Counselor / College, Career & Military Resources Page

Welcome Falcons!

In 2019, the State of Texas passed House Bill 3 (HB3) that requires all graduating Seniors to submit a financial aid application, whether that be the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). This means Seniors graduating in 2022 and thereafter must complete, submit and show proof of FAFSA or TASFA submission, in order to meet the HB3 graduation requirement.

What is FAFSA or TASFA?
These are the financial aid applications that colleges, universities, trade, or technical schools request to award financial aid to assist eligible students with paying for school expenses. 

How do I know which application my student needs to submit?
Your student will submit a FAFSA application if they are:
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<li>A U.S. citizen OR;</li>
<li>
A permanent resident with an Alien Registration Card (I-551) OR;
</li>
<li>
A conditional permanent resident with visa type I-551C OR;
</li>
<li>
An eligible noncitizen with an Arrival/Departure Record (I-94) showing one of the following: 1) Refugee, 2) Asylum granted 3) Parolee (for minimum of one year), 4) Cuban-Haitian entrant
</li>
</ul>

Your student will submit a TASFA form if:
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<li>If your student does not qualify for FAFSA (does not meet any of the qualifications listed above) AND,</li>
<li style="list-style-type: disc;">
Your student has lived in Texas for 36 consecutive months before enrolling into post-secondary education.
</li>
</ul>

What if my student will not be pursing post-secondary education (4-year or 2-year college, trade, or technical school) or does not qualify for FAFSA or TASFA?
If your student does not wish to attend college or does not qualify for either application, there is an Opt-Out Form that students must submit!

OTHS Graduating Seniors will need to submit proof of FAFSA, TASFA or Opt-Out Form via SchooLinks found on MyKaty Cloud.

Welcome to the College, Career & Military Resources Page! My name is Libby Atilano and I am the College & Career Facilitator at Tompkins High School. Please click on the College & Career Subsite below and review the links and content there. You will find information on how to apply to college, military, upcoming events, college placement testing, scholarships, financial aid and more.

Whichever path you decide is right for you, whether you know exactly where you want to go, or if you are unsure and need guidance, my office is a safe space to help get you to your next step! It is my pleasure to help you explore college, career, workforce and military options! I look forward to meeting all the class of 2024 incoming seniors.

College & Career Subsite

FAFSA Opt Out