Texas College Application Timeline

A comprehensive 4-year timeline to help Texas students prepare for college applications and maximize their opportunities.

Critical Deadlines

Don't miss these important dates for Texas college applications and financial aid.

FAFSA Opening
October 1

Federal student aid application becomes available

Texas Aid Priority Deadline
March 15

Priority deadline for Texas state financial aid

ApplyTexas Application
December 1

Common application deadline for Texas public universities

Enrollment Deposit
May 1

National deadline for college enrollment deposits

4-Year Planning Timeline

Follow this grade-by-grade timeline to stay on track for Texas college admissions.

9

9th Grade - Foundation Building

Meet with School Counselor
high

Discuss graduation requirements and college planning

September
Take Challenging Courses
high

Enroll in honors, AP, or dual credit courses if available

Course registration
Explore Interests
medium

Join clubs, sports, or volunteer organizations

Throughout year
Research Texas Universities
low

Start learning about different Texas colleges and programs

Spring semester
10

10th Grade - Skill Development

Take PSAT/NMSQT
high

Practice for SAT and qualify for National Merit

October
Continue Rigorous Coursework
high

Maintain strong GPA with challenging classes

Ongoing
Develop Leadership Skills
medium

Take on leadership roles in activities

Throughout year
Start Building Resume
medium

Document achievements, activities, and volunteer work

Spring semester
11

11th Grade - Testing & Planning

Take SAT/ACT
high

Take standardized tests multiple times if needed

Spring/Fall
Visit Texas Colleges
high

Tour campuses and attend information sessions

Spring break/Summer
Research Financial Aid
high

Learn about scholarships, grants, and aid programs

Fall semester
Build College List
medium

Create list of reach, match, and safety schools

Spring semester
Apply for Summer Programs
medium

Attend college prep or career exploration programs

Winter/Spring
12

12th Grade - Application Year

Complete College Applications
high

Submit applications to Texas colleges and universities

Fall semester
Apply for Financial Aid
high

Complete FAFSA and Texas state aid applications

October-March
Apply for Scholarships
high

Submit scholarship applications for Texas programs

Various deadlines
Make Final Decision
high

Choose college and submit enrollment deposit

May 1
Prepare for Transition
medium

Complete orientation, housing, and course registration

Summer

Planning Resources

Additional tools and resources to help with your Texas college planning timeline.

Course Planning Guide

Plan your high school courses to meet Texas university requirements.

View Requirements
Financial Aid Guide

Learn about Texas-specific financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Explore Aid
College Directory

Browse Texas colleges and universities to build your target list.

Find Colleges

Continue Your Texas College Planning Journey

With your timeline planned, now secure funding for your education

Back: Admission Requirements

Review admission requirements and coursework planning

View Requirements

Next: Financial Planning

Learn about Texas grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities

Explore Financial Aid

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