Freshman & Sophomores

Ever wondered how your GPA is calculated and why it’s so crucial? This video explains the math behind it and why it matters for college, scholarships, and even military opportunities. Learn how your grades stack up and why every point counts.

Class rank isn’t just a number—it’s a key part of college applications, especially in Texas where automatic admission hinges on it. Discover how GPA and rank are calculated, when the counting starts, and why those middle school courses can be game-changers. Stay informed and keep striving.

Dual credit or Advanced Placement—how do you choose? Get a breakdown of the benefits, differences, and the unique opportunities each offers. From earning college credit to boosting GPA points, this video makes it clear which path might be the right choice for your student’s goals. Don’t forget to chat with a school counselor to tailor the experience!

These resources offer information about graduation and endorsement planning, testing and preparation, and exploring careers and colleges.

Click the picture above to link to review their planning tools.

Big Future by College Board

College Advice by the National Association for College Admission Counseling

College Planning by Texas On Course

• Create an email address for college specific information. The student should be the account holder, but it is a good idea that at least one guardian has access to this account as well. This account can be used for:
• college mailing lists/email lists
• dual credit and other academic related accounts
• testing accounts (like CollegeBoard for PSAT, SAT, AP exams)
• scholarship accounts and lists
• applications
• Explore course selections to meet your graduation requirements AND help you identify areas of future study.
• electives can help decide interest level
• math courses are important for competitive majors like business, computer science and many STEM fields
• taking challenging coursework shows colleges preparation and initiative
• overall course performance is one of the most crucial portions of a college application review so seek help when needed and make the best grades possible
• Explore extracurricular activities based on your educational and personal interests.
• show colleges you are taking a closer look at areas you are interested
• showcase involvement by participating multiple years in some clubs/sports/volunteer to show consistency and dedication
• Explore leadership development and skills.
• build leadership in your organizations to show personal development and responsibility
• work on skills like team building, organization or public speaking
• Use summers to visit colleges and volunteer, attend a camp/program or work on your skills.
• start visiting colleges early to see as many schools as possible over the course of high school versus just the summer before senior year
• if able, attend summer programs or camps related to your academic interests or volunteer in your community
• Build connections with your teachers and sponsors.
• relationships with teachers are critical for information and career info
• relationships over time are also good to have options for recommendation letters, if needed
• Develop strategies for time management and organization.
• colleges like to see students that can manage multiple responsibilities
• showing a good balance of academic rigor and other experiences helps colleges know what kind of student you might be on their campus
• Research careers, college majors and institutions to start building a list of potential options.
• take career quizzes
• use websites like My Texas Future and College Board to research options
• Prepare for and take the PSAT.
• use the study guides below to better learn the test expectations
• practice your skills before testing to perform the best possible
• Prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT and AP exams.
• use your PSAT results to prepare for future admission exams
• practice and preparation are key to making better scores

Free PSAT Test Prep

Full Length Practice Test

The Flores Family Scholarship is a scholarship that aims to help Warren's best and brightest students gain admissions to the nation's top colleges and universities. Students will be provided a scholarship to cover the costs of an SAT/ACT test prep course ($300 value). Application available on the NISD scholarships page in the spring semester.

Please direct any questions to Daniel Flores at dflo2014@gmail.com.

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