Future College Grad!

Dear 4-H Parents:

This site has been designed especially for 4-H parents to assist them in guiding their graduates in exploring higher education information. Any additional information, resources, and links can be forwarded to help us help you create a better resource for other 4-H families. This site is a partnership between Texas AgriLife Extension Service and United States Department of Agriculture – Hispanic Serving Institutions. These programs are open to anyone. The information provided here can be used with many Texas colleges and universities. Contact your college of choice directly for information specific to their programs…but most importantly START NOW!

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Planning for college…

Make sure your child is taking courses in high school that are required for admission
Make sure your child takes all the necessary exams (TAKS, PSAT, SAT, ACT)
Saving money is key…try some of these ways to plan ahead
> Texas College Savings Plan – Personal investing plans
> Texas Tuition Promise Funds – State supported pre-paid tuition plans
> Education IRAs – Federal tax considerations and information (Savings Accounts)

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Applying for college…

ApplyTexas – apply to all Texas colleges and universities with one form
Texas A&M University – additional help to guide youth through the process
TAMU College of Agriculture & Life Science – departmental requirements

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Paying for college…

Complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Financial Student Aid) to qualify for…
> Federal Pell Grants – based on financial need
> Stafford Loans – subsidized and unsubsidized aid for students
> PLUS Loans – available to parents of college students
Search for scholarships that may be available to you
Explore local 4-H scholarships or Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarship Program
Texas A&M Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid can help you
TAMU College of Agriculture & Life Sciences offers departmental scholarships

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Important dates…

September 1 – Universities begin accepting applications for the Fall term (next year)
October – PSAT exams are administered by your local school district, contact them
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, & Nov – SAT testing dates (register at least 45 days prior)
Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug , Oct, & Dec – ACT test dates (register at least 45 days prior)

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Workshops for parents in your area…

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Links to college readiness…

Federal Student Aid – U.S. Dept. of Education college readiness resources for parents
College for All Texans – Texas Higher Ed. Coordinating Board resources for parents/students

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Careers…

It is important to think about careers when you think about college. Your experience in 4-H has afforded you one facet of a career in Extension…become one of the statewide network of people who spend their careers working hard to improve the lives of Texans.