Dear Van Alstyne High School Parents & Guardians

We want to make families aware of two Texas graduation requirements related to postsecondary planning: financial aid application completion (FAFSA/TASFA) and My Texas Future Direct Admissions. 

FAFSA/TASFA – Financial Aid Requirement

Texas requires students to complete a financial aid application or formally opt out of the requirement in order to graduate. Students may:

• Complete the FAFSA;

• Complete the TASFA, if applicable; or

• Use the TEA-approved opt-out process.

For our current seniors, students are working in class to create their Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs so they will be prepared when the FAFSA opens on October 1. Once the FAFSA opens, students will be able to invite their parent/guardian to complete the parent portion of the application.

My Texas Future – Direct Admissions

Texas also requires students to complete the My Texas Future Direct Admissions requirement or use the applicable state-approved opt-out process.

As part of this process, students and parents/guardians should be aware that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) may use/share applicable student academic information for the Direct Admissions program. This may include information such as the student's graduation plan type, class rank, GPA, SAT total score, or ACT composite score.

Students may create and annually update their My Texas Future profile, and students or parents/guardians may update or revise the student's profile. Students or parents/guardians may also choose to opt out of one or more My Texas Future programs.

At Van Alstyne High School, our seniors will work through the My Texas Future Direct Admissions process during Senior Seminar. Students will receive information and assistance from the counseling office as they progress through high school.

Opt-Out Options

Parents/guardians who choose to opt out of either graduation requirement may do so using the appropriate state-approved opt-out form. Opting out of a graduation requirement does not prevent a student from completing the FAFSA/TASFA or participating in My Texas Future later.

We encourage families to begin discussing these requirements now and to reach out to the counseling office with any questions or if you would like information about the applicable opt-out process.


Thank you,

Van Alstyne High School Counseling Office