Admissions

The Alamo Colleges encourage students to pursue an education beyond high school and welcome all students to attend.

Admissions Classifications

The Alamo Colleges recognize a variety of admissions:

High School Graduates

Students who have graduated from high school.

GED Applicants

Students who have passed the General Education Development test with a total score or 2250, with no score below 410 and an earned score of 2 or higher on the Language Arts Writing Test, Part II essay.

Home Schooled Graduates

Students who have completed the curriculum outlined for their home school diploma.

Dual Credit Applicants

Eligible high school students who can earn college credit for certain high school courses in which they are currently enrolled while completing their high school requirement.

Early Admissions Applicants

Students who have completed their sophomore year of high school or the equivalent.

Individual Approval Applicants

Students who are eighteen (18) years or older and who are not graduates of high school or the equivalent may be admitted if they can prove their ability to successfully complete college-level coursework.

Former Alamo Colleges Students

Students who have previously attended one or more of the Alamo Colleges and have not enrolled within the past twelve (12) months at any other college or university.

College or University Transfers

Students who have completed previous college work at a regionally accredited college or university, including the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), and plan to attend the Alamo Colleges.

College or University Transients

Students enrolled in a university who are taking courses at the Alamo Colleges for only one semester.

International Students

Students who hold non-permanent visas.

Senior Citizens

Students who will be age 65 by the census date for the term and are seeking a reduced tuition.

General Admission Requirements

Students must complete the application process by the published application deadline for the term they plan to attend the Alamo Colleges for the first time or after a break in enrollment. A new application is required for anyone who applied but did not register and for former students who stopped out for one year or more. An application is good at all Alamo Colleges, and students may register at any college within the system without submitting an additional application. Students missing the application deadline for a fall or spring term may apply for the next starting dates (e.g., Start II or Flex II).

In addition, students must be sixteen (16) years of age by the start of the academic year in which they enroll. Students with transcripts from foreign institutions must submit the official transcript that includes translation into English and interpretation of eligibility to be admitted as a high school graduate.

Students applying to college for the first time must complete the MyMAP (Monitoring Academic Progress) Checklist, which consists of a series of educational and college readiness modules for promoting student success.

The steps to complete admissions requirements are listed below. Refer to classification type for specific admissions requirements.

• Complete the required MyMAP (Monitoring Academic Progress) online modules accessed through ACES if new to college
• Comply with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements
  • Meet the placement requirements with official documentation of Texas Success initiative (TSI) exemption or compliance (test scores or official college transcript) or take mandatory placement tests. Exception: Students enrolling in Level One Certificate programs that do not identify skill levels are not required to test.
• Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • State law requires that entering students show evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five (5) year period prior to enrollment. The law allows for some exceptions. Check the Alamo Colleges website for additional information. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
• Schedule an advising session if attending college for the first time or transferring with fewer than fifteen (15) college-level semester hours
• Meet additional requirements for some admission types. (See information below.)

High School Admissions

High school graduates applying to college for the first time must complete the MyMAP (Monitoring Academic Progress) Checklist and follow the criteria for admission listed below. Following graduation, high school students are responsible for submitting complete, official high school transcripts. The Alamo Colleges will not consider a high school transcript complete without a posted graduation date.

• Complete the required the MyMAP (Monitoring Academic Progress) Checklist online modules accessed through ACES
• Comply with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements
  • Meet the placement requirements with official documentation of Texas Success initiative (TSI) exemption or compliance (test scores or official college transcript) or take mandatory placement tests. Exception: Students enrolling in Level One Certificate programs that do not identify skill levels are not required to test.
• Apply for admission
  
  • Complete and submit the admission application through ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.
• Submit transcripts
  
  • Students who have graduated from high school must submit an official high school transcript with high school graduation date or official GED test scores. Official high school transcripts must be sent by the school, sealed or electronically.
  • Students who have not graduated from high school at the time of application must submit an official high school transcript or official GED test scores. Official high school transcripts must include at least six complete semesters and must be sent by the school, sealed or electronically. By the end of the first semester of enrollment a student must submit a final official transcript that includes the high school graduation date.
  • Students unable to submit an official high school/college transcript prior to enrollment the first (1) semester in the Alamo Colleges because of financial obligations:
    
    • will submit an Exceptional Admissions request to the Vice President of Student Success/Affairs or designee
    • will submit an official written institutional agreement from the previous institution to fulfill financial responsibility
    • will be admitted conditionally for one (1) semester with unofficial credentials
    • will not be permitted to re-enroll in future semesters
    • will have official transcripts withheld until all admission requirements are met
• Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • State law requires that entering students show evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five (5) year period prior to enrollment. The law allows for some exceptions. Check the Alamo Colleges website for additional information. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
• Schedule an advising session

GED Admissions

• Complete the required MyMAP (Monitoring Academic Progress) online modules accessed through ACES
• Comply with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements
  • Meet the placement requirements with official documentation of Texas Success initiative (TSI) exemption or compliance (test scores or official college transcript) or take mandatory placement tests. Exception: Students enrolling in Level One Certificate programs that do not identify skill levels are not required to test.
• Apply for admission
  
  • Complete and submit the admission application through ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.
• Submit official GED test scores report issued by the state where the test was taken and passed
• Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • State law requires that entering students show evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five (5) year period prior to enrollment. The law allows for some exceptions. Check the Alamo Colleges website for additional information. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
• Schedule an advising session

Home Schooled Admissions

Students applying for admission following completion of a home school program equivalent to the high school level will be admitted as High School Admission graduates. In addition to the standard criteria for admission to the Alamo Colleges, home schooled students must present a signed, notarized record of the high school equivalent work completed and the date of graduation.

• Complete the required MyMAP (Monitoring Academic Progress) online modules accessed through ACES
• Comply with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements
  • Meet the placement requirements with official documentation of Texas Success initiative (TSI) exemption or compliance (test scores or official college transcript) or take mandatory placement tests. Exception: Students enrolling in Level One Certificate programs that do not identify skill levels are not required to test.
• Apply for admission
  
  • Complete and submit the admission application through ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.
• Submit transcripts
  
  • Students who have graduated must submit a notarized transcript of the high school equivalent work completed and the date of graduation.
  • Students who have not graduated from high school at the time of application must submit a sealed and notarized non-final transcript of the high school equivalent work. In addition, the official non-final high school transcripts must include at least six (6) complete semesters. By the end of the first (1) semester of enrollment, a student must submit a final official transcript that includes the high school graduation date.
• Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • State law requires that entering students show evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five (5) year period prior to enrollment. The law allows for some exceptions. Check the Alamo Colleges website for additional information. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
• Schedule an advising session

Early Admissions

Several programs allow students who have not yet graduated from high school or completed home school to get a jump start on the future, including early admission for qualifying students. Early admission students meet the following criteria:

• Comply with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements
  • Meet the placement requirements with official documentation of Texas Success initiative (TSI) exemption or compliance (test scores or official college transcript) or take mandatory placement tests. Exception: Students enrolling in Level One Certificate programs that do not identify skill levels are not required to test.
• Apply for admission
  
  • Complete and submit the admission application through ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.
• Complete the sophomore year of high school or the home school equivalent and be 16 years of age by the start of the academic year enrolled.
• Complete and submit the Early Admit form to the Enrollment Services/Admissions and Records office
• Submit a letter of recommendation from a counselor or designee and parental approval addressing the applicant’s maturity and ability to function well in a college environment.
• Submit official high school transcript of coursework completed prior to registration at one of the Alamo Colleges
• Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • State law requires that entering students show evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five (5) year period prior to enrollment. The law allows for some exceptions. Check the Alamo Colleges website for additional information. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
• Schedule an advising session

Maximum combined class load must not exceed eighteen (18) semester credit hours, counting each high school course as equivalent to one three-hour course. Re-enrollment eligibility in subsequent semesters requires a grade of “C” or better in all college-level courses.

In order to obtain an official transcript of Alamo Colleges coursework after high school graduation, an early admit students must obtain a final official transcript that includes the graduation date. Prior to high school graduation, the Alamo Colleges will only release an official transcript of Alamo Colleges coursework directly to other institutions of higher education at the student’s request.

Early admissions students seeking to continue enrollment with the Alamo Colleges after high school graduation must submit an ApplyTexas application as a high school graduate and follow the admissions steps outlined under the High School Admissions category.

Dual Credit Admissions

The Dual Credit Program allows eligible high school students to earn college credit for certain high school courses in which they are currently enrolled while completing their high school requirements. In order for students to participate in the program within-area high schools must be approved to offer Dual Credit courses.

Dual credit students meet the following criteria:

• Comply with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements
  • Meet the placement requirements with official documentation of Texas Success initiative (TSI) exemption or compliance (test scores or official college transcript) or take mandatory placement tests. Exception: Students enrolling in Level One Certificate programs that do not identify skill levels are not required to test.
• Apply for admission
  
  • Complete and submit the admission application through ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.
• Complete and submit Dual Credit form(s), including Parental Consent form and high school counselor approval
• Demonstrate college-level ability in the subject area(s) requested
• Be TSI exempt (compliant) in at least one area and meet the basic skills required for specific dual credit courses
• Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • State law requires that entering students show evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five (5) year period prior to enrollment. The law allows for some exceptions. Check the Alamo Colleges website for additional information. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
• Schedule an advising session

In accordance with Texas regulations and the Alamo Colleges policy, students may take up to two Dual Credit classes per regular semester. Dual Credit courses are offered in the Fall and Spring semesters only.

Alamo Colleges policy allows tuition to be waived for two (2) courses [six (6) to eight (8) semester credit hours] per semester for Dual Credit Program students enrolled in a dual credit section with residency in Bexar or the service area counties*. Students enrolling for dual credit in regular college sections will pay tuition and fees. Dual credit enrollment through Alamo Colleges academies, early college high school, Gateway to College high schools, and Phoenix Program are exempt from these rules.

Prior to high school graduation the Alamo Colleges will only release an official transcript of Alamo Colleges coursework directly to other institutions of higher education at the student’s request. Official transcripts of the Alamo Colleges coursework will be released when the student’s complete, official high school transcript, including the graduation date, is on file. It is the responsibility of all students to ensure Dual Credit courses will be accepted by the transfer institution they plan to attend after graduation from high school.

Dual credit students seeking to continue enrollment with the Alamo Colleges after high school graduation must submit an ApplyTexas application as a high school graduate and follow the admissions steps outlined under the High School Admissions category.

*Bandera, Comal, Kendall, Kerr, and Wilson counties; Atascosa County, except the territory within the Pleasanton ISD; and Guadalupe County, except the territory within the San Marcos Consolidated ISD.

Transfer Admissions

A transfer student is any student who has completed previous college work at a regionally accredited college or university and plans to attend the Alamo Colleges. A tuition fee  is required of students transferring into the Alamo Colleges.

• Apply for admission
• Complete and submit the admission application through ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process
• Comply with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements
  
  • Meet the placement requirements with official documentation of Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exemption or compliance (test scores or official college transcript) or take mandatory placement tests. Exception: Students enrolling in Level One Certificate programs that do not identify skill levels are not required to test.
• Submit transcripts
  
  • Transfer students must submit an official transcript from the last college or university attended. Students submitting an in-progress transcript need to submit a completed transcript at the end of the semester. To ensure that all transferable credits are awarded, a student must submit all college or university transcripts with all grades posted.
  • Students who were placed on Academic Dismissal or Academic Suspension at their previous institutions and are seeking to transfer to the Alamo Colleges must follow the policies outlined in the Academic Dismissal  Procedure.
  • Official Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts fulfill the last college attended admissions requirement.
  • Students seeking transfer credit from foreign institutions must submit the official transcript evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Please note: Some evaluation services require translation from a specific translation service.
• Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • State law requires that entering students show evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five (5) year period prior to enrollment. The law allows for some exceptions. Check the Alamo Colleges website for additional information. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
• Schedule an advising session. Advising is not required for all transfer students but is strongly recommended. Students entering with less than a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) are required to meet with an advisor.

Transient Admissions

Students enrolled in and seeking a degree at another institution of higher education who plan to take courses at the Alamo Colleges during the summer sessions only are considered transient students and should complete the application process well before registration begins for the summer term they plan to attend. A tuition fee  is required of students transferring into the Alamo Colleges. The steps to complete transient student admissions requirements are:

• Comply with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements
  • Meet the placement requirements with official documentation of Texas Success initiative (TSI) exemption or compliance (test scores or official college transcript) or take mandatory placement tests. Exception: Students enrolling in Level One Certificate programs that do not identify skill levels are not required to test.
• Apply for admission
  
  • Complete and submit the two (2) year admission application as a transient student through ApplyTexas by the deadline of the summer semester of intended admission. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.
• Submit transcripts
  
  • Fall or Spring transient students must submit an official transcript from the institution from which they are seeking a degree. Upon completion of the semester, students may request their Alamo Colleges transcript be sent to their college.
  • If students remain enrolled for the subsequent semester, they must submit an official transcript with final grades posted.
• Summer transient are students who attend only the summer semester and are not required to submit official transcripts.
• Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination
  • State law requires that entering students show evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five (5) year period prior to enrollment. The law allows for some exceptions. Check the Alamo Colleges website for additional information. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
• Schedule an advising session. Advising is not required for all transient students but is strongly recommended. Students entering with less than a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) are required to meet with an advisor.

Former Student Admissions

Students who have previously attended one or more of the Alamo Colleges and have not enrolled within the past twelve (12) months at any other college or university must satisfy all applicable admissions requirements prior to registration and complete the ApplyTexas Application. Students with dismissals more than ten (10) years old will enter in Good Academic Standing. Returning students whose last status was Academic Dismissal must petition for readmission as outlined under Academic Standing and Probation .

Students with a break in enrollment of one (1) regular semester or more are required to provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination. State law requires that entering students show evidence of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five (5) year period prior to enrollment. The law allows for some exceptions. Check the Alamo Colleges website for additional information. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

If students return to the Alamo Colleges after a five (5) year absence, they may be required to re-submit transcripts for admission and/or graduation. Students who have been academically dismissed from a former institution should refer to Academic Standing and Probation .

International Student Admissions

All persons seeking admission holding non-immigrant visas will be processed as international students. Applicants for F-1 student visas, or F-1 visa students transferring from a high school, college, or university in the United States, must submit an ApplyTexas application for admissions and the I-20 Application for the F-1 visa. Visit the International Student website for additional information and forms.

All international students must follow the admissions steps outlined under the specific admissions category .

Students seeking transfer credit from foreign institutions must submit the official transcript evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Please note: Some evaluation services require translation from a specific translation service.

Senior Citizen Admissions

Senior Citizens who will be age 65 by the census date of the term may enroll in course offerings in two (2) different categories at a reduced cost. Students using a tuition waiver must meet the following conditions:    

College credit courses

• Must complete an ApplyTexas application
• Must submit an official transcript from the last college or university attended prior to admission
• May  enroll only on the first day of the part of term based on space availability
• Responsible for completing course requirements
• Normal tuition waived, but responsible for associated fees
• Access to Alamo Colleges ACES Portal
• Restrictions
  • Space available
  • 6 (six) credit hour limit
  • Courses with differential tuition
  • Activity classes, such as private music lessons, art studio, wellness/fitness
  • Courses requiring programmatic prerequisites
  • Courses that were previously registered for credit in the same semester

Audit of college credit courses

• Must complete a QuickAdmit application and the Course Audit form
• May enroll only on the first day of the part of term based on space availability
• Tuition waived, but responsible for associated fees and $65 Audit fee
• Access to Alamo Colleges ACES Portal
• Restrictions
  • Space available
  • 6 (six) credit hour limit
  • Courses with differential tuition
  • Activity classes, such as private music lessons, art studio, wellness/fitness
  • Courses requiring programmatic prerequisites
  • Courses that were previously registered for credit in the same semester

Note: Senior Citizen waiver and audits do not apply to Continuing Education courses.  

Audit/Non-Credit Admissions

Audit/Non-Credit status provides students with the usual learning opportunities without mandatory course requirements such as attendance, written work, and tests. Students who audit a course will not receive a grade or credit for the course. An additional charge will apply.

Students who enroll only for Audit or Non-Credit admission must complete the ApplyTexas application and contact Enrollment Services/Admissions and Records.

Audit/Non-Credit courses cannot be changed to credit or credit to Audit after the Census Date of the course or term, whichever occurs first. Audit/Non-Credit courses will be noted on the student’s permanent record as “AU” for Audit.

ApplyTexas Application

At two-year institutions, potential students must submit only one admission application to applytexas.org. An application to any one of the Alamo Colleges constitutes an application to all of the Alamo Colleges. Students may access computers at all of the Alamo Colleges. The process should take 15-30 minutes. If the application is not completed in a single session, the file should be saved.

Once students have submitted the ApplyTexas application to one of the Alamo Colleges, they do not need to re-apply for subsequent admission provided there is no break in enrollment.

Checklist of Application Materials

Students should have the following information available before beginning the online application.

• Social Security Number
  Note: Providing your social security number (SSN) is optional, but it is strongly recommended. Applications and documents without social security numbers are difficult to match up, which may result in additional processing time for admissions and financial aid. For questions or concerns, contact the Enrollment Services/Admissions and Records Office.
• Name of the county in which you live
• Email address (Students without email accounts can create them at various free sites such as yahoo.com, gmail.com or hotmail.com.)
• Visa/Permanent Resident information to include Permanent Residence Card, issue date, expiration date and number
• THEA or other TSI assessment scores
• SAT, ACT, and/or TAKS (grade 11) scores and test dates
• Names and dates of high school(s) and non-Alamo College(s)/university(ies) attended
• Academic standing at previous college(s)/university(ies)
• Completed MyMAP modules

Guidelines for completing the ApplyTexas application are available through the Alamo Colleges’ home page at alamo.edu.

• Logon to ApplyTexas to create a student profile.
• Record the ApplyTexas User ID and Password for future access.
• Select Two-Year Undergraduate Application
• Select the college to which the application will be delivered
• Submit the application to the appropriate Alamo College
• Copy the Application Number provided in the window for your records

Once the application is submitted, all corrections and updates require a visit to the Enrollment Services/Admissions and Records Office. Students will receive an email with a verification number.

When you consult with one of the Alamo Colleges, please have your email verification and confirmation number with you.

Joint Admissions Agreement

While attending the Alamo Colleges, students may complete a Joint Admissions Agreement and follow a degree plan designated by a specific university. The degree plan outlines the courses that will apply toward a specific major at a specific university.

Most colleges and universities maintain catalogs online. See a complete listing of Texas institutions of higher education online at the Higher Education Locator Map. Direct transfer questions to the Academic Counseling/Advising Centers.

Academic Holds

Academic Holds (Admissions Holds and Registration Holds) preventing the release of official Alamo Colleges’ transcripts will be placed on students’ records until all admissions requirements are met. Academic Holds result when a student does not provide official transcript(s) from the institution(s) attended or does not comply with the Alamo Colleges’ academic policies, such as failing to maintain a 2.0 GPA. Lack of compliance prevents registration. Academic Holds will be placed on students’ records to ensure that academic advising/counseling is obtained whenever necessary. Academic holds prevent the release of official Alamo Colleges’ transcripts and prevents registration. Academic holds result when students:

• do not provide official transcripts
• do not comply with academic policy
• are required to consult an advisor
• do not return equipment
• have a monetary outstanding balance

Admission Appeal Procedure

All students who fail to meet the academic criteria stated in the Alamo Colleges’ current catalog, students on Academic Dismissal (previously referred to as Enforced Scholastic Withdrawal), and students on Suspension from any institution must follow the admission/readmission procedures as described in the guidelines outlined under Academic Dismissal in Academic Standing and Probation  in order to be admitted. In addition, students may be required to submit a brief written petition to a counselor/advisor or designee for an early return after remaining out one (1) semester. (Note that two (2) Summer sessions equal one (1) semester.)

