Counselors and Principals

Resources for each phase of college readiness

Your students are at various points in their journey through high school and beyond. Whether a student is just starting to think about his or her future, packing up to head off to college, or in some phase in between, TG has resources you can pass on to provide information, practical advice, and inspiration.

If a student is…

Exploring career paths and related educational requirements…

Steer them toward the following resources:

• An informative piece entitled "Learn More, Earn More," which illustrates that higher education is worth the effort.
• A collection of Web pages on exploring career options and making a career plan.
• A series of videos that shed light on a wide variety of careers.
• A Web page with sample careers and their educational requirements.

Engaging in early high school activities to prepare for college…

Provide them with:

• A pair of enlightening brochures entitled College: The Next Step (one geared toward students and another targeted at parents).
• Tips for getting organized in school and in life.
• Advice for getting involved in the community.
• The link to sign up for AIEMail, a weekly e-newsletter published for high school students and parents (counselors and principals are encouraged to subscribe, too).

Taking entrance exams and applying to college…

Send them to:

• Resources about test preparation and types, and schedules.
• Multiple Web pages about the admission process, and tips for completing the application.
• The link to sign up for AIEMail, a weekly e-newsletter published for high school students and parents (counselors and principals are encouraged to subscribe, too).

Applying for financial aid…

Show them:

• The AIE Scholarship Search tool, which allows users to search our database of over 15,000 scholarships.
• A public-service announcement, in English or Spanish, on the Texas Financial Aid Information Center (TFAIC).
• Multiple Web pages about the financial aid application process and Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
• Two presentations, one on on how to complete the FAFSA, and the other on financial aid in general.
  • Paying for College FAFSA Overview 2013-2014 (4.2 MB PDF)
  • Paying for College Financial Aid Overview 2013-2014 (5.1 MB PDF)
• A series of videos about the FAFSA and the TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid — through which undocumented students may receive aid).
  • Your Guide to the FAFSA (English)
  • Your Guide to the FAFSA (Spanish)
  • Your Guide to the TASFA (English)
  • Your Guide to the TASFA (Spanish)
• A presentation on completing the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
  • TASFA Presentation for Families 2013-2014 (600 KB PDF)

Choosing a school…

Share the following:

• A Campus Visit Checklist to help students evaluate multiple schools using common criteria.
• A video about TG's "I Am College Ready" Campus Tour Program.
• Resources for finding a school with just the right fit.

Making the move to start college…

They may find the following resources useful:

• A College Advising 101 Worksheet to help them plan their transition to college.
• A Relocation Guide to help students cover all the bases for a worry-free move to college.
• Financial literacy Web pages that inform on such important topics as spending plans, saving, credit, and debt.