A doctor? An engineer? A plumber? Not knowing what your plans are after completing high school can be a frightening experience. Luckily, there are many free sites that can help you decide on a career based on your interests and skills. The earlier you know which career you are interested in, the easier it is to complete tasks like searching for the right college and major. 

High school students approaching graduation have two choices: 1. Enter the job market  or  2. Go to college.  Preferably you will choose a career that not only pays the bills, but also gives a sense of self-worth and belonging. No matter what type of career you choose, consider how it is going to help you accomplish your goals. Use the links below to get started on your career path!

Student Ownership

Leander ISD offers opportunities for students to own their educational experience through participation in advanced programs, academic and athletic competitions, clubs and organizations. Involvement allows for the development of leadership skills, builds confidence, and provides opportunities to contribute to a team.

It is the student’s responsibility to develop good work habits and skills while in high school that will pay off during college and into your career.

Resources for Exploration:

Student and Parent Advocacy:

Time Management and Study Skills:

Students are encouraged to get involved in their school and community. Some of the ways that they can participate are:

  • Academic Competitions
  • Athletics
  • Student Clubs and Organizations

Academic Planning

Leander ISD has academic course offerings to prepare you for post-secondary success. All students are encouraged to take rigorous courses.

Create an academic plan that will fit your personal college and career readiness goals.

College Plans:

College Resources

College Exploration & Admissions

Leander ISD offers Naviance as a tool for high school students to plan, organize and track your college application process. Consult with your high school about your college plans.

Admissions Factors

Steps to College Admission

Helpful Sites

College Readiness Exams

These college readiness exams, beginning with the PSAT in 8th grade, provide students the opportunity to evaluate their current academic skills and work to improve, before taking the final step in the College Readiness Pathway which is the SAT and the ACT, in 11th grade.

Apply to College

  • Apply Texas: All Texas public and most private institutions use this application. Complete one application, then copy it over to your next application to save time.
  • Common App: Over 500 schools in 47 states utilize this application. Complete one application, then choose which schools to apply to. Each school may have additional application requirements.
  • Coalition App

College Essays

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

Tuition fees and living costs vary greatly from college to college. Research and preparation can help you find financial aid from many sources: the government, grants, scholarships and the universities themselves. While considering finances ask yourself:

  • How to apply for financial aid using the FAFSA.
  • Do I understand what college costs?
  • Can my family afford to pay for any or all of my college experience?
  • What grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study am I eligible for?
  • How do I apply for these forms of student aid?
  • When do I fill out the FAFSA?
  • When is the TAFSA needed?

Paying for College Resources:

Education Saving Plans:

Savings plans operated by a state or educational institution designed to help families save for college. Participants may receive tax benefits if basic plan requirements are met.

Student Loans:

Scholarships:

Grants and Work Study Programs:

Additional Information

  • FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.
  • Federal Student Aid Information Center
    1-800-4-FED-AID
  • Fast Web: Online resource to help find scholarships to help you pay for school.
  • Scholarships
  • CSSP (some schools require): The College Scholarship Service Profile, is an online application created and maintained by the United States-based College Board that allows college students to apply for non-federal financial aid.

HS Campus Counseling Services

Campus specific course interest and student information request forms as noted in the course catalog can be found on each campus Counseling Services website:

Cedar Park High School

Glenn High School

Leander High School

Rouse High School

Vandegrift High School

Vista Ridge High School

Career Resources

Career Exploration

Leander ISD offers opportunities to help you identify and develop your individual career goals through interest and personality inventories provided in Naviance and course sequences established in the Programs of Study. These resources will help you begin matching your interests and skills with career opportunities.

Career Planning Tools & FREE career assessment

Texas Workforce Commission

Other Resources

*Please note that the inventories only give suggestions as to what you should pursue based on your responses. 

Top Job Search Sites

Application Tips

Cover Letter

Always include a cover letter when you e-mail or mail your resume.

More information about Cover Letters

Resume

The resume is a marketing tool designed to market your skills and experience to an employer.

References

References will help you close the deal.

More information about References

Interview Tips

Personal Presentations

How to present yourself professionally at the interview – Indeed.com

Common Interview Questions

Most common interview questions asked and how to handle them – Indeed.com

Questions You Can Ask During Your Interview

Asking good questions shows that you are interested and prepared – Indeed.com

Thank You Letter

Sample Thank You letters