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) (online under the Texas higher Education Coordinating Board, Chapter 4, Subchapter C) is a state-mandated program that promotes academic success by ensuring that all students are prepared for college-level coursework when they enter a Joint Admissions Agreement.

TSI measures reading, English, and mathematics skills to determine students’ readiness to enroll and perform in freshman-level academic coursework. Students are required to test and to be advised based on the results of their TSI assessment scores. Students will not be denied admission to the Alamo Colleges based on TSI scores or college placement scores. However, testing is usually required prior to enrollment.

TSI Placement Exams:

• THEA
• THEA IBT
• ASSET
• Accuplacer
• QT (Quick THEA)

Effective August 26, 2013 the new TSI examination will be the only accepted placement exam.

TSI Requirement Exemptions

Students may be exempt from taking a TSI-eligible exam, unless it is needed as a prerequisite for a specific course, if they meet one of the following:

• ACT
  Composite score of twenty-three (23) or higher, with a minimum score of nineteen (19) in each section of the English and math tests. Scores are valid for five (5) years from date of testing.*
• SAT
  Combined score of 1070 or higher, with a minimum of 500 in each section of the verbal and math tests. Scores are valid for five (5) years from date of testing.*
• TAKS Exit-Level
  Minimum scale score of 2200 on the exit-level math section and 2200 on the English Language Arts (ELA) section with a writing sub-section score of three (3) or higher. Scores are valid for five (5) years from date of testing.
• Readiness Status
  Met college-level readiness standards in English, reading, and mathematics at an accredited Texas public institution of higher education.
• Transfer from Private or Accredited Out-of-State Institutions
  Satisfactorily completed a minimum of three (3) college-level semester credit hours in English, reading, and math with a grade of “C” or better.
• Degree
  Earned an Associate or Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited Texas public institution of higher education.
• Certificate
  Enrolled in THECB approved Certificate Level-One Programs of one (1) year or less with forty-two (42) or fewer semester credit hours that do not require specific skill levels for course enrollment.
• Military
  Currently serving on Active Duty in the US Armed Forces, Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the US Armed Forces for at least three (3) years preceding enrollment.
  After August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, released, or retired from Active Duty as a member of the US Armed Forces, Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the US Armed Forces.

Students who do not provide official documentation to verify one of the exemptions above are required to take one of the TSI assessments. Although students may be exempt from TSI, a college-level placement exam may be required to assist in course placement.

Students who initially do not meet the college-level standard may re-take an assessment instrument according to Alamo Colleges and test instrument guidelines. After testing, students should consult with a counselor/advisor to develop a plan to achieve the skill level required for the program to be earned.

*ACT and SAT scores are valid for three (3) years for placement purposes.

See Texas Education Code: Section 51.30621, Chapter 4, Subchapter online.

Alamo Colleges Common Entry Requirements for Placement

Click for a pdf version of the Common Entry Requirements effective August 26, 2013 .

Click for a pdf version of the Previous Common Entry Requirements effective March 4, 2013-August 25, 2013 .

Academic Fresh Start

An applicant who elects Academic Fresh Start may apply these credit hours toward the determination of TSI requirements. Any Texas state resident may elect not to use college credits earned on courses that are ten (10) years or older under the provisions of Senate Bill 1321. Academic Fresh Start must be declared upon admission to the Alamo Colleges. Fresh Start Declaration must be requested at the student’s home college and will be applied for all Alamo Colleges and not one specific institution. Specific requirements for various non-traditional means are described below.

Students electing this policy may not single out specific credits to omit. Rather ALL coursework ten (10) years or older will be eliminated from evaluation for credit and from the current GPA calculation, and NONE can be applied  toward a degree or certificate for credit at any of the Alamo Colleges and any other Texas state college or university. Such work, however, will NOT be removed from students’ academic records and transcripts. Academic Fresh Start petitions are permanent and cannot be reversed at a later date.

Academic Fresh Start does not eliminate credits for purposes of determining financial aid eligibility. Academic Fresh Start courses are NOT excluded from Three-Peat, Six Drop Limit or 27 Hour Rule processing.

This provision does not exempt students from notifying the Alamo Colleges of attendance at previous institutions nor of the need to submit official transcripts with all previous college-level coursework attempted prior to meeting with a designated official to review eligibility.

Academic Advising

To be adequately prepared for registration, students should seek academic advising before the registration process begins to consider program options and understand the academic requirements to include prerequisites for courses, degrees and programs, and transfer institutions. Having a goal and understanding of what is required to achieve the goal can save time and money.

