Plan for College

Planning for college starts now, and UTA is here to help you every step of the way. Read on to see what to do in each year of high school, from exploring majors and preparing academically to understanding financial aid and getting connected with UTA. Whether you're just beginning to think about college or getting ready to apply, this page gives you clear steps, helpful tools, and trusted advice to stay on track and feel confident about your path to becoming a Maverick.

Students First. Excellence Always. 

If you feel overwhelmed by the process of planning and paying for college, don’t worry. We can give you the resources and reassurance you need to achieve your dreams.

Check out upcoming events for helpful workshops such as our SAT Math Prep Program to help you sharpen your skills as you prepare for testing day. There is also information about other upcoming opportunities to learn more about the steps you need to take whether you want to attend college or develop the professional skills you need for your future career.

We can also help you learn more about college including helpful, step-by-step guides for navigating the application process and finding ways to help pay for it.

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Learn About College

If you want to go to a four-year university, community college, or professional training program, you'll need to take a few steps to make your dream a reality.

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BigFuture by College Board

BigFuture is a free planning resource from the College Board that helps you explore colleges, compare majors and careers, understand financial aid, and stay on track with your college planning. With personalized guidance, scholarship search tools, and step-by-step checklists, BigFuture makes it easier to plan your path to college and beyond.

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Fastweb

Fastweb is a free scholarship and college search platform that helps you find opportunities tailored to your interests, background, and goals. With a large database of scholarships, internships, and financial aid information, Fastweb makes it easier to discover funding options and plan your next steps toward college.

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Texas Monthly

Texas Monthly profiled more than 74 Texas schools from A to Z. Compare schools. Learn about tuition, acceptance rate, and other demographics.

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Explore Academic Programs

Explore Programs is UTA’s comprehensive guide to academic majors, degrees, and career pathways. It helps you discover programs that match your interests, learn about coursework and career outcomes, and find the right fit for your goals. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to choose a major, this tool makes it easy to navigate all that UTA has to offer.

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SAT Test Preparation

University Crossroads is a leader in preparing students for their SAT. Students who participate in SAT workshops feel prepared for their future. Explore SAT test preparation and feel empowered in your future.

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College Search Series

The College Search Series is a program for high school students where DFW Admissions Regional Network provides all the information students need to navigate their college search as well as the opportunity to meet admissions representatives from institutions all over the country during the college fair portion of the event.

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Here’s a roadmap to help you stay on track throughout high school:

Freshman & Sophomore Years

1. Establish a strong relationship with your high school counselor
2. Explore UTA’s Explore Programs to learn about majors, career pathways, and degree options
3. Get involved in extracurriculars to build leadership and passion
4. Learn and practice effective study, time management, and note-taking skills
5. Develop your writing and public speaking — these will serve you for essays, presentations, and more
6. Begin exploring scholarship sites like College Board BigFuture and Fastweb

Junior Year

7. Prepare for standardized tests (SAT, ACT) if needed
8. Create a preliminary college list (UTA + other schools)
9. Meet with your UTA admissions counselor to discuss major requirements and application strategy
10. Build a four-year high school plan with your counselor, including necessary coursework, GPA goals, and application timetable
11. Seek out summer internships, camps, or service opportunities to build real-world experience

Senior Year

12. Finalize your application: essays, application forms, recommendation letters, and any supplemental materials
13. Fill out financial aid forms (e.g., FAFSA, state aid) early
14. Apply for scholarships (institutional, local, and national)
15. Confirm your college decision, register for orientation, and make plans for housing or enrollment

  • Meet your UTA admissions counselor: They’re here to guide you through every step!
  • Use academic planning tools: Build your four-year course roadmap with your counselor to make sure you're meeting pre-requisite requirements for your interests.
  • Master time management: High school is the time to hone good habits; start using planners, apps, or calendars now.
  • Practice polished communication skills: Strong writing and speaking will help you through application essays and interviews.
  • Explore funding resources: Use BigFuture, Fastweb, and other scholarship platforms to find opportunities.
  • Stay organized: Keep track of deadlines, applications, test dates, and financial aid with a checklist or digital tool.

Higher education pays off—allowing you to make more money as you achieve professional goals. That’s why it’s worth it to check out scholarships, work-study options, and loans to help finance this important step. Devise your plan and get schooled on paying for college.

FAFSA or TASFA Applications
Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) supports students in receiving financial aid. Students who wish to apply for financial aid must meet certain general eligibility criteria to apply for most need-based financial aid. To be eligible for scholarships at college and universities students must complete FAFSA or TASFA applications.

Review FAFSA & TASFA Process

CollegeBoard Scholarship Search
Search for scholarships using CollegeBoard. Create a profile and find matches from over 6,000 programs, totaling over $4 billion scholarship dollars yearly.

Use CollegeBoard Scholarship Search

UTA Scholarships
UTA offers over $30 million in scholarships each academic year for students. We put our students and their needs first. This generous scholarship program is used to reward academic excellence and to improve college access. There are priority dates for merit-based scholarships. Students should prepare accordingly to be eligible.

Review UTA Scholarships

AABE - Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter Scholarship
The American Association of Blacks in Energy – DFW Chapter is accepting applications for their chapter scholarship. The AABE DFW Chapter will fund and award a one-time gift scholarship to the chosen recipient.

Learn more about the AABE Chapter Scholarship

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Scholarship Essay Contest
The City of Dallas is pleased to announce the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest! The contest will award eight scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 (per award) to graduating high school seniors accepted into a college-level educational institution (two-year college, four-year college, or trade school).

Learn More About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Scholarship

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship
An NROTC Marine Option Scholarship allows you to fully experience college life. You will have all of the opportunities and freedoms, including the same courses and living spaces as your peers.

Learn About Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship