TCHS College & Career Newsletter

September 2022

Welcome to the first TCHS College, Career, Military Readiness (CCMR) Newsletter of the 2022-2023 School Year! This newsletter will contain information related to College, Career & Military Readiness.

Seniors- Class of 2023

I don't know where to start!?

This is something we hear a lot and it is completely okay! We are here to help you with your plan after Timber Creek.


I don't know which college I want to attend.

  • Check out the Big Future website created by College Board.
  • Big Future allows you to compare colleges side by side.
  • You can also search for colleges based on major, location, cost etc.
  • It is recommended to create a list of 5-10 schools where you would like to apply.
  • Please see the College List Builder PDF below to help with this.
  • Also check out College Navigator. It's similar to Big Future, but is another great tool!


I don't know what I want to major in or what I want to do for a career.

  • This can help you see which career path is the best fit for you.
  • If you are interested in attending a Technical/Trade School this website is a great resource. You can also see certification programs through Tarrant County College here.


I want to join the Military.

  • Contact Mrs. Hernandez (see email at the bottom) and she can get you in touch with a Military Recruiter!

College Applications

If you know your plan after Timber Creek is a 2-year or 4-year college, then this information is for you!


Most college applications opened August 1st. You will typically use two websites to apply:


1. Apply Texas- All Public Texas Colleges will be located on this website.

2. Common App-This is typically Out of State Colleges and some Texas Colleges.



PLEASE look at College Application Tips below. This is a step by step guide on applying to college.


  • If a college is a Private College, go to the college website to find their application. Some will have their own personal application.


Also PLEASE look at College List Builder below. This is a great way to compare colleges side by side.

  • If you plan on attending a Community College or Technical/Trade School, go to the schools website and you will find their application there.
1. Attend one of the Financial Aid Nights at a Keller ISD High School

2. Create the Student & Parent FSA ID

Big picture

When FAFSA/TASFA opens October 1st...

1. Attend the FAFSA/TASFA kickoff event at KCAL. You can get your FAFSA submitted this day!

Or

2. Attend any of the FAFSA/TASFA Completion Events at a Keller ISD High School (see dates above)

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Juniors- Class of 2024

You can't start applying for College yet.....but you can start researching and creating your college list.


*Remember...Juniors get two college visit days. You just let attendance know and bring back documentation from the college.



I don't know which college I want to attend.

  • Check out the Big Future website created by College Board.
  • Big Future allows you to compare colleges side by side.
  • You can also search for colleges based on major, location, cost etc.
  • It is recommended to create a list of 5-10 schools where you would like to apply.
  • Please see the College List Builder PDF below to help with this.
  • Also check out College Navigator. It's similar to Big Future, but is another great tool!


I don't know what I want to major in or what I want to do for a career.

  • This can help you see which career path is the best fit for you.
  • If you are interested in attending a Technical/Trade School this website is a great resource. You can also see certification programs through Tarrant County College here.



I want to join the Military.

  • Contact Mrs. Hernandez (see email at the bottom) and she can get you in touch with a Military Recruiter!

PSAT-Why is it important?

All Juniors will be taking the PSAT on October 12th (More info will be sent out by TCHS)


1. The PSAT is great practice for the SAT, which all Juniors will take in March (More info will be sent out by TCHS)


2. Juniors that take the PSAT can qualify for National Merit Scholars, which can lead to scholarships!!

Freshmen & Sophomores- Class of 2025 & Class of 2026

Start researching Colleges:

  • Check out the Big Future website created by College Board.
  • Big Future allows you to compare colleges side by side.
  • You can also search for colleges based on major, location, cost etc.
  • It is recommended to create a list of 5-10 schools where you would like to apply.
  • Please see the College List Builder PDF below to help with this.
  • Also check out College Navigator. It's similar to Big Future, but is another great tool!


Start researching Careers:

  • This can help you see which career path is the best fit for you.
  • If you are interested in attending a Technical/Trade School this website is a great resource. You can also see certification programs through Tarrant County College here.

Campus Chats- ALL Grade Levels

Colleges, Military and Trade/Technical schools will set up in the cafeteria for all lunches. They are here to speak with all grade levels.



  • Click here for the full list of visits.

Scholarships: You can NEVER apply for too many!!--ALL Grade Levels

College Scholarships- SENIORS:


  • Make sure when you are applying to colleges, you also apply for their scholarships.
  • Some colleges have a separate scholarship application, while others include the scholarship application as part of the college application.
  • Be aware of scholarship deadlines. Some are as early as November 1st or December 1st.


National & Local Scholarships:

  • Find the Keller ISD scholarship list here. This list consists of National & Local Scholarships. We have worked very hard to create a centralized list of all the scholarships that students can apply for.
  • Most local scholarships will not open until the spring semester, but you will find them at the scholarship list above.


Some local scholarships do not have an online application. They require a paper application.

  • You can find local scholarships without an online Application here.



Big Future Scholarship Search- is a great scholarship search site.


  • Find scholarships, other financial aid & internships from more than 2,200 programs throughout the U.S.
  • Enter as much information as possible to find the most matches.
  • Scholarship info is based on the College Board's Annual Survey of Financial Aid Programs

September & October CCMR Events

Financial Aid 101

Wednesday, Sep. 21st, 6-7pm

4101 Thompson Road

Fort Worth, TX

If you weren't able to attend this event at TCHS, you are welcome to attend at Fossil Ridge. Come learn more about paying for college. This will be held in the Fine Arts Center at Fossil Ridge. All KISD students and families are welcome!

Financial Aid 101

Monday, Sep. 26th, 6-7pm

601 Pate Orr Road North

Keller, TX

If you weren't able to attend this event at TCHS, you are welcome to attend at Keller High. Come learn more about paying for college. All KISD students and families are welcome!


This event will take place in the lecture hall at Keller High.

Keller ISD FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)/TASFA Workshop- Seniors

Monday, Oct. 3rd, 5-8pm

201 Bursey Road

Keller, TX

The KISD FAFSA/TASFA Workshop will give you the opportunity to complete your FAFSA or TASFA. There will be Financial Aid reps from various colleges to help with this process.


This event will be at KCAL

College Colors Day

Friday, Oct. 7th, 8am

TCHS

All students & staff are encouraged to wear college colors to show off their school spirit.

TCHS FAFSA/TASFA Workshop- Seniors

Monday, Oct. 10th, 6-8pm

12350 Timberland Boulevard

Fort Worth, TX

The FAFSA/TASFA Workshop will give you the opportunity to complete your FAFSA or TASFA. There will be Financial Aid reps from various colleges to help with this process.


This event will be in the library at TCHS

Fossil Ridge FAFSA/TASFA Workshop

Tuesday, Oct. 18th, 6-8pm

4101 Thompson Road

Fort Worth, TX

If you weren't able to attend the TCHS FAFSA/TASFA Workshop, you are welcome to attend this one.


The FAFSA/TASFA Workshop will give you the opportunity to complete your FAFSA or TASFA. There will be Financial Aid reps from various colleges to help with this process.

Meet with Mrs. Hernandez

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if I can help you in some way with preparing for your plan after Timber Creek. I am here for grades 9-12. You can email me or schedule an appointment with me here.

Lindsey Hernandez-College & Career Center Counselor

Please follow on twitter @tchsgo OR

Instagram @tchs.counseling


I post a lot of info on scholarships, colleges, military etc.