Personal Readiness:

• Use SchooLinks to organize and prepare for your post-secondary goals. Complete all the assessments available in this tool.  Upload information to build your resume. All students have an account accessible by logging in with Clever single sign on.
• Work hard and develop habits to succeed now and in the future.
• Develop daily routines for homework and stay organized.
• Get involved in UIL and other extracurricular activities to build social and leadership skills.
• Find supportive adults at home, at school, or in your community to help you achieve your goals.
• Never give up!  There is nothing more important than character and perseverance.

Academic Readiness:

• Take the most challenging courses for you.  Work with your guidance counselor, teachers, and parents to determine your plan.
• Challenge yourself with Advanced, Accelerated and AP courses in your best subjects.
• Earn college credit in high school with ACC Early College Start , UT OnRamps courses, and by earning a 3 or better on AP Exams.
• Take advantage of acceleration, intervention, tutorial, and enrichment opportunities.

Career Readiness:

• Use the Find Your Path Assessment in SchooLinks to find the careers that match your passions.
• Choose your endorsement or CTE pathway of study and take the courses that will best prepare you for your future.
• Take a practicum course at the end of your CTE program of study to gain valuable work-based learning experience.
• Earn an industry-based certfication to demonstrate the mastery of technical skills.
• Participate in leadership development and academic/technical skill competitions, such as Career Technical Student Organizations. 
• Apply for jobs and internships to gain experience, learn real-world skills, and earn money for post-secondary destinations.
• Use the High School Explore Career Workbook or the Middle School Explore Career Workbook as an additional resource to explore career choices.

Admission Readiness:

• Get and keep your grade point average (GPA) and class rank as high as possible.
• Make sure you have passed TSI and are CCMR ready.
• Take college readiness assessments seriously and use tools such as Khan Academy for PSAT and SAT or other preparation sessions to be better prepared for SAT and ACT.
• See your counselor to register for SAT or ACT and for test prep opportunities.
• Become very familiar with your high school’s college and career advising center. Help is available!
• Apply to at least three colleges and universities using the ApplyTexas application. Applications should be finished by October 31. This is a PfISD graduation requirement.

Financial Readiness:

• Don't let money keep you from pursuing your dreams.
• Learn about and apply for scholarships.  Work with your campus College and Career Advisor.
• PfISD seniors earn $10-20 million dollars in scholarships every year.  This could be you!
• Complete the six steps of the College Board Opportunity Scholarship for a chance to win up to $40,000!
• Complete your Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible during your senior year.  Applications for FAFSA open October 1st.  Early deadline in Texas is January 15th.  Complete this task before the December break. FAFSA completion is a graduation requirement in PfISD.
• Take advantage of our FAFSA help events where free professional help is available.

Post-Secondary Planning Guide: Take Action for Your Future! (Grades 8-12)