College Readiness
"College readiness" may sound like a phrase commonly used during the college search and application process. At first glance, it seems like a general question about whether a student is prepared for college; however, it is more specific than that.
College readiness refers to the set of skills, knowledge and behaviours that a high school student should possess upon graduation and entry into their first year of college. It reflects a student's ability to succeed in an institution of higher learning.
What Type of Postsecondary Education is Right for You?
- Two- or four-year program (associate and bachelor's degree)
- Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields.
- Four-year institutions that focus on undergraduate education and provide more personalized attention, often due to smaller enrollment than universities.
- Classes tend to be smaller.
- Emphasize courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
- Two-year institutions of higher learning.
- Provide career and technical training.
- Offer associate degrees and certifications.
- Institutions established to increase access to higher education for African American students at a time when they were systematically denied admission to most colleges and universities.
- Students who attend these institutions often benefit from a supportive environment and a strong sense of cultural heritage and empowerment.
Planning for College and Succeeding in College
High School Timelines and Links to be College Ready
These timelines are not all-inclusive and may vary based on individual circumstances or career pathways. They are intended to serve as a general guide to help you stay on track toward your goals. Please see your College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) counselor if you have unique circumstances or need additional support developing your timeline.
Disability & Accommodation Services for Postsecondary
Refer to the slideshow presentation for more information about disability services after high school and accommodations for SAT or ACT testing.
College Admission Essays
Do you really have to write an essay?
Yes. Most colleges and universities require one to three essays. The infographic to the left provides helpful dos and don'ts for writing college admission and scholarship essays.
As a general rule, draft your essay in a word-processing program (e.g., Google Docs or Microsoft Word). You can then copy and paste it into the application or upload it as a separate document, depending on the requirements.
Import tips for writing your essay
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Read the instructions carefully.
If you do not follow the application guidelines, admissions officers may assume you are unable to follow program expectations. Page and word limits are provided for a reason, and you should organize your response accordingly.
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Use your authentic voice
Colleges and universities value authenticity and quality of thought. Avoid relying on overused phrases and, instead, focus on expressing your genuine beliefs and experiences.
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Highlight your goals and strengths
The application essay is an opportunity to demonstrate your motivation, skills, and knowledge of your chosen field. Be sure to explain how the program aligns with your future goals.
High School Profile for Applications
The information provided on this form includes basic details for Princeton Senior High that can be used to complete both the Common App and ApplyTexas applications, as the information is the same.
ApplyTexas
Below is a YouTube video that walks you through the application process for ApplyTexas.
Common App
Below is a YouTube video that walks you through the application process for Common App.
This video is lengthy; however, you can use the progress bar to navigate to specific sections based on your interests. The content is organized into segments, allowing you to focus on the topics most relevant to you.
The presenter is a student who graduated from high school during the pandemic and offers useful insights as you consider your college options, including factors you may not have previously considered during your decision-making process.
The presenter is a student who graduated from high school during the pandemic and offers useful insights as you consider your college options, including factors you may not have previously considered during your decision-making process.