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Career Assessment
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College Planning
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Direct Admissions
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The College Going Process
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Step-By-Step Guide
Find the right college for you.
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Financial Aid
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Tennessee Financial Aid
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TSAC Student Portal
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School Resources
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APPLYING TO COLLEGE
Graduation is not an end, it’s a beginning. There are several paths you can follow, but it’s important to pursue some type of education or training after high school. The most common paths to a good career are four year colleges and universities, two year community colleges, and technical colleges. Below are action steps to help you apply to all three.
College Enrollment Action Steps
Seniors, use the videos, written instructions, and other resources below to complete your college applications.
Colleges and Universities
If your plan is to attend a four-year college or university and earn a bachelor’s degree (including ROTC programs and military academies) this checklist is for you!
| ACTION STEPS | RECOMMENDED TIMELINE |
|---|---|
| Keep track of college logins, check portals and emails regularly | August – July |
| Complete college applications, including application fees or using fee waivers |
August – October |
| Request transcripts | Within one week of completing college applications |
| Register to take or re-take the ACT/SAT and ensure scores are sent to colleges of choice |
Prep: July – October Re-take: October – December |
| Register for the NCAA/NAIA Clearinghouse (if you are interested in playing college sports) |
August – December |
| Explore ROTC or officer training programs (if interested) | August – December |
| Complete the Tennessee Promise application | August – October |
| Obtain a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID (student and parent) | July – January |
| Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and review Student Aid Report (SAR) |
October – January |
| Complete Tennessee Promise meeting and service requirements | November – July |
| Complete additional scholarship applications (personal essays) | August – May |
| Review admission letters and financial awards | October – April |
| Accept admission at your school of choice | As soon as you decide (no later than May) |
| Pay or defer enrollment deposit to selected school | After accepting admission (Spring) |
| Register for new student orientation | After accepting admission (Spring) |
| Apply for housing by listed deadline (if applicable) | After accepting admission (Spring) |
| Learn about bridge programs and apply (if needed) | After accepting admission (Spring) |
| Inform your college/career counselor of every acceptance and scholarship offer |
As early as you know |
| Complete FAFSA verification (if selected) | Spring |
| Check your university email and portal regularly and respond promptly to messages |
Ongoing |
Community Colleges
(Transfer, Associate Degree, or Certificate)
If you want to earn a bachelor’s degree by starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year university – or if you want to attend a community college to earn an associate degree or certificate – then this checklist is for you! If you are planning to transfer, you will want to earn an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.). If you are planning to work after earning your degree, you may want to earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) that prepares students to directly enter the workforce.
| ACTION STEPS | RECOMMENDED TIMELINE |
|---|---|
| Keep track of college logins, check student portal and email regularly | August – July |
| Complete college applications–there is no fee to apply to Tennessee community colleges |
August – October |
| Request transcripts | Within one week of completing college applications |
| Prep for and take/retake placement tests (i.e., ACT) | Prep: July – October Retake: October – December |
| Complete the Tennessee Promise application | August – October |
| Obtain a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID (student and parent) | July – January |
| Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and review Student Aid Report (SAR) |
October – January |
| Complete the Tennessee Promise meeting and service requirements | November – July |
| Complete additional scholarship applications (personal essay) | August – May |
| Review admission letters and financial awards | October – April |
| Accept admission at your school of choice | As soon as you decide (no later than May) |
| Talk with a community college academic advisor and/or attend summer orientation |
March – July |
| Arrange housing (if applicable). Community colleges do not have housing on campus. |
After accepting admission (Spring) |
| Explore your program of study (including transfer programs) | Spring |
| Learn about bridge programs and apply (if needed) | After accepting admission (Spring) |
| Inform your college/career counselor of every acceptance and scholarship offer |
As early as you know |
| Complete FAFSA verification (if selected) | Spring |
| Check your college email and portal regularly and respond promptly to messages |
Ongoing |
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT/Technical Colleges)
If you want to attend a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) or another technical training institute to obtain a certificate or license in a skilled trade, this checklist is for you! At TCATs, you can train to become a certified professional in a variety of fields, such as a motorcycle mechanic, a nurse, or a computer technician.
| ACTION STEPS | RECOMMENDED TIMELINE |
|---|---|
| Keep track of college logins, check student email regularly | August – July |
| Complete college applications–There is no fee to apply to TCATs | August – October |
| Contact school/program regarding additional requirements, waitlists, etc. |
August – December |
| Send additional requirements (transcript, test scores, portfolio, etc.) | August – December |
| Complete the Tennessee Promise application | August – October |
| Obtain a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID (student and parent) | July – January |
| Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and review Student Aid Report (SAR) |
October – January |
| Complete Tennessee Promise meeting and service requirements | November – July |
| Complete additional scholarship applications (personal essay) | August – May |
| Review admission letters and financial awards | October – April |
| Accept admission at your school of choice | As soon as you decide (no later than May) |
| Arrange housing (if applicable). TCATs do not have housing on campus. | After accepting admission (Spring) |
| Inform your college/career counselor of every acceptance and scholarship offer |
As early as you know |
| Complete FAFSA verification (if selected) | Spring |
| Determine your start date. Depending on the popularity of your selected program, there may be a wait list. |
Spring |
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