College and Career Center

ACT and SAT Webpages

ACT: www.act.org opens in a new window

SAT: www.collegeboard.org opens in a new window

TSI Study Materials:

 

ELAR-

(English Language Arts and Reading)

 

MATH-

(Mathematics)

 

TSI Pre-Assessment:

https://www.tjc.edu/info/20031/testing_services/116/tsi_assessment/3 opens in a new window

The TSI Pre-Assessment is required in order to take the TSI and must be completed before the actual test date. The Pre-Assessment will give you an overview of the actual test. Be sure to PRINT THE COMPLETION CERTIFICATE at the end of the Pre-Assessment Activity. You'll need to turn in the certificate to the testing proctor the morning of the test.

 

Rusk High School Code (CEEB) 446070

TSI Information

 

The TSI Assessment (TSIA) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help your college or university determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. If you are an incoming college student in Texas, you are required to take the TSI Assessment - unless you are already exempt via your ACT or SAT scores - to determine your readiness for college-level work. Based on how you perform, you may either be enrolled in a college-level course and/or be placed in the appropriate developmental course or intervention to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.

The TSI will be given at Rusk HS during the school year. Students should see Mrs. Guidry for available testing dates.

BE SURE YOU SEND YOUR TEST SCORES (ACT AND/OR SAT) TO THE COLLEGES OF YOUR CHOICE WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THE TEST.

YOU MAY SEND UP TO 4 FREE OF CHARGE. THE SCORES MUST BE SENT FROM ACT OR SAT- NOT RUSK HIGH SCHOOL.

All Texas public and many private colleges and universities accept the Texas Common Application. Once completed the student can use it to apply to as many schools in Texas to which you wish to apply. It is sent electronically to junior colleges and 4-year colleges and universities. Most 4-year colleges and universities require an application fee in order to process the application. This must also be sent electronically, through the website, using a debit or credit card. Fee waivers are available to those who qualified for free or reduced lunch during the current school year.

Click on www.goapplytexas.org opens in a new window to access the application. You will be asked to create an account and be issued an identification number which you MUST REMEMBER to be able to re-enter and access the application which can be saved and returned to at any time.

Note: You must check the specific college website for directions concerning whether or not that school requires the essay part of the application be completed.

FAFSA - Federal application for Free Student Aid- Federally funded college grant, loan and work-study program for those who qualify based on family's income as filed through the federal tax return to the IRS. RUSK HIGH SCHOOL/TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE OFFER FREE HELP EACH YEAR TO SENIOR STUDENT/PARENTS TO COMPLETE THIS FREE APPLICATION. PARENTS' PRIOR (2)YEAR INCOME TAX RETURN IS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE form. www.fafsa.gov. opens in a new window

 

https://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/underst...opens in a new window

 

 

EACH STUDENT SENDS THE FAFSA FORM TO the colleges TO WHICH HE OR SHE IS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING. The college will inform the student if they qualify for federal financial aid by letter or email.

TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid)- This page is for non-citizens who are classified as Texas residents. If you are a foreign student or non-citizen, you may be eligible to be classified as a Texas resident for tuition purposes. If so, you may also be eligible to receive state financial aid.

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/index.cfm?objec... opens in a new window

JOBS/WORK-STUDY: Employment on or off campus. Wages paid directly to student or credited to his/her account at the college.
AWARDS/GRANTS: These are awarded for specific reasons (examples: minority student, winning a photography contest, speech contest, etc.) These do not have to be repaid.

EDUCATIONAL LOANS: Educational loans are from various state or federal sources. Banks, foundations, unions, etc also have loan programs. These loans usually have a lower interest rate. and MUST BE REPAID. Some loans will not require repayment begin until after you have completed your education. Most federal loans do not required repayment to begin until 6 months after education is completed in order for a job to be obtained.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES are available to students through the internet, through mailings sent to Rusk High School from colleges the student is interested in attending, and from local organizations. When you begin applying to colleges and universities it is your responsibility to seek out information concerning those scholarships available.

Local scholarship applications will not be completed until early spring. As they come available, scholarship opportunities will be posted on this site. Students are welcome to come to the counseling center at any time to work on scholarship searches and to complete applications.

