Post-Secondary Planning
It's never too early for students and families to begin talking about post-secondary goals and options.
Counselors and staff assist students in exploring their interests and guide them in course selection and college, career and military planning. All secondary students utilize a platform called Xello to help them explore future possibilities, and middle schools specifically have an elective course tailored to college and career exploration.
Financial Aid & College Scholarships
Each year, SISD partners with knowledgeable financial aid professionals to support students and families with completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is a high school graduation requirement in Texas.
In addition to financial aid, counselors also support students with information about scholarship opportunities. The first link below contains our local scholarship application where you can use one form to apply for multiple scholarships; the other contains links to other local, statewide and national scholarship applications. Local and regional scholarships have a smaller applicant pool, so you have a far greater chance of earning one. Remember to check these links throughout the year, as we update them regularly with additional scholarships as hear about them.
Common Local Scholarship Application Scholarship Opportunities
To save on college tuition and fees, Sherman ISD graduates can sign up for the Texoma Promise, which provides last dollar scholarships at partner institutions, including Grayson College, Austin College, Texas Tech University and more.
Test-Prep Resources
Tests such as the SAT, ACT, Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2) and ASVAB play a key role in demonstrating a student’s college, career and military readiness. Visit our assessment website to discover test-preparation resources.
Career Exploration Tools
Xello
Middle and high school students use an online program called Xello during the school day to help them prepare for postsecondary success. Xello includes interactive assessments, portfolios and planning tools to help students determine which pathways to pursue in school and after graduation. It is also available to students at home by logging on through Clever in the Student SSO.
Texas Oncourse
Texas Oncourse is a college and career planning website from the state of Texas that provides free resources and information for parents and students, including activities for middle schoolers and information about how Texas high school graduation plans may translate into careers.
Big Future
Big Future, a free website from the College Board, includes information about applying to and paying for college, as well as quizzes students can take to help them pick the right college or career.