• Tips for a Successful Senior Year:        

    1. Start exploring colleges and academic majors. It is never too early to start exploring academic majors, potential career options and college options. A good college research tool is the CollegeBoard's Big Future tool but there are multiple sources available online. For career exploration, a good option is the     Texas Reality Check webpage. You should also seek advice from family members, teachers and community members; there are many adults willing to discuss their college and career experiences with young adults as yourselves. Another great option is to take the ASVAB exam. The 
    2. Visit colleges and attend information sessions. Ms. Turner and/ or your counselors will coordinate several college tours and on-campus college information sessions during class or during lunch time. Please listen to morning announcements, sign up on the Remind app and visit the Go-Center frequently for more information. 
    3. Search for college preview and fly-in opportunities. Many colleges throughout the nation offer preview days and fly in opportunities for students to experience their campus before the student's senior year, some of these opportunities are FREE or offer sponsorship opportunities to help cover costs. Conduct internet searches and feedback for such opportunities and if you have questions or are concerned about the safety or veracity of such an opportunity, visit with your counselor or Ms. Turner for guidance.     You can also see a few of those opportunities here. 
    4. Search for Scholarships and Visit your Irvin HS College Readiness Team.  Search for scholarships as early and frequently as possible. While some scholarships are specifically for seniors, there are many others that are open to all grade levels. Throughout the year, visit with either Ms. Turner, Mr. Campos., or your HS Counselor to inquire about special opportunities that are sometimes available.  

    1. Start practicing for the SAT. All EPISD students coded as seniors, will take the SAT in March as part of SAT  School Day. EPISD offers students access to Khan Academy for SAT practice. For more information on     College Board SAT preparation materials please click here. 
    2. Participate in SAT Pre-Administration Session. No individual registration is required and the test is free. Students will need to complete a two-part pre-administration session before the test date; this is normally conducted in class. First, to save time during the actual test administration, certain student demographic information will be provided to the College Board, in advance of the SAT. This information covers basic information such as name, school, state student ID, grade, gender, and date of birth. Second, students will have the opportunity to participate, in the optional Student Data Questionnaire. The College Board gives students complete discretion regarding any voluntary information they provide as part of the Student Data Questionnaire. Information gathered is used by the college Board for group reporting, analysis, research and to connect your child with potential colleges or scholarship opportunities. Should they elect to, students will also have the opportunity to indicate where they would like to send their scores to. Students receive up to four free score sends as part of SAT School Day. 
    ​    For a sample Student Data Questionnaire, click here.
    April - May
    1. Check your SAT Scores and send them to your prospective Colleges. Check your SAT scores on your College Board account and compare them to the college admission requirements at your desired colleges/universities. Ensure that you have sent your scores to all your desired colleges. IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SEND THEIR SAT SCORES TO COLLEGES, your HS Counselor cannot send your scores. Should you need help, please visit Ms. Turner or your Counselor. 
    Many colleges offer scholarships based on student GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Check your desired college's scholarships pages for score criteria. 
    2. 
    Remember that colleges are watching your GPA along with the strength of your schedule, leadership positions, school activities, essays, internships and employment. 

    1. We recommend you apply for the colleges of your choice as soon as possible. Use the www.applytexas.org and the www.commonapp.org links to help you. If your colleges are not listed, check their own websites. 
    2. All universities require the following three things to be submitted in order to be considered a complete application:
      1. Completed application by listed deadline 
      2. Official transcripts sent by Registrar’s Office
      3. Submission of SAT and/or ACT scores
    3. Do your best on the free SAT offered at Irvin in March and make sure to send in your scores through College Board. 
    4. Give your teachers, counselor, or other references at least 2 weeks notice for letters of recommendation. Make sure to provide a resume to all recommenders.
    5. Apply for federal aid with www.fafsa.gov that is available starting October 1st. 
      1. If you need help with your application, attend the Irvin Financial Aid Night and get help from volunteer financial aid advisers. Bring your family's income information. 
    6. Apply for scholarships- many are listed on this website. 
    7. Starting in February, submit copies of any admission letters and scholarships to your counselor or Ms. Turner. 


    Helpful Links:

    SAT Practice 

    The following links will help you get prepared for the SAT: 
    1)     Get free personalized practice from Khan Academy​
    2)     SAT Practice
    3)     Test Dates and Deadlines

    ACT Practice

    The following links will help you get prepared for the SAT: 
    1)     Get free personalized practice from ACT Academy​
    2)     ACT Study Guide and Resources
    3)     Test Registration, Dates and Deadlines

    TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE ASSESSMENT (TSIA)

    ​The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help your college or university determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. If you are an incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment - unless you are already exempt (read below)  to determine your readiness for college-level work. Based on how you perform, you may either be enrolled in a college-level course and/or be placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.

    ​For detailed information on TSIA and/or exemptions, please visit here:

    TSIA - College For All Texans

    Free TSI Tests offered at Irvin High School 


    All Irvin High School seniors that have not met TSI exemption before their senior year will be scheduled to take the TSI test at Irvin. Students in grades 9-11 may request to take the TSI Test to determine eligibility for dual credit classes. 
    All students wishing to take the TSI test at Irvin HS, will need to have an ApplyTexas application on file. 
    For questions about TSI, please reach out to your counselor or Ms. Turner, Mr. Campos,  or your counselor for guidance.