Important Reminder Regarding Senior Transcript Requests
As we continue working through the college application process, we kindly ask for your
assistance in reminding your students to follow the established procedures for requesting
transcripts.
To ensure that transcript requests are received, processed, and submitted in a timely manner, all
transcript requests must be submitted through one of the following approved methods:
Common App: For colleges listed in the student's Common App account.
Google Classroom – Transcript Request Form: For all other transcript requests.
Please remind your students that submitting multiple requests through emails, direct messages,
in-person visits, or repeated submissions is unnecessary and can create delays in processing
requests for all students. Our counseling office is working diligently to support every senior and
ensure that transcripts are sent accurately and on time.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain an organized and
efficient process during this busy time of year. Following these procedures allows us to serve all
of our seniors as effectively as possible.
To be considered for a Counselor Recommendation, students must complete and
submit the Letter of Recommendation Request Form. Forms are available for pickup in
the Senior Office or may be requested as digital form directly from their Senior
Counselor.
Important Things to Know When Completing College Applications
1. Type of Application
- Undergraduate (Freshman): Select this option if you are applying to college for the first time
after high school graduation.
2. Diploma Type
Foundation with Endorsement: Students complete the Foundation High School Program
requirements, including an endorsement (four credits in the same program of study).
Distinguished Level of Achievement: Students complete the Foundation High School
Program with an endorsement and Algebra II as part of their graduation requirements.
3. Types of Application Deadlines
- Early Decision (ED): A binding commitment. If accepted, students are expected to attend that
college and withdraw applications from other institutions, subject to the college's financial aid
policies and applicable exceptions.
- Early Action (EA): A non-binding application deadline. Students receive an admission decision
early but are not required to attend if accepted.
- Regular Decision: Students apply by the college's standard deadline and receive an admission
decision according to the institution's notification schedule.
- Rolling Admission: Applications are reviewed as they are received, and admission decisions
are released throughout the application cycle.
Important Reminder: Always review each college's application requirements and deadlines, as
they may vary by institution.
Graduation Date:
5/28/2027
Copperas Cove School Code:
441490
Semester Starting (for most students): Fall 2027
ApplyTexas.org
Step 1: Dashboard -answer questions to determine the type of application
Step 2: Answering Core Questions
Video on Completing Core Questions on ApplyTexas.org
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XIMav-6wS0
Step 3: School Search -Complete College Applications
Next Steps After Submitting College Applications
Once students have completed and submitted their college applications, they should regularly
check their email for communications from each college or university. Colleges will typically
send information regarding the next steps in the admissions process, including an application
checklist outlining any additional requirements or documents that must be submitted.
Important Reminder: Students are responsible for monitoring their email and completing all
requested items by the deadlines established by each college to ensure their applications are
considered complete.
Texas Graduation Requirements:
In addition to completing the required coursework, credits, and state assessments, Texas high
school students must meet certain additional graduation requirements. These include financial
aid completion, Direct Admissions, CPR/AED instruction, and Peace Officer Interaction (POI)
instruction.
1. FAFSA / TASFA – Financial Aid Application Requirement 2027-28
Texas State Graduation Requirement
Under Texas Education Code §28.0256, students must complete one of the following before
graduating:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): An application used to determine
eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, work-study,
and student loans.
TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid): An application for eligible Texas
residents who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA but may qualify for state financial
assistance.
Opt-Out Form: A parent or guardian may sign the approved form allowing a student to
decline the financial aid application requirement. Students who are 18 or older may sign
on their own behalf. A school counselor may also authorize an opt-out for good cause.
Important: We recommend students complete the FAFSA in case they change their mind and
want to attend college. It is better to have it completed. Students do not have to accept financial
aid if they choose not to go to college. The FAFSA opt out Forms can be picked up in the Senior
Office. See the attached worksheet on creating a Federal Student Aid ID.
Videos:
Creating an FSA ID- Troubleshooting Your StudentAid.gov Account
Completing the FAFSA- How to Fill Out the 2027-28 FAFSA: Step-by-Step Guide -
YouTube
2. Direct Admissions – My Texas Future
New Texas State Graduation Requirement
Beginning with students enrolled during the 2026–2027 school year, students must satisfy the
new Direct Admissions graduation requirement before receiving a high school diploma.
Direct Admissions is a program through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
(THECB) that allows students to identify Texas colleges and universities for which they may
qualify for admission based on their academic information.
Students must complete one of the following:
Participate: Create a student profile through the My Texas Future website and elect to
participate in the Direct Admissions program.
Opt Out: Have a parent or guardian submit the required signed opt-out form authorizing
the student to decline participation. The Direct Admissions opt out form can be picked up
in the Senior Office.
Important: This is a great feature for students who may not know where to start with the
application process and it is great for students who may not be considering college. Students
will immediately receive a list of colleges that will accept them based on the self-report. See
the attached flyer for details.
3. CPR / AED – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator
Important: Students are not required to earn CPR certification. They must receive and complete
the required instruction. The school must ensure that the instruction is documented.
4. POI – Proper Interaction with Peace Officers
Under 19 TAC §74.39, students in Grades 9–12 must receive instruction on how to properly
interact with peace officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters at least once
before graduating from high school. This is an instructional requirement, not a requirement for
students to complete a separate law enforcement course
Important Dates:
Nov. 5, 2026: FAFSA Parent/Student Night scheduled for parent/students who may need help
completing the financial aid application. We are providing this opportunity to ensure all students
meet this graduation requirement. See the flyer for details.
November 10, 2026 – Senior Assembly: All seniors are expected to attend the assembly during
7th and 8th periods. A portion of the assembly will be dedicated to completing the CPR and POI
graduation requirements. This opportunity is being provided to ensure that students who have not
yet fulfilled these requirements have the opportunity to do so.
January 12, 2027: FAFSA Parent/Student Night scheduled for parent/students who may need
help completing the financial aid application. We are providing this opportunity to ensure all
students meet this graduation requirement.
January 15, 2027: Priority Deadline
January 15 is the state priority deadline used by many Texas institutions for state financial aid
consideration. Individual colleges may establish earlier or different deadlines.
Some financial aid programs have limited funding.
Students who apply by the priority deadline may receive earlier consideration for grants,
scholarships, and other financial assistance.
Submitting early allows colleges time to process the FAFSA and request any additional
information.
Students have more time to review their financial aid offers before making college
decisions.
January 25, 26, 27, and 29, 2027: Central Texas College FAST Track
CTC Representatives will be on campus visiting the Gov/PFL classes to assist students in
completing the CTC application. We encourage all seniors to view the CTC application as an
opportunity rather than an obligation. Having a college application completed provides students
with an additional pathway as they transition from high school into adulthood. Whether students
plan to attend a university, community college, enter the workforce, or explore career training,
having options is important. Taking a few minutes to complete the Central Texas College
application could open doors to opportunities students may not have previously considered.
It's a great starting point: Students can begin their college journey close to home while
becoming familiar with the college experience.
Affordable education: CTC offers an opportunity to pursue higher education while
potentially saving money on tuition and other expenses.
Explore career opportunities: Students can explore academic programs, workforce
training, and career pathways that align with their interests and goals.
Keep your options open: Applying does not mean students are obligated to attend. It
simply gives them another opportunity to consider after graduation.
Get a head start: Completing the application now allows students to become familiar with
the admissions process and understand the next steps if they decide to enroll.
