College Application Process

• Complete the Apply Texas baseline application and send it to the college/colleges of your choice.   Students should consider sending one to Hill College (or other junior college) and one to each college they want to attend.
• Students need to request their transcript be sent to the college/colleges they have applied to.  Once they have applied AND  have sent their transcript, they will wait to receive acceptance letters or emails from the college/colleges indicating they have been accepted. Otherwise, they will receive letters or emails telling them why they do not meet the college's admission criteria. Each college has its own timeline for this.  Check the college website for these dates.
• Get a meningitis vaccine and send a copy of the shot record to the school.
• Take the SAT if they will attend a 4-year college and send the scores to the college.
• All male students must register for Selective Service after their 18th birthday.  
• All students will need to take the TSI at the college they will attend unless they are exempt because of SAT scores (or other exemptions).

SAT

SAT Test Dates

Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA)

The State of Texas requires that all undergraduate students entering public colleges and universities in Texas have the skills necessary to perform effectively in college-level coursework. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is the program that administers testing to measure college-level readiness in mathematics and english/language arts (reading and writing).

All incoming students, unless EXEMPT, must take a TSI Assessment prior to registering for classes. You will not be allowed to enroll in college level Math, Reading or Writing intensive courses until TSI requirements have been met. Once you have met these requirements, you will be considered “TSI complete” and allowed to enroll in college level courses in these areas.

You may enroll at Hill College before you become TSI complete; however, you may be required to register for developmental coursework as condition of your enrollment.

TSIA Student Information Brochure

Students may purchase a study guide. TSI Texas Version study books can be purchased at bookstores and online bookstores. Here is one place where the guide may be purchased – TSIA Study Guide 

Texas Education Agency – Texas Success Initiative Assessment

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

COMPLETING THE FAFSA

The first step to financial planning for college is to apply for federal student aid. If you haven't submitted it already, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form as soon as you can!In January of each year the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available.  Completing the FAFSA is critical to getting access to more than $134 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds.  Moreover, it is free, quick (on average, taking about 20 minutes!), and easy. 

To make sure that students do not leave money on the table, the Department has prepared a number of blog posts:

Guide to Filling Out the FAFSA Form

• What information will you need to complete your FAFSA?
• Student Aid Announcements 

Start your FAFSA Form

Federal Student Aid Resources