Advising is required for:

• All first-time college students, including students who have earned college credit in a Dual Credit program.
• Students who have earned college Dual Credit as high school students
• Transfer college students to the Alamo Colleges with fewer than fifteen (15) earned college semester credit hours
• Students with Academic Holds, e.g., Student Development and Academic Dismissal

If a college requires one-on-one or group advising, a registration hold will be placed on the student’s record until the requirement has been met.

Students are encouraged to consult with an academic counselor/advisor about courses and other educational concerns if currently enrolled and pursuing a two-year degree program, planning to transfer to another college or university, or simply taking a few selected courses. In addition to course and degree requirements, policies and procedures are subject to change. Students are encouraged to stay informed of any changes that may affect them by meeting with an academic counselor/advisor regularly.

Many students who plan to transfer to a university are advised to fulfill the lower-division requirements for the university selected for their continued education. The Alamo Colleges’ transfer services aid students in making their transfer experience a seamless process. It is the responsibility of all students to ensure that they take courses at the Alamo Colleges that will be accepted by the senior institutions they wish to attend.

Students should consult a current Class Schedule, the Alamo Colleges’ website, or contact counselor/advisor for specific information pertaining to academic advising.

Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer Credit

To meet the requirements, only those courses in which a “D” or better has been earned may be applied toward a certificate or degree, and only those technical courses in which a “C” or better has been earned may be applied to meet the requirements in the major field of study. This policy applies to all degree plans. Credit may be transferred to the Alamo Colleges from colleges and universities regionally accredited by one of the following associations:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Colleges and Schools

Courses from institutions accredited by the following agencies recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) may be applied by the college toward a certificate or degree only after being reviewed on a case by case basis.

• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
• Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM)
• American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
• Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) (undergraduate only)
• Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
• Council on Occupational Education (COE)
• Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
• National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)
• Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)

Credit from institutions not regionally accredited by one of the above associations is not accepted by the Alamo Colleges. The Alamo Colleges Center for Student Information (CSI) is responsible for verifying an institution’s regional accreditation status and for evaluating the official transcripts. Traditional classroom instruction and credit by examination are the basis on which transferred credit is recognized. A minimum of 25% of the required semester credit hours toward a degree or certificate must be completed at the college of the Alamo Colleges granting the degree or certificate.

To meet the requirements, only those courses in which a “D” or better has been earned may be applied toward a certificate or degree, and only those technical courses in which a “C” or better has been earned may be applied to meet the requirements in the major field of study. This policy applies to all degree plans.

Courses taken ten (10) or more years prior to a student’s last enrollment at the Alamo Colleges will not count as semester credit hours toward the award of the degree or certificate in the Applied Science area of major concentration. These courses will only be transferred or credited as elective credits towards the fulfillment of degree/certificate requirements. However, a student may petition for an exception, which will be evaluated and awarded as determined by the program lead with approval by the VPAA.

Transfer Transcript Evaluation

The term “official transcript of record” refers to the record of coursework transferred from other regionally accredited colleges and universities to the Alamo Colleges. An official evaluation of college transfer coursework will be processed during the first (1) semester of enrollment at the Alamo Colleges.

The Alamo Colleges accept any passing grade from any regionally accredited institution. Passing is a grade of “D” or better. Transcripts received become the permanent property of the Alamo Colleges.

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be forwarded to the respective Alamo Colleges. Transcripts may not be faxed. 

Transfer students are not at liberty to disregard any part of their past collegiate record and apply for admission on a partial college record or solely on the basis of a high school record.

Military Transfer

Transfer work from military education is accepted based on the American Council on Education Guide. Students must present an official copy of the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System or the Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript.

Transfer Credit Evaluation for Students Submitting Transcripts from Foreign Institutions

Students seeking transfer credit from foreign institutions must submit the official transcript evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Note: Some evaluation services require translation from a specific translation service. All Alamo Colleges follow the same admissions procedures for students seeking admission with foreign transcripts.

Transfer Dispute Resolution

Transfer disputes may arise when students are transferring courses to the Alamo Colleges from other institutions and/or when the Alamo Colleges’ courses are not accepted for credit by another Texas public institution of higher education. Both institutions involved in the transfer issue will attempt to resolve the transfer dispute in accordance with the THECB rules and/or guidelines.

The purpose of the THECB’s transfer rules is to facilitate the transfer of lower-division courses and to clarify students’ rights and responsibilities as potential transfer students. The procedure for the resolution of transfer disputes is codified in THECB Rules, Chapter 4, Subchapter B online.

In all disputes, the THECB Transfer Dispute Resolution Form must be completed to initiate a dispute action. The completed form must be forwarded to the receiving institution within fifteen (15) calendar days after the evaluation has been submitted to the student. From the date a student is notified of credit denial (date evaluation is sent by the receiving institution), the law allows a maximum of forty-five (45) calendar days for the resolution of the dispute by the sending and receiving institutions.

