Plan a schedule with rigorous coursework and activities. Colleges look at courses and grades in making admission decisions and students must be prepared to compete academically on the college campus.

Take pre-AP and/or Dual Credit courses to experience a college level curriculum. Colleges look for pre-AP and dual credit designations on high school transcripts.

Schedule core curriculum courses in the senior year even if graduation requirements for the course have been completed. Students must focus on preparation for future academic pursuits.

Review your Grade Point Average (GPA) and your test scores to make wise choices on courses for the senior year and for college entrance requirements.

Participate in school-related activities and community service. Institutes of higher learning strongly encourage student involvement in activities along with academics.

Update your resume/portfolio of accomplishments.

Attend college fairs (RHS will go to TVCC).

Plan college visits during the fall semester. The district allows two college visits during your senior year.

Get organized. Mark your calendar with deadline events. Mark files for each school and scholarship. Keep copies of all applications.

Review SAT/ACT scores and take again in early fall, if necessary.

Make sure SAT/ACT scores have been forwarded to colleges in which you have interest.

Take TSI if you are attending a Texas public college or university. Check with your counselor to see if STAAR, ACT, or SAT scores exempt you from the test.

Attend Financial Aid Night at Rains High School in the fall.

Prepare to do taxes early. FASFA, the financial aid form, requires figures from parent and student completed tax returns.

Complete FAFSA as early as October 1st. Priority deadline for Texas Public Schools is mid-March.

Check admissions, housing and scholarship deadlines for schools still on your list. Many deadlines fall as early as November.

Apply to your choice colleges prior to deadline.

Search and apply for scholarships early and meet all deadlines. Use the internet for scholarship searches, plus college websites for campus scholarships.

Wait for decisions from institutions. Make final decision and notify college of your choice.

Request final transcript to be sent to the college you plan to attend.