For Dallas ISD students, navigating the path to college begins not with test scores or GPA, but with a clear vision for the future.
Through the Academic Success Program, the district is reshaping its college-going culture by offering free, personalized guidance that turns the long, winding road of postsecondary planning into a manageable path.
ASP advisors’ role is to help students make informed, strategic decisions in high school that will position them for success.
“Our focus is on ensuring students have access to college,” Sara Urquidez, executive director of ASP, said. “We want students to understand how they can design the life they want by continuing their education. That journey looks different for every single student, but there are core fundamentals that are really important to the population that we serve.”
Through several consultations and check-ins, advisors guide students by preparing them for life after graduation. These efforts can look like taking the right classes and staying on track academically, stepping into leadership roles on campus, developing a resume, and exploring degree options – all of which make for a competitive college application.
At every stage of their high school career, ASP has advice and offers support.
Freshmen are encouraged to try extracurricular activities that pique their interest and define strengths that could lead to career avenues, while juniors and seniors are using their experiences to open doors for scholarships and acceptances. Other measures include weekly SAT prep sessions every Tuesday across all high schools and coaching students through college essay brainstorming, helping them define their personal narratives.
In the case of many families, affordability is often the scariest part of aligning a student’s personal goals with the right postsecondary path. To find the right fit, advisors assist high schoolers in creating a list of colleges that match their goals and ensuring they submit more than one application.
The strategy consistently delivers strong outcomes. Last year, 98% of students applied to at least three colleges, and 95% earned acceptance letters. Similarly, scholarship awards reached a record $827 million, marking steady upward growth from $550 million the previous school year and $315 million two years ago. The district also achieved a 96% financial aid completion rate among eligible students.
“One thing we’ve flipped in the last couple of years is asking them what they want out of life because then we can work backwards in terms of education,” Urquidez said. “Some students want to travel, some want to buy a house for their family; understanding the things that motivate them helps them figure out what post-secondary plans should be.”