Going From High School to Higher Ed
Making a difference for the rest of your life.
Choices you make during the next few years will affect the choices you have for the rest of your life. By preparing now to attend college, you will be more focused on what you need to do all through high school.
Why Should College Be Your Goal?
A college education is an investment in your future. It can provide you with many opportunities in life and work.
More Job Opportunities
More and more jobs, especially high tech jobs, require education beyond high school. A college education gives you more career choices. It also makes changing jobs or careers easier.
More Money
People who go to college generally earn more than people who don't. Over a lifetime of work, a college graduate can expect to earn almost twice as much as someone with only a high school diploma, and someone with a professional degree, such as a doctor or lawyer, can make almost four times as much (2000, U.S. Census Bureau, Lifetime Earnings Estimates).
Greater Knowledge
A college education will help you understand the world around you, think critically, express thoughts clearly in speech and in writing, and make wiser decisions.
Increased Potential
College provides you with opportunities to explore your interests, discover new areas of knowledge, consider lifelong goals, and become a responsible citizen.
What Steps Should You Take to Put Your Goal in Reach?
The most important way to prepare for college in high school is to take college preparatory courses. They provide the necessary background for a college education.
The State of Texas has a RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM that serves as a guide for college-bound students. By taking the recommended courses, you will meet or exceed the course requirements for Texas colleges and universities. The RHSP is currently the default curriculum. In other words, it will automatically be chosen for you unless you have parental and counselor approval to select a less rigorous alternative in a Texas public school. Discuss the recommended courses AND your course selections with your parents, teachers, and counselors.
If you are interested in going beyond the Recommended High School Program, the DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM has additional requirements.
If you complete one of these programs and demonstrate financial need, you may be eligible to receive the TEXAS Grant, which can help you pay for college expenses.
Student interested in earning college credit for academic courses while they are enrolled in high school should visit with their high school counselors. Many schools and districts have agreements set up with nearby community colleges and universities which allow high school students to enroll in courses for which they will earn both high school and college credits.
Students interested in a community college technical program may consider TECH-PREP ARTICULATED PROGRAMS. These programs are designed to fulfill the requirements for Associate's degree programs and may transfer to state universities. Tech-Prep students are required to complete the Recommended High School Program, but may be able to substitute classes directly related to their area of interest. Check with your counselors about requirements.
Other Topics
- Tests: What, Why & When
- Planning for Important Dates & Deadlines
- Applying for College in Texas
- The Top 10% Rule (for Texas public universities)
- Transfer Guide
- Financial Aid Information
- No Child Left Behind (en español)
- Other Sources of Information
Where Can You Find Additional Information on Goal Setting, College Preparatory Courses, and Going To College?
We recommend that you and your parents visit the web sites listed below. They offer helpful hints to college-bound students and their parents.
