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11th Grade Parents & Families

Junior year is an important time for your student as they begin making decisions about where to attend college. They'll need your support and encouragement, so be involved! Here are some ways to participate in the decision-making process with your student. 

Encourage & Discuss
  • Encourage your student to take AP classes and College-Level Examination Prep (CLEP) tests for college credit
  • Discuss with your student the colleges/universities they are considering.
  • Ask what they want to study, what their career goals might be and why they are interested in particular schools.

Find CLEP Information

Get Informed
  • Work with your student throughout the college admission process, but let them lead the process and be responsible for meeting required deadlines for applications and scholarship opportunities.
  • Seek people familiar with the college admission process such as high school counselors, teachers, family members, parents with college students, etc. for guidance throughout the process.
  • Become familiar with the college entrance exams and which schools require them: SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the ACT (American College Test).
  • Encourage your student to get information from their high school counselor’s office and/or Collegeboard.com. TCU is test-optional through 2026.
  • Attend college fairs with your student, but let them lead the conversations with the college representatives
  • Study the information your student receives from various colleges/universities.

Questions To Ask Admissions Counselors

Understand Financial Aid
  • Get a clear overview of your financial situation and if you are on the right track to cover your student’s college costs, or provide some financial assistance. Discuss the level of support you can provide with your student.
  • Make sure your student has explored scholarship and financial aid opportunities. For TCU, specifically, you and your student should be prepared to submit the FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.
  • Ask your employer if company scholarships are available for employees’ children.
  • Explore if scholarship or aid options are available through other organizations such as civic groups, churches and foundations.

Submit FAFSA Application     Submit CSS Profile

Plan a Campus Visit
  • Take a family road trip and visit your student's top choice colleges! We offer daily campus tours and a visit program called Monday at TCU to help you discover life as a Horned Frog.
  • Ensure your student has connected with their assigned admission counselor at their choice schools in order to receive accurate information throughout the college admission process.

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