Admissions

The Alamo Colleges District (Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, St. Philip’s College, San Antonio College) encourages students to pursue an education beyond high school and welcomes all students to attend.

Admissions Classifications

The Alamo Colleges District recognizes a variety of admissions:

High School Graduