Counseling Information

Program: Free, voluntary career exploration and planning tool which does not obligate students to join the military, and is offered at all high school campuses.

“The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a comprehensive career exploration and planning program that includes the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. The Program also offers an interest inventory and other activities designed to help students explore the world of work and gain confidence in making career decisions.

Eighty-three percent of students who take the ASVAB CEP are not interested in joining the military. In fact, 96% of students who participate say the ASVAB CEP helped them plan for their future. Whether you’re planning on college, technical school, the military, or you are just not sure yet, the ASVAB CEP can put you on the right path toward finding a career that’s right for you. For more information, please visit the ASVAB website.”

Audience: Students in 10th-12th grades and postsecondary schools.
ASVAB Benefits:

• Helps evaluate skills, performance, and career options.
• High schools won't send scores to military recruiters without parent permission.
• Scores are valid for up to 2 years for recruitment purposes.
• Mostly used for future career planning, not necessarily military enlistment.
• Suitable for students considering college, technical school, or other career paths.

 

College related topics are covered during Advisory and posted in SchooLinks. Students are encouraged to use SchooLinks to explore college fit, match, costs, and more.

Key Dates:

• September 1 - Dallas County Promise Path form opens
• October 7 - Dallas College App Opens
• December 1 - FAFSA opens

Admissions Requirements: Complete the Forms

• Follow directions carefully.
• Application fees vary by college.
•  If a question does not apply, write “does not apply” or “N/A”.
• Spend considerable time on essays and statements. Consult with English teachers for proofing suggestions. This is a chance to stand out and to show creativity and uniqueness.
• Always be truthful on an application of any kind. 
• Parts of the application that must be completed by counselors and or teachers should be distributed at least two weeks prior to the deadline, preferably earlier.
• Write and store all login information.
• Request and pay for transcripts for each school.
• Transcript requests go through the record office at the high school.

Before Applying to Colleges:
You'll need high school and any college attendance dates, employment history, transcript details, and a profile with your demographic info. Create a username and password to access your account.

• ApplyTexas: Texas public universities and participating community and private colleges
• Common App: Use for some Texas and out of state institutions

Write your Essay for Scholarships and/or Colleges

College Essays
The college application essay or personal statement is an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves to colleges and showcase their passions, opinions and personal insights. While not every college requires an essay as part of the application process, many offer the opportunity as an option or requirement of the scholarship application. Writing the essay should be planned with plenty of time to thoroughly reflect and proofread before submitting.

Helpful Tips:

• Be honest and transparent. Highlight passions, goals, and ambitions for the future. Be creative. 
• Answer the question being asked and follow the prompt directions thoroughly. Some colleges will specify a particular essay question as required (ex. UT and TAMU require essay “A” on ApplyTexas). Other schools might provide choices for their essay questions. 
• Express ideas clearly with a unique voice. The essay should not be a resume or list of high school accomplishments. These will be highlighted elsewhere in the application. The essay should present ideas in a way to help the application stand out above others. Include details and personal anecdotes, as well as reflections.  If writing about an experience, include personal influences and effects.  Stay focused and avoid incoherence.
• Proofread.  Allow plenty of time for having the essay proofread, preferably by a teacher. Correct all grammar and spelling errors before submitting. The essay reflects the student’s effort and personality. 

Request Letters of Recommendation for Scholarships and/or Colleges

Some colleges require letters of recommendation as part of the application process. To ensure a smooth experience, follow these steps:

1. Research the University’s Requirements: Determine which colleges require letters before requesting one. Only ask for a letter if it's required or would strengthen your application.
2. Choose the Right Recommender: Select someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, such as a teacher, coach, counselor, or advisor. Preferably, choose a teacher from your junior or senior year for a more current perspective.
3. Request Early: Ask for the letter at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Whenever possible, make the request in person to explain and express gratitude. If you can’t ask in person, send a professional email with all necessary information.
4. Provide Details: Give your recommender all the necessary materials, including deadlines, links, and a resume or senior profile. Include information about your intended major, career goals, achievements, and other relevant details.
5. Be Polite and Grateful: Understand that the person may need to decline, especially if asked on short notice. Always send a hand-written thank you note to show your appreciation.

Why use the ApplyTexas college Admissions Application System?
Apply Texas allows Texans & Non-Texas Residents to apply to multiple Texas schools in one location! Your school counselor can also track your application progress to confirm whether your applications have been submitted.

Getting Started

Go to ApplyTexas

For students who have no made an account, click “Get Started” or “Create your account now”

Tips:

• Answer questions with an asterisk (*)
• Give an email that YOU have access to
• Try to answer all information if comfortable

The “My Account Dashboard” should be the first screen you see once you have successfully logged in.  There are three tabs at the top: My Profile, My Applications, and My Essays.  My Profile tab includes the section where your personal information was submitted. My Applications is where you apply to college. Finally, My Essays is where you store your essays for admission.

To start on an application, click on the “My Applications” tab at the top of the page.

To start a new application, click onto” Start a New Blank Application” or “Create a new application now.”

Once clicked, you must decide whether you want to apply to a 2-year college, or a 4-year university at this time.
A 2-year college includes community colleges and technical schools.  DO NOT try to apply to a graduate school.

Find your desired college/university you would like to apply to by either locating it in a region, or finding it by name. Community colleges near us are in the METROPLEX Region.  You will be admitted into college as a FRESHMAN.

---

Starting Semester

• If you are graduating in the spring of 2026, you will most likely select Fall Aug – Dec 2026. 
• If planning to attend University/College at a later time, please select the desired semester.
• Some schools might ask for a type of decision. Early Decision is a binding admission, if you apply to that school, you are required to go to it. Early action is just an early admissions process.

---

For University:
Colleges/Universities might have an Application Fee required to apply, others could have no application fee. In colleges/universities, there are parent schools that encompass majors. Some schools might not have this.

For example, the school of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, includes the majors: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.

This is where you will select your desired major. If you do not see your desired major, it might be located in a different school.

Some universities might have you pick your First Choice School and your Second Choice School. It could happen that you might not be admitted into your First Choice School.

---

For 2-Year:
Your Major for a 2-year college is why you are there. If you are planning on doing CORE classes at the college to transfer to a university, select “Transfer to a University.”

Note: Multidisciplinary Studies Associate Degree in Two – Year Degrees is a degree that is also for transferring to a university, but this degree requires you to take MORE classes that align with your future university major.

What is Important?

·       Not all applications are the same! Make sure to notice all of the Items to complete. Also, make sure to look at the Deadline! Different colleges/universities could have different deadlines.

Essays

ApplyTexas has 3 essay prompts that are given to the institutions. It is the institutions choice whether or not to require the essays. Some institutions REQUIRE essays.  ApplyTexas DOES NOT save essays, so it is best to store essays outside of ApplyTexas.  This is submitted at the end of the application.

Essays cannot be longer than 120 lines of 80 characters.

Biographical Information

Notes:

• If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), do not put one.
• Asterisks (*) indicate required
• Put in an email address that you have access to now and will check in the future, after high school graduation.
• Always make sure to SAVE!
• If able to, make sure to put both parents’ information.

Educational Background

This includes Dual Credit.

Click onto “Find Your High School” and type the name.

Educational Information

This includes Pre-Law, Medicine, Nursing, Veterinary, etc.

Senior year courses you have taken.

Test Scores

• Check the boxes for the tests you plan to take.
• Don’t forget to send your test scores to the school you are applying to. Ask your counselor for help with this if you are unsure how to do this.

Residency Information

Don’t forget about Dual Credit.

Answer yes or no to “During the 12 months prior to the term for which you are applying, did you attend a public college or university in Texas in a fall or spring term (excluding summer)?”

Extracurricular Activities & Employment

• You can also send a resume but this is usually OPTIONAL.
• Remember: This is your spot to brag

Decision Vocabulary

Admissions: Priority Deadline 
A priority deadline for college admissions means applications submitted before this date receive first consideration. For most colleges, this deadline is November 1. Students can still apply after November 1, but their applications will only be reviewed after those submitted on time. If the school fills all its spots with priority applications, late submissions won’t be considered, regardless of their strength.

Early Action (EA):
Early Action allows students to apply to college early and receive a decision quickly without committing to attend. EA I usually requires a November submission, with decisions by mid-December, while EA II often has a January deadline, with varying decision dates. Students can apply EA to multiple schools and still have until May 1 (the same as Regular Decision) to decide whether to attend.

Early Decision (ED):
Early Decision is binding, meaning students must attend the school if accepted and withdraw other applications. Some schools allow EA or REA applications alongside ED, but many require ED to be the sole early application. The ED deadline is typically in November, with decisions by mid-December.

Restrictive Early Action (REA):
Restrictive Early Action is non-binding but limits students to applying early to only one school. This type of application shows the school it's the student's top choice and may improve acceptance chances. Like EA, students have until May 1 to decide.

Note:
Policies vary by institution, so students should check each college’s website or contact the admissions office before applying.

Decide on a College/University

• RSVP by May 1st:
  Let the college know in writing your decision to attend by May 1st.
• Choose One College:
  Wait for all acceptance and rejection letters before making your final choice. Don’t RSVP “Yes” to more than one college.
• Politely Decline Other Offers:
  Notify other colleges that you’re declining their offers, and always express gratitude.

Send High School Transcripts

A high school transcript is a student's official academic record, showing courses taken, grades, credits, GPA, test scores, endorsements, performance acknowledgments, and class rank. Colleges require official transcripts for applications, and a final transcript must be sent to the chosen college after graduation.

Students should follow their campus policy for requesting and sending transcripts, including any fees or required services like Parchment.

 

Attendance procedures in CFB allow a student to take up to two days during junior year and two days during senior year for college visits.

Students should notify their attendance clerk prior to being absent and submit a verification from the university visited upon their return. 

The process for applying for college admissions varies from one college to another. The application process includes applying, high school transcripts, and SAT/ACT and exam scores to the college. The Common App is used at hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States. Universities in Texas that accept this application include Rice, Southwestern, TCU and Trinity.

Before Applying to Colleges:
You'll need high school and any college attendance dates, employment history, transcript details, and a profile with your demographic info. Create a username and password to access your account.

• Common App: Use for Texas and out of state institutions

Link to: https://www.commonapp.org/

AVANT World Language Testing 

Avant offers proficiency and placement tests that cover a range of needs, languages, and ages. Students can earn credit on their transcripts for certain world language classes without taking the courses, if they meet the criteria for Credit By Exam (CBE). Student may take a different test from AVANT in order for schools to determine which level of a world language class the student should be placed. Credit By Exam is offered at no cost to students and families. For more information about CBE, please visit the Credit by exam assessment page or contact your school counselor.

The AVANT exam is free. CFB pays approximately $25 for each test, and we ask that students do not register for a test if they do not intend to take it at this time. If a student wishes to test later in the school year, your counselor will register the student one month before they would like to test. See your counselor to register. 

Tips to be successful on the AVANT Credit By Exam:

1. Review the information in this link to help you prepare for the AVANT exam for Foreign Language Credit: https://avantassessment.com/sample-tests 
2. For most languages, you will complete four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Reading and listening questions will be in multiple choice format. You are encouraged to elaborate as much as possible on the writing and speaking sections in order to demonstrate mastery and possibly receive multiple semesters of credit.

***The AVANT exam will give you high school credit only.  If you are a native speaker and you are interested in earning college credit, you should sign up to take the AP Spanish Language Exam, AP French Language Exam, AP German Language Exam, AP Chinese Language Exam, AP Japanese Language Exam or the AP Italian Exam. See your counselor for more information.***

---

Correspondence Courses (from CHS website)From CHS:

Students wishing to enroll in correspondence courses MUST consult with their current school counselor prior to enrolling. 

Correspondence courses shall be used for emergencies or enrichment only. Courses are subject to approval by the principal. Students are responsible for paying all fees for course materials and resources. Correspondence courses are not included in the calculation of GPA or class rank.  Aspiring student who are college-bound athletes, and needing core courses compliant with NCAA requirements should confirm with the institution providing the correspondence course whether the specific course is NCAA approved. See your counselor for a list of approved courses and instructions. 

---

 Credit by Exam (CBE)

CFB offers opportunities for currently enrolled students to take exams to earn credit for courses they have not taken, or under certain circumstances to earn credit for a course which they took but for which they did not receive credit. The criteria for credit and grade placement are based on policies. For acceleration, the student must pass the exam with 80% or above, and 70% for recovery. Pease see your counselor for approval and registration.

For information about Gifted and Talented programs speak with your child’s counselor.

You can also visit the Advanced Academics Services Department website. 

Please reference the High School Planning Guide. It includes a section about Grade Point Averages (GPA) and ranking. 

Are you planning on participating in college athletics?  All athletes must register through NCAA and be aware of eligibility criteria. 

Below is the list of eligible sports, however, please check your school of interest for specific requirements. 

Fall Sports
Cross Country – Men/Women
Football – Men
Soccer – Men/Women
Volleyball – Women

Winter Sports
Basketball – Men/Women
Indoor Track & Field – Men/Women
Power Lifting- Men/Women
Swimming & Diving – Men/Women
Wrestling – Men/Women

Spring Sports
Baseball – Men
Golf – Men/Women
Softball – Women
Tennis – Men/Women
Outdoor Track & Field – Men/Women
Volleyball – Men

*Note all students intending to play at a four-year university cannot recover credit through certain online courses. Please speak with your school counselor if you did not pass a core course and need to retake the class or explore other options that meet eligibility criteria.  

*College Prep Math and College Prep English courses listed in the CFBISD High School planning Guide are intended for students who need additional support to prepare for college, and these two courses do not meet NCAA course requirements.

Link to NCAA Eligibility Center

Request Letters of Recommendation for Scholarships and/or Colleges

Colleges often require letters of recommendation as part of the application process; however, many do not. Please check with your university to confirm that a recommendation letter from a counselor or teacher is needed ore recommended. It is best to request letters of recommendation well in advance, such as a month before you need the letter. To ensure a smooth experience, follow these steps:

1. Research Requirements: Determine which colleges require letters before requesting one. Only ask for a letter if it's required or would strengthen your application.

2. Choose the Right Recommender: Select someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, such as a teacher, coach, counselor, or advisor. Preferably, choose a teacher from your junior or senior year for a more current perspective.

3. Request Early: Ask for the letter at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Whenever possible, make the request in person to explain and express gratitude. If you can’t ask in person, send a professional email with all necessary information.

4. Provide Details: Give your recommender all the necessary materials, including deadlines, links, and a resume or senior profile. Include information about your intended major, career goals, achievements, and other relevant details.

5. Be Polite and Grateful: Understand that the person may need to decline, especially if asked on short notice. Always send a hand-written thank you note to show your appreciation.

 

 

Meeting the Counselor:
Students are welcome to either email their school counselor to schedule an appointment or they can go to the Counseling Office, preferably before school, after school, or during lunch. Our goal is for students to get to their classes in a timely manner.

If the student’s school counselor is available, they will see them at that time. If they cannot see them at that moment, they will send a pass for the student to be seen. If it is an emergency situation, the student will be seen immediately.

It is imperative to recognize that your high school years are an important transition from youth to adulthood. It is a time to explore student’s interests while preparing for challenges of post-secondary education, vocational opportunities, and all the other complex responsibilities of the adult world.

The goal of the school counselor is to assist students in gaining self-understanding as a basis for setting constructive life goals which are consistent with one’s abilities, interests, and aptitudes.  By stretching your limits now, more opportunities will await you in the future.

The Role of the School Counselor

• School counselors are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development.
• School counselors help parents focus on ways to further the education, personal and social growth of students.
• School counselors work with teachers and other educators to help students explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves.
• School counselors seek to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance and compliment comprehensive school counseling programs and help students become productive members of society.
• Comprehensive school counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school.

To schedule an appointment with a counselor please use the QR code on the website.

Directions:

Complete the Senior Profile

1. When you open the document, click the "Make a Copy" button and save to your Google drive. 
2. Type your information on the form once the form is complete the document will be automatically saved to your Chromebook
3. In order to share this information with teachers, counselors, etc. to write a recommendation letter you must share the document by giving viewing access to your teacher, counselor, etc.
4. Send email to teacher, counselor, etc. for recommendation request

 

Summer before senior year: Important Considerations

o   Consider taking the ACT or SAT
o   Start working on college essays
o   Visit college campuses
o   Volunteer

 

o   Consider taking the ACT or SAT
o   Start working on college essays
o   Visit college campuses
o   Volunteer

Many students struggle with stress and emotional situations. If you’ve noticed your child or teenager struggling, TCHATT and Children’s Virtual Care can help. Please discuss concerns with your child’s counselor to start the process.

How does it work?

o   Speak with your school counselor if you have behavioral health concerns for your child, they can place a referral and ask you to complete consent forms.
o   TCHATT behavioral health provider will reach out to you and complete a telephonic assessment to determine appropriate next steps

How much does it cost?

All services telephonic and virtual, provided at no cost.

How to Request Copies of Your Transcript:

Digital Request

•  Some Texas Public Universities and Colleges: Digital Transcript Request Form
  • Free service
  • Dallas College sometimes requires a paper copy. We are happy to send it via TREX, but you may find that you need a paper copy (see instructions below)
• Out of State, Private and Texas Public Universities, Colleges, and Trade School : https://www.parchment.com/order/
  • can request unofficial copies (Free copy)
  • receive tracking information
  • make electronic payments
  • fee attached

Paper Copies

• Any current or past student wishing to pick up a copy can:
  • Alpha A-M:  Maria Ramos -   Call:  972-968-5413  or Email: RamosM@cfbisd.edu
  • Alpha N-Z:  Erika Ramirez -   Call: 972-968-5429 or Email:  Ramirezer@cfbisd.edu
• Photo identification is required.
• Official copies cost $5.00, a copy paid in cash. 
• Unofficial copies are complimentary.

*Most requests will be ready within one full business day. Unfortunately, we cannot send transcripts over email to students; if you wish to receive a digital copy, you must go through Parchment.com.

 

Please contact your teachers for the tutorial schedule.

List of third-party tutors.

To qualify for any fee waivers, the Free & Reduced Lunch App MUST be complete.

• It takes 3 days to verify. Plan ahead.
• Fee waivers for:
  • SAT & ACT testing
  • Sending SAT and ACT score reports to colleges
  • College applications
  • Reduced costs on AP exams
  • NCAA eligibility Center Fee

---

SAT Waiver
If you are a junior or senior, you may be able to receive waivers for fees related to college admissions assessments like the ACT and SAT, as well as fees associated with some college admissions application.

To be eligible, you must meet at least ONE of the following qualifications: 

• be enrolled in the Federal National School Lunch Program,
• your family receives public assistance,
• you live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, are homeless, a ward of the state or an orphan.

The Benefits of the SAT Fee Waiver cover more than just the testing fees. When you register for the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, the fee waiver will cover the registration fee for the test but you can also receive two free Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or Student Answer Service (SAS) reports if they are ordered at the time of registration. Additionally, you can receive unlimited score reports and waived application fees at participating colleges.

In order to receive your Fee Waiver, see the counseling clerk in Student Services.  After she verifies your eligibility, she will issue you a fee waiver. Counseling is checking this with HS Lead counselors to see if it is the same at every school.

---

ACT Waiver
Each student who receives an ACT Fee Waiver must meet ALL eligibility requirements:

• Currently enrolled in high school in the 11th or 12th grade,
• be testing in the United States, US territories, or Puerto Rico or
• meet one or more indicator of economic need. 

An ACT Fee Waiver covers the registration and late fees for either the ACT (no writing) or the ACT with writing. The waiver also covers one report to a student’s high school and up to six college choices (at the time he or she registers). After registration, the student can request up to an additional 20 regular score reports for free. Waivers may NOT be used to pay for any additional fees, products, or services. Additional Benefits include access to Test Prep Tools and Request for Waiver or Deferral of College Admission Application Fee.  ACT offers a Request for Waiver or Deferral of College Admission Application Fee form for students that qualify for an ACT Fee Waiver. The form is available at www.act.org/the-act/resources

---

College Application Fee Waiver
For a college application fee waiver you must use a SAT or ACT waiver.  Once you register for a test using a fee waiver, the application fee waiver is normally available the next day on your College Board account. If you need assistance with this process, please contact your school counselor.