS students have always done very well on the required tests. If you are doing well in class (see #1!), you should not need to do anything except sign up and get a good night's sleep the evening before. Here is more information about the testing schedule for all grades.

4. FIND A SCHOOL

   If you aren't sure where to start, BigFuture by the College Board is a great resource to narrow your options. Sophomores and juniors should schedule visits with any university they are interested in. All students should watch the college information calendar for alum visits, college trips, and college visits. For one-on-one help, email Stallings.

5. FILL OUT THE APPLICATIONS
   • If your university accepts it, start with the Common App.
   • Many require letters of recommendation, so ask your teachers for those early! Print and fill out this form to ensure you have all the necessary information.
   • If you are a senior, Stallings will meet with you the first month of school to discuss your plans. Remember: visits/communication with the university is very important! View any interaction as part of your application.
6. PAY (AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE) FOR IT
   • Create a new email address with your real name then create an account with BigFuture, Fastweb, and Scholarship America.
   • Oklahoma City Community Foundation has a large number for Oklahoma students.
   • Parents must fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st.
   • If you enrolled in OKPromise, make sure you are on track here.
   • Ask your English teacher (or Stallings) for help with essays.