Planning for Your Future

Your School Counselors can help navigate your next steps depending on your goals for your future. Some options for post-secondary planning include the following: 

• • 4 Year College/University
    • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 2 Year/Community College
    • Associates Degree
  • Technical College
    • Associates Degree, Certificate Programs
  • Military
    • Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy
    • Will need to take the ASVAB test
  • Workforce
    • Full time job, Apprenticeship Programs, Specialized Training

For resources pertaining to these options, please see our Schoology group.

Please report your College and Scholarship acceptance at the following links. For Scholarships, please submit ALL scholarship offers throughout the year, including the offers you choose not to accept. Do not include HOPE Scholarship Money.

Throughout the year various Colleges, Universities and Branches of the Military will visit Independence High School. They will be available during lunch in the Commons for students to ask questions and receive information.  See our Counseling Schoology group and the announcements for upcoming college and military visits.                

1. Class of 2016-Current Students
   • Visit the Transcript Request Site
   • Select START and follow the steps to complete your request
     • For scholarships or special situations that require a paper copy, fill out form in the counseling office and attach $2.00.
2. Class of 2015 and Earlier
   • Download the Transcript Request Form
   • Mail form and $2.00 to:
     Independence High School
     Attn: Registrar
     1776 Declaration Way
     Thompson’s Station, TN 37179

Independence Transcript Request Form

Please note: Test scores are not included with transcripts. Test scores must be sent from the testing agency (ACT / SAT).

If you or your student are wondering how to start planning for college, the district is sharing a useful resource.

The College for TN website has useful information about college planning, including guides for ninth through twelfth-grade students and a new guide for middle school students. The website's Money for College tab also provides information about financial aid, the FAFSA and more.

• College for TN gives access to information on public and private 2-year and 4-year institutions, as well as the Tennessee College of Applied Technology centers. The website also offers career exploration activities and links to help guide you through the process.
• Tennessee HOPE Scholarship is Tennessee’s educational scholarship program.  Graduating seniors must have either a 3.0 GPA on the state Uniform Grading Policy scale (indicated as HOPE Scholarship GPA on WCS transcripts), or a 21 or higher ACT composite.  FAFSA completion is required and is also considered the scholarship application as well.

• High School graduates can become eligible for two years of free college at one of the state’s community colleges through the Tennessee Promise. Students must fulfill the requirements of the program, including community service hours.

• The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) provides over 20 different state student financial aid programs, including the HOPE scholarship, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, and the Dual Enrollment grant.

• Students following one of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway options will earn their Associate’s Degree at a Tennessee community college, while having guaranteed admission to one of Tennessee’s 4-year colleges or universities to complete their four-year degree.
• Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) has 27 locations throughout the state. They are the state’s premier providers of state-of-the-art technical training for workers to obtain the technical skills and professional training necessary for advancement in today’s competitive job market. Tuition for most programs can be paid for through the TN Promise scholarship and/or the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant.
• Academic Common Market: Study in a specialized field at an out-of-state college and pay in-state tuition rates. 

Applications

• The Common App website offers one application for over 400 colleges and universities across the country, including UT Knoxville, Vanderbilt, Belmont, Lipscomb, Ivy Leagues schools, and more.

• The Common Black College Application website offers one central application for all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

• The Universal College Application website offers one central application for 45 colleges, including several that are not listed through The Common App website.
• The Coalition Application:  more than 150 top colleges and universities committed to improving access to higher education. Each of their member schools works to make college affordable and ensures students graduate on time. Most graduate students with no or low debt.

Athletic Eligibility

• NAIA Eligibility Center is for students interested in playing sports at an NAIA school. Students must meet the eligibility requirements, and can register with the NAIA to learn more.

• NCAA Eligibility Center– Students interested in playing sports at NCAA colleges need to register with the NCAA and qualify academically.