• The following procedures, established by the THECB, shall be followed by institutions of higher education in the resolution of credit transfer disputes involving lower-division courses:
  • If an institution of higher education does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education, the receiving institution shall give written notice to the student and to the sending institution that transfer of the course credit is denied, and shall include in that notice the reasons for denying the credit. Attached to the written notice shall be the procedures for resolution of transfer disputes for lower-division courses as outlined in this section, accompanied by clear instructions outlining the procedure for appealing the decision to the Commissioner.
  • A student who receives notice as specified in the first paragraph of this subsection may dispute the denial of credit by contacting a designated official at either the sending or the receiving institution.
  • The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Board rules and guidelines.
  • If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the sending institution within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of denial, the sending institution may notify the Commissioner in writing of the request for transfer dispute resolution, and the institution that denies the course credit for transfer shall notify the Commissioner in writing of its denial and the reasons for the denial.
• The Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions.
• Each institution of higher education shall publish in its course catalogs the procedures specified in subsections of this section.
• The Board shall collect data on the types of transfer disputes that are reported and the disposition of each case that is considered by the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee.
• If a receiving institution has cause to believe that a course being presented by a student for transfer from another school is not of an acceptable level of quality, it should first contact the sending institution and attempt to resolve the problem. In the event that the two institutions are unable to come to a satisfactory resolution, the receiving institution may notify the Commissioner, who may investigate the course. If its quality is found to be unacceptable, the Board may discontinue funding for the course.

Transfer Rules Noncompliance Policy

If it is determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that an institution inappropriately or unnecessarily has required a student to retake a course that is substantially equivalent to a course already taken at another institution, formula funding for credit hours in the repeated course will be deducted from the institution’s appropriations.

Transcript Request

Students may access unofficial transcripts and grades through ACES Web Services at alamo.edu.

To request an official transcript of record, students must complete a Transcript Request Form online through ACES. Once processed, transcripts will be sent as requested. A fee  may be charged.

In compliance with FERPA regulations and Alamo Colleges policy, transcripts may only be released to the student of record. Transcripts may be requested:

• Online through ACES Web Services at alamo.edu
• In person with a signature, a Banner ID or Social Security Number, and a photo ID

Educational Releases signed by the student are required for each request and are subject to review.

The Alamo Colleges will not mail via overnight services; fax to other educational institutions, students, employers or other third parties; or accept students’ personal requests for transcripts via email or phone.

An Academic Hold will prevent processing and release of a student transcript. Transcripts will be withheld if students have not settled all admissions requirements (e.g., submitting official transcripts from all institutions attended) and satisfied all financial obligations to the Alamo Colleges.

Credit by Non-Traditional Means

The Alamo Colleges provide students the opportunity to receive equivalent college semester credit hours earned through Advanced Placement and non-traditional means. The Alamo Colleges, with appropriate departmental guidelines, reserve the right to determine the acceptable transfer credit to a maximum of thirty-two (32) semester credit hours once the student has earned six (6) college semester credit hours at any of the Alamo Colleges.

Credit hours earned by examination and/or awarded through non-traditional means will be posted as CR and will not be included in a student’s GPA computation; however, the semester credit hours are counted for graduation. Credit by non-traditional means may not be awarded once a grade has been earned.

Students planning to transfer to other institutions should consult with those institutions regarding their policies on granting non-traditional credit.

Internal Proficiency Examinations

Students enrolled for the current semester, with paid tuition for that semester, may satisfy the requirement of certain courses by passing proficiency examinations provided the following criteria are met:

• Seek appropriate departmental requirements in order to take departmental exams and receive written departmental approval.
• Has earned six (6) college semester credit hours at the Alamo Colleges
• Obtain information or approval from Assessment Center and/or department. Upon approval students must pay the appropriate costs as defined in the fee schedule .
• Take the exam before the Census Date of the semester in which the student is enrolled if applying for credit by exam after enrolling in a course.
• Take a comprehensive written examination that may include prescribed performance tests.
• Receive a performance grade of “C” or better to receive credit.

Note: Examinations for credit hours are not administered in all departments. No more than sixteen (16) semester credit hours earned by internal proficiency examinations may apply toward graduation.

External Standardized Examinations

Applicants must submit:

• Official test score reports from testing agencies: College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Program, College-Level Equivalency Program, etc.
• Official transcripts if credit by examinations was earned at other regionally accredited institutions.

CLEP/AP Credit

The Alamo Colleges recognize the credit-granting scores recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students can be granted a maximum of 32 hours of non-course based credit. No credit will be awarded until the student has successfully completed as least six (6) hours of course credit from one of the Alamo Colleges. Specific information is provided in the following tables. 

American Council on Education (ACE)

CLEP Credit-Granting Scores and Semester Hour Recommendations¹
 

¹ Students taking the CLEP test will earn equivalent college credit from the Alamo Colleges when attaining the scores indicated and the credit is treated as equal to a grade of C in the corresponding course (but is not included in GPA calculations). CLEP credit is not applied to the transcript until the student has successfully completed 6 regular college credits at any of the Alamo Colleges. Students may not earn more than 32 total hours from any testing equivalency source.