Listed below are great websites for financial assistance in all forms. Most of these require that you create an account that includes your email address as that is how they correspond with you.

www.finaid.org opens in a new window

www.fastweb.monster.com opens in a new window

www.gocollege.com opens in a new window

www.studentaid.ed.gov opens in a new window

https://www.scholarships.com/ opens in a new window

www.gibill.va.govopens in a new window

www.goingmerry.com opens in a new window

https://myscholly.com/ opens in a new window

http://www.free-4u.com/ opens in a new window

http://etcf.org/scholarships/available-scholarship... opens in a new window (East Texas Scholarship Database)

https://studentscholarships.org/ opens in a new window

https://www.rhsaa.com/ opens in a new window

For assistance with scholarships contact Laura Guidry, Rusk High School, 495 Eagle Drive, Rusk, TX 903-683-5401.

Para asistencia con becas contacte a Laura Guidry, al 903-683-5592 en Rusk High School, 495 Eagle Drive, Rusk, TX.

Para asistencia con Traducción en Español contacte a Anna Torres en Rusk High School, 495 Eagle Drive, Rusk, TX (903) 683-5592

Local Scholarships

Local scholarship applications will not be completed until early spring of 2027. As they come available, scholarship opportunities will be posted on this site. Students are welcome to come by Mrs. Guidry’s office at any time to work on scholarship searches and to complete applications.

Local RHS Scholarship Applications are due by March 3rd unless otherwise noted

 

Austin Bank

Deadline: February 20th 

Requirements: 2.5 GPA or Higher, three reference, Essay- no more than two typed pages discussing your future plans and how this scholarship will help you, Signed High School Transcript, College Transcript (if applicable). 

Application available in College & Career Center OR at the following link: 

 https://forms.gle/RwsXr4DzsaPMagY7A opens in a new window 

East Texas Communities Foundation

Deadline: March 1st at 5 p.m.

Available through:

https://etcf.org/scholarships/ opens in a new window

Various East Texas area scholarships

Cherokee County Electric Co-op

Deadline: February 27th 

Requirements: Parents must be members of the co-op, handwritten essay, two letter of recommendations (one school official, one employer, supervisor, minister, etc), official HS transcript, STAAR & ACT/SAT scores, and a picture.

Application is located in the College & Career Center

Eastex Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Education Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Amount: (30) $5,000

Requirements: Students must live with immediate family who has local service/dial tone from Eastex Telephone in Eastex Telephone’s service area. 

Applications can be picked up at one of Eastex Telephone Cooperative locations or students can call and request one be mailed. 

See Mr. Reyes for more information 

Texas Farm Bureau

Deadline: March 2nd

Available through: https://texasfarmbureau.org/youth/scholarship-apps/ opens in a new window

Various different scholarship opportunities

Carlene Clayton Memorial:

$1,000

Open to all seniors. 1 letter of recommendation, non-family.

RHS Scholarship Application 

Clifford Harris Memorial:

1- $500

Open to all seniors. Must request a letter of recommendation from a teacher. The teacher must give the SEALED letter to Mr. Reyes to attach to your RHS application.

RHS Scholarship Application

Collin Carroll Memorial:

1- $1,000

Letter of recommendation from your pastor.

RHS Scholarship Application

Doug/Sally Jordan Memorial:

1- $1,000

Application must be accompanied by nomination from RHS Teacher

RHS Scholarship Application

Euclid Masonic Lodge #45

Please list any family relation to a Mason and their Lodge

RHS Scholarship Application

First United Methodist Church:

$500.00 each

Must be a member of Rusk FUMC

RHS Scholarship Application

Mack Philbrick Memorial:

1-$1,000

Application must be accompanied by recommendation from RHS Teacher

RHS Scholarship Application

Lauretta Colston-Stewart Memorial:

1-$1,000

Must have completed at least 1 season of a High School Sport. List on Application. 

RHS Scholarship Application

Rusk Athletic Booster Club:

Amount TBD

Must have been a varsity athlete

RHS Scholarship Application

Rusk Band Boosters Club:

Amount TBD

Must have been a four-year Eagle band member

RHS Scholarship Application

Rusk High School Alumni Association:

Multiple- $1,000

Must have two letters of recommendation: (1 teacher and 1 community member)

RHS Scholarship Application

Rusk Lions Club:

Amount- $1,000

Open to all seniors

RHS Scholarship Application

Rusk Ministerial Alliance:

Amount- $500.00

Must have the RMA pastor verification form (located in College & Career Center) completed and attached to RHS scholarship application. Applicants must have a letter of recommendation from their pastor.

Application located in College & Career Center

Dr. Wesley Foreman Scholarship

Amount: TBD

The recipient of the scholarship must attach an essay explaining why they want to pursue a career in the medical field.

RHS Scholarship Application

Hilltop Baptist Church 

Deadline: March 19th, 2026

Requirements: Must plan to attend recognized institution of higher education in the state of Texas, Must be in top 50% of their class, Must be active participant in a Christian Church and a member of a Christian Church youth group, at least two letters of recommendations (one from teacher, principal, counselor, and one from a pastor, associate pastor, deacon, or youth director from current church.) 

Application available in College & Career Center

Rusk Youth Sports Association- Baseball/Softball

Amount: TBD

Essay: 1 page paper on your favorite coach/educator and how they helped shape you into the person you are today.

RHS Scholarship Application

Rusk Youth Sports Association- Football Scholarship

Amount: TBD

Essay: 1 page paper on your favorite coach/educator and how they helped shape you into the person you are today.

Persons that are involved in Rusk ISD sports, band, or volunteer areas are highly encouraged to apply.

RHS Scholarship Application 

Rusk Youth Sports Association- Cheer Scholarship

Amount: TBD

Essay: 1 page paper on your favorite coach/educator and how they helped shape you into the person you are today.

RHS Scholarship Application 

Karen Elaine Mize Memorial Scholarship

Amount: TBD

Essay: ½-1 page explaining why support staff (aides, custodians, cafeteria workers, etc.) are important in schools and/or how a member of the support staff personally affected or helped you. 

Open to all RHS seniors. 

RHS Scholarship Application 

Connell Foreman Memorial Scholarship 

Amount: TBD

Requirements: Two letters of recommendation (1 community member non-family, 1 teacher non-family), Handwritten Essay: Describe yourself and your future goals. No longer than 1 page in length. 

RHS Scholarship Application 

Walter Lee Session Memorial 

Amount: (1) $500.00

Requirements: Letter of Recommendation from your (1) pastor and (1) counselor, Transcript, and  Essay: Tell me in your own words about you and your goals. 

Application: Located in College & Career Center 

Keith Padgett Memorial Scholarship

Amount: TBD

Must be a senior member of RHS Golf Team 

Essay: No longer than (1) page about the life lessons the game of Golf has taught you. 

RHS Scholarship Application

Rusk Rotary Scholarship 

Amount: TBD

Requirements: Attach a page answering these two questions: (1) What do you know about Rotary? (2) Do you have any family members that have ever been apart of a Rotary Club? If so, please list their name, years served, and which city they were apart of. 

RHS Scholarship Application 

The Texas Telephone Association Foundation 

Amount: $8,000 ($2,000 per year for 4 years)

Requirements: U.S. Citizen, 3.0 GPA or higher, Planning to attend Texas college or University in Fall 2024, Acceptance letter from Texas college or University, Current Transcript, Copy of SAR (Student Aid Report), 

Essay: 300-1,000 words explaining qualifications for the scholarship, their future goals, and how the scholarship will assist them in achieving those goals. 

Deadline: March 14th, 2026

Application located in the College & Career Center

Cherokee County Farm Bureau 

Must be a member of the Cherokee County Farm Bureau family. Membership must be obtained by December 31,2025. 

Strong consideration given to those pursuing a major in Agriculture and related fields. 

Application located in the College & Career Center 

Deadline: March 6th, 2026 

Cherokee County Area Go Texan Scholarship

Essay: One page essay, describing your intended course of study, why you have chosen this course, your career goals, and why you feel you deserve the Cherokee County Go Texan Scholarship. 

Must reside in Cherokee County

Deadline: March 15th,2026

Application located in the College & Career Center

Cherokee County Federal Credit Union 

Deadline: March 31st, 2026

Amount: (3) $1,000

Application: Located in College & Career Center

Marva R. Hawkins Memorial Scholarship 

Amount: $500.00

Deadline: May 1st, 2026

Requirements: Must plan to enroll at least part-time in a career or technical field OR a College/University,  Sealed Official Transcript, Recommendation letter; (from a teacher, mentor, friend, or employer), Essay (500 words or less, typed, & double-spaced) on your personal need for the scholarship (include financial need, church affiliation (if any), and career goals. 

Application located in the College & Career Center

RHS Scholarship Application

Students are urged to meet with a financial aid/scholarship officer at the college or university in which he or she is interested. This person can be of great assistance in informing you of that particular college's scholarship opportunities.

Students should always visit the financial aid/scholarship section of the college's website for information, too.

Keep in mind that some colleges place you in consideration for scholarships when your application is accepted for admission while others may require a separate scholarship application to be considered for their scholarship opportunities. ASK QUESTIONS WHEN YOU VISIT!!!!!

Midland College Slough Scholarship Foundation was founded on the principal of assisting Texas students to achieving their educational goals. If you believe college is financially out of reach, visit www.midland.edu/slough opens in a new window for further information pertaining to this scholarship and it application process. You may also email gmolina@midland.edu with questions.

Baylor University annually awards scholarships through the Carr P.Collins Scholars Program to students who have demonstrated leadership through service. Collins Scholars are awarded a minimum of $5,350 their first year, renewable for three additional years. For consideration, applicants must:

• have a minimum combined math and evidence-based reading and writing score of 1310 on the SAT or a minimum composite score of 28 on the ACT

• complete a balanced college preparatory program including history, science, and a foreign language

• rank in the top quarter of their graduating class

• be a bona fide resident of the state of Texas

• For application go to .https://www.baylor.edu/admissions opens in a new window

Baylor also offers other academic scholarship through their President's Gold, Provost Gold, Dean's Gold, and Founder's Gold Scholarship programs. These scholarships range in value from $32,000.00 to $88,000.00 divided evenly over four years of undergraduate study. Baylor considers students for these awards by virtue of their application for admission to the university. Applicants are strongly encouraged to utilize Baylor's online Scholarship calculator https://www.baylor.edu/estimator opens in a new window

Stephen F. Austin State University offers the Cecil Richey, Jr. Scholarship opportunity to Rusk High School Seniors who graduate in the Top Ten Percent of their class. This scholarship amount varies each year, but is a wonderful financial opportunity for this group of academically successful students. SFA representatives share the specific each November with those students interested.

Stephen F. Austin State University is also designated as a Smith-Hutson Scholarship provider. This amazing scholarship which can provide up to $17,500 per year is offered to incoming freshmen students who are interested in pursuing a degree at SFASU and demonstrate financial need and academic potential. Submission of application for this is due February 28th. All applications will be reviewed and approximately 50 students will be chosen to interview in May with approximately 20 chosen for the award.

Sam Houston State University is also designated as a Smith-Hutson Scholarship Provider. Contact the Scholarship Office at SHSU for application information including deadline for submission.

The University of Dallas is still accepting applications for the Eugene McDermott Scholars Program. This award supplies a virtually debt-free college education at UT Dallas. The application can be found at the university's website.

Any 10th or 11th graders interested in taking the PSAT/NMSQT need to sign up in the counselor's office or the College and Career Center by Wednesday, September 30th. The test is scheduled for October 14th. The cost is $17 and needs to be paid before testing. To sign up online, click the link below:

Click HERE to sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT

Each school year Junior and Senior students are allowed up to two (2) college visits. Students will have to fill out and complete the Rusk High School College Visit Request Form. The form requires signatures from the student, parent, Mrs. Gates OR Mr. Guidry, and Assistant Principal. Teachers must also fill out the form and state whether or not the student is passing or failing their class. The college/university will also provided their signature and note on their official letterheads. Students will bring both forms to Mrs. Brooks in the counselors office once they return to campus.

Visit the College and Career Center for the form.