Senior Year Planning Guide

What they do: Every college has an office—called College Access Office, Disability Services, or Student Accessibility Services—that provides support and accommodations for students with learning differences, medical conditions, or disabilities.

Important to know: This office does NOT automatically receive your IEP or 504 plan from high school. Your student must contact the office directly, submit current documentation, and request accommodations themselves. This is different from high school, where accommodations are automatic.

What families should do: During the college application process, locate this office on each school's website and read their documentation requirements. Some schools want recent evaluations (within 3 years), while others accept older paperwork. Planning ahead reduces stress later.

Why start planning now: High school is the best time for students to understand which accommodations actually help them, practice asking for what they need, and gather documentation that will be required after graduation.

Building self-advocacy: In high school, teachers and counselors often arrange accommodations. After graduation, your student owns this responsibility. Learning to communicate with College Access Offices, trade schools, military recruiters, and employers is a life skill that pays off.

Don't overlook Texas resources: The Texas Workforce Commission offers powerful support many families don't know about—funding for evaluations, career training programs, assistive technology, and sometimes even tuition help. Reach out near the end of sophomore year to learn what's available.

Start in spring of junior year. This gives time to visit schools, take the SAT/ACT if needed, and write strong essays without rushing. Early applications have better odds at some schools.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) decides how much aid your student gets from the government and colleges. It opens October 1 each year. The earlier you apply, the more aid is available. It's free to fill out and takes about 30 minutes.

Ask in spring of junior year, before summer. Choose teachers who know your student well—ideally from challenging classes where they excelled. Give them at least 3–4 weeks notice. Provide a one-page sheet with resume, interests, and colleges you're applying to. Send a thank-you note after they submit.

That's completely okay. Strong pathways exist through community college, trade schools, military service, and direct workforce entry. Many trade workers earn $60,000–$100,000+ per year. The best path is the one that matches your student's strengths and interests, not the most traditional one.

Usually 5–8 schools: a mix of safety schools (likely admits), match schools (competitive), and reach schools (harder admits). This spreads risk. For military or trade paths, talk with recruiters instead—different process.

Only if your student applies to selective colleges that require it. Check each school's website. If they require it, it costs money but helps calculate institutional aid. Some schools waive the fee for low-income families.

Grants = free money you don't repay (from government/colleges). Scholarships = free money you don't repay (merit or need-based). Loans = money you borrow and repay after graduation with interest. Prioritize grants/scholarships first, then work-study, then loans.

Start with FAFSA to see how much your family is expected to contribute (called the Student Aid Index, or SAI). Compare the financial aid packages side-by-side from different colleges. Look at what you actually pay after aid is applied, not the sticker price. Community college for the first 2 years is a smart financial move for many families, especially if your student later transfers to a 4-year university.