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Application Resources

Resources are provided for your convenience, but it's important to note that information may be changed and/or updated by colleges without our knowledge. Please check each institution's website for the most accurate, up-to-date information.

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The components of your college application add up to give admission officers an idea of who you are. Not every college requires every one of these elements — for example, some colleges don’t ask for admission test scores or an essay — but this list below shows the most common requirements. Please make sure you check the website for the College/University that you are seeking admission.

 

 Do you need help building a College List, if so click the Big Future box?

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Important tips: 

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​Visit the college campus to finalize your list... Take a "College Day".
Students are allowed to take college days to learn about college campuses. College days do NOT count as absences or against exemptions if the form is returned.

Students are allowed:           

2 college visit days in 11th grade
2 college visit days in 12th grade
To take a college day, ​stop by the CLHS Attendance office to pick up a "college visit form" before attending the college. Don't forget to have the Admission office sign your form before you leave. Click here for college visit information.

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How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

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The College Board did a lot of research which determined that students who apply to Four Or More colleges were more likely to find a better "fit." 

    Your college list should be full of:

• Places you'd be happy to attend

• Realistic matches to your academic and financial profile

• Only a few "stretch schools" where you only have a small chance of admission or a realistic financial aid package

     Sometimes experts recommend you break down your list into:

• Foundation Schools - guaranteed admission (2 minimum)

• Fit Schools - strong match between your academic profile and that of the college (2-3+)

• Stretch Schools - admission is possible, but your academic profile is not as strong as the average admitted student (1-2+)

 

CFISD College Knowledge Website for presentations covering College Essays, Test Optional Admissions, Highly Selective Admissions, and Undecided Major.

 

Applying to Colleges/Universities:

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There are many types of college applications.  Students are strongly encouraged to research each application option before they begin applying. The best source of any college admission application information is through the college or university itself. Click the admission tab when 

 

ApplyTexas is the application for the majority of Texas public Colleges/Universities.

 

Common Application is the National Common Application used for many private universities and

universities outside of Texas. Step by Step Guide that walks students through each question of the Common Application.

 

Some Institutions, like Baylor, have their own applications process, which can sometimes be simpler than other application forums.

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College Application Essays Help

 

 

 

Send High School Transcripts: Order Unofficial/Official transcripts can be sent to colleges/universities from the Cy-Lakes Registrar Office click here.  The first 5 are free.

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OFFICIAL transcripts are required by most colleges & universities when applying for admission.

​In the online ordering system, select "Education Institution" for each college (these will be sent as OFFICIAL transcripts).​

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Order your transcript AFTER you submit your college application.

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UNOFFICIAL transcripts can be ordered in the same system, at the same time.

In the online ordering system, select "Other" and enter your name & home address as required.  An UNOFFICIAL transcript will be printed and will remain in the Registrar's office for you to pick up.  

Some colleges, like Texas A&M University, UH, and Texas Tech, now require a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) from ALL applicants before the application deadline.  Use an unofficial copy of your transcript to complete the SRAR.

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PLAN AHEAD - it can take up to 3 school days to process your transcript request.

Your transcripts must be RECEIVED by the college or university ON OR BEFORE THEIR DEADLINE.

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Application fees: Fee waivers are available for student that qualify for free/reduced lunch. Click here for more information on qualifying for  application waivers.  

 

Sending official ACT/SAT scores to the college/university:   

 

 

 

Some universities require an Expanded Resume (University of Texas Expanded Resume)

The expanded resume is used to EXPAND on the description of each club, organization, activity, award, job, volunteer project, etc. that you participate in outside of your high school classrooms.   Most college applications limit the number of characters you can type, so an expanded resume allows you to list more details. You should include the full name of the activity or organization (don't list acronyms only), a brief description of the activity or organization, explain your specific role & tasks assigned, and the total number of hours you devoted to it.

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 This is a guide to help seniors navigate the college application process on the Cypress Lakes campus.

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SAT and ACT requirements for assured admissions for many popular Texas colleges.

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In Texas, if a student ranks in the top 10% of their graduating class, they will be automatically admitted to a Texas public university (UT is top 6% for 2022-2023 admissions).   Although a student may be automatically admitted under this rule, the student is still competing for their major and should submit a solid application.

Students not in the top 10% may be admitted under assured admission standards (rank/GPA and required test score).  The link "Assured Admissions" provides a chart of the assured admission standards.  Upon meeting the assured admission standard, the student will be admitted to the college/university, but like the top 10% student is competing for their major.  Again, a solid application should be submitted.

If a student does not meet the assured admission standards, most colleges/universities then move their applicants through a holistic review process.  A holistic review takes a deeper look into why the student may not have met the standard.  Additional essays or short answers may be required, resume, letters of recommendation, etc. (see college/university website).  A holistic review does not mean the student will be denied, it means the college will need to take a deeper look at the student and determine if their school is a proper fit for the student.  

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Check Application Status - follow up with the university admission office and/or student portal. Verify that all items are complete and no additional documents are required. Meet all deadlines! 

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College Application Checklist 

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COLLEGE FRESHMAN GUIDE

As seniors, students are applying to enter a college/university as college freshmen.  The link below is a guide to understanding the admission guidelines.  Included are application deadlines, scholarship deadlines, open house, campus visit information, and admission contact, financial aid contact, website link, and holistic review information.

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List of  test optional colleges          

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College Terminology

 

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Letters of recommendation

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Lone Star College College

Connection Advisor

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Junior Year college timeline