Founded in 1918, the American Council on Education (ACE) is the nation’s unifying voice for higher education. ACE serves as a consensus leader on key higher education issues and seeks to influence public policy through advocacy, research, and program initiatives.

The College Board

AP Credit-Granting Scores and Semester Hour Recommendations²

² Students taking the AP test will earn equivalent college credit from the Alamo Colleges when attaining the scores indicated and the credit is treated as equal to a grade of C in the corresponding course (but is not included in GPA calculations). AP credit is not applied to the transcript until the student has successfully completed 6 regular college credits at any of the Alamo Colleges and students may not earn more than 32 total hours from any testing equivalency source.

³ Some colleges offer MUSI 1211 which is a 2 credit hour course; others offer MUSI 1311 which is a 3 credit hour course.

Tech Prep Articulation Agreement

College credit for certain technical courses may be requested after satisfactory completion of the secondary portion of a curriculum detailed in a Tech Prep articulation agreement. All Tech Prep agreements must be approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate department chair to request Tech Prep credit within the time limits detailed in the agreement. The student must provide the chair with proper documentation of satisfactory completion of the secondary portion of the curriculum.

Tech Prep credits approved by the department chair are not posted on the transcript until the student has satisfied the minimum semester credit hour resident requirement specified in the agreement. In no case will a Tech Prep semester credit hour resident requirement be less than three (3) semester credit hours. While the number of semester credit hours may vary between agreements, in no case will the maximum credit earned through a Tech Prep agreement exceed sixteen (16) semester credit hours. All credit earned through a Tech Prep agreement is included in the thirty-two (32) maximum semester credit hours that may be earned by non-traditional means and advanced standing.

Work Experience and Prior Learning Credit

A prior learning assessment option, available in late Fall 2012, is to enroll in a course that helps the student prepare a portfolio that aligns experience and skills with the learning outcomes of specific courses. The fee for the course includes instruction and feedback on developing the portfolio and assessment directly through LearningCounts.org, an online resource. See Enrollment Services/Admissions and Records office for additional requirements. The requirement to earn six (6) college semester credit hours at one of the Alamo Colleges before the credits earned through this option is waived.

The assessment of work experience/prior learning may be requested for specific technical programs by individuals seeking to obtain college-level credit for experience and/or training received at a technical institution or in a work environment. The Application for Work Experience Credit may be obtained from the department in which the student is majoring or the corresponding dean.

Sources of prior learning may include:

• Prior employment
• Extensive technical training in high school
• Trade or proprietary school equivalence
• Certification/licensure/credentials equivalents
• National ACE guides
• Military service
• Special agreements

After admission to the Alamo Colleges, students should consult with the appropriate academic department to determine whether work experience/prior learning may be applicable for college credit. Students must be enrolled in the current semester for which they are applying for such credit.

A technical program advisor or other representative will guide students in the process of identifying the college courses that clearly match work experience/prior learning as evidenced by documentation, verification of experience, and sufficient justification. Before work experience/prior learning credit can be awarded and posted on a student’s official college transcript, final approval must be obtained by the appropriate dean or designee.

A maximum of twelve (12) semester credit hours may be earned through the assessment of work experience/prior learning and applied toward graduation. Credits earned by non-traditional methods are posted on the transcript as equivalency credit (non-graded). The Alamo Colleges will retain a copy of the documentation with the student’s permanent file.

Continuing Education Units Conversion to Career and Technical Courses

To provide an entry for students wishing to transition from the continuing education portion of their education to the academic credit continuation of their education, students may request a conversion of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to college credit for specific career and technical courses. Competencies for the continuing education courses will be compared to those required of courses in the course inventory under the direction of the college’s Dean of Career and Technical Education and approval by the academic vice president.

Up to the 32-hour maximum may be awarded once the student has earned six (6) college semester credit hours at the respective college. Under special circumstances the six (6) hours may be waived, such as where students are taking a complete course of study in a given contract period with Continuing Education. Conversions of CEUs to academic credit must be requested within three (3) years of completing the continuing education course. Grades will be posted as CR and not included in GPA.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

The Alamo Colleges will grant at least twenty-four (24) semester credit hours or equivalent course credit for approved courses in appropriate subject areas to an entering freshman student for successful completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. For examined subjects, a grade of CR will be posted and not included in GPA. Fewer than twenty-four (24) semester credit hours will be awarded if the student received a score of less than four (4) on an examination administered as part of the diploma program. A minimum of six (6) hours of college-level credits must be earned at any of the Alamo Colleges before the International Baccalaureate credits are awarded.

International Baccalaureate Diploma
Credit Matrix for the Alamo Colleges
IBD students must provide an official transcript with exam title and score.

IBD Exam Options
Higher Level (HL) 240 teaching hours — minimum of three (3) subjects and not more than four (4)
Standard Level (SL) 150 teaching hours — minimum of two (2) and not more than three (3)
NOTE: Each student may receive credit for only one class or the identified pair of classes for each category for a possible total of 27 credits.