Access & Outreach | Planning for College

We want to know you. Your dreams, your hopes, your ambitions. Because, at the University of Houston, we’re empowering students to change the world—one research project, one business idea, one music composition, or one blueprint at a time.

Just like yours, the University of Houston’s legacy is still being written, and we want you to be part of that story.

Whether you know the path you want to follow or you’re still figuring it out, it’s never too early to begin thinking about next steps. As you continue to work your way through school, here are some questions to consider: What career do I want to pursue? Why? What do I like about that career path?

What do I need to study or learn to pursue that career?

What can I do now to prepare for that career?

Start a conversation with your family about college.

Talk to your high school counselor about your academic goals.

Explore your interests through extracurricular activities.

Practice good time management, organizational skills, and study habits.

Be mindful of what you post on social media and how you carry yourself online.

Find ways to give back to your community.

Explore college websites and admissions requirements.

Challenge yourself when choosing your classes.

Strive for grades of B or higher.

Prepare for college entrance exams by enrolling in test prep courses.

Stay involved in extracurricular activities and community service.

Start a list of colleges you’re interested in and schedule a visit.

Things to consider: Academic Programs Location Size Cost Activities Athletics Student Body Demographics Request information from the colleges on your list.

Visit college fairs and talk to admissions counselors.

Check in with your high school counselor/career center to make sure you’re on track to graduate high school.

Take the PSAT/NMSQT and/or PLAN in the fall.

Take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring.

Explore scholarships and other financial aid options.

Keep up your grades.

Stay involved in extracurricular activities and community service.

Narrow down your college list, and start your college applications.

NOV

Be sure to keep track of each college’s deadlines and requirements!

15

JUNE

1

Ask a teacher or counselor to review your admissions essays.

Retake the SAT and/or ACT if you need to improve your scores.

Send test scores to your top choices.

Send other supporting documents to your colleges (like transcripts).

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) to be considered for financial aid.

Visit your top choices and ask all your lingering questions.

Make your final decision! Accept or decline your college offers.

College Fit

UH Urban Experience Program

princetonreview.com collegeboard.org nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator

uh.edu/uep

UH Office of Admissions

UH Commuter Services Program

uh.edu/go-uh

UH Campus Visits/Tours uh.edu/campus-visit

UH Center for Diversity & Inclusion uh.edu/cdi uh.edu/commuter

UH Student Housing & Residential Life uh.edu/housing

Financial Aid

UH Summer Camps

FAFSA.gov thecb.state.tx.us uh.edu/finaid

uh.edu/about/community/summer-camps

ENGLISH – 4 YEARS

SOCIAL SCIENCES – 3 YEARS

composition, grammar, literature, writing, and speech

at least one unit of U.S. or world history

MATHEMATICS – 4 YEARS

University Career Services uh.edu/ucs

FOREIGN/WORLD LANGUAGE – 2 YEARS

algebra I & II, geometry, and pre-calculus

same language both years

NATURAL/PHYSICAL SCIENCES – 3 YEARS

art, music, drama, computer science, career/technical education, etc.

including 2 lab-based units

ACADEMIC ELECTIVES – 2 YEARS

THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE Major A major is your main field of study in a college program.

Minor A minor is your secondary field of study in a college program.

Residence Life Residence life refers to the on-campus living experience. It promotes community engagement and oversees all housing operations, including safety and room assignments.

Orientation This is your introduction to college life. It’s a celebratory event that allows you to meet other students, become familiar with campus, and register for classes.

Registrar’s Office This office is responsible for registration, enrollment, academic records (such as transcripts), and residency status.

APPLYING TO COLLEGE Personal Statement An essay that showcases your personality, achievements, and character

Letter of Recommendation A letter written on your behalf, explaining why you make a good candidate for admission. Some colleges require these as part of the application process.

PSAT/NMSQT Preliminary Test for SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

PLAN Preliminary Test for ACT

College Entrance Exams This is the SAT or ACT. Both tests are designed to measure your level of knowledge in basic areas such as math, science, English, and reading.

PAYING FOR COLLEGE Financial Aid Money that helps the student pay for college. Financial aid includes grants, scholarships, student loans, and work study.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) A form for prospective college students that determines eligibility for financial aid. The FAFSA is for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.

Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) A form for prospective college students that determines eligibility for financial aid. The TASFA is for non-citizens who are classified as Texas residents.

Scholarships & Grants These are financial sources that don’t need to be repaid. In other words, it’s free money! Grants are normally need-based, and scholarships are normally merit-based.

Student Loans Borrowed monies from the federal government and/or private sources.

Loans have to be repaid with interest.

Work Study A need-based program that allows you to earn money toward your education through working on campus

#UNLEASHYOURCOOG UH Admissions @UHadmissions @UHadmissions @UHouston

(713) 743-1010 | uh.edu/admissions | admissions@uh.edu University of Houston | Office of Admissions | Welcome Center 4434 University Drive | Houston, TX 77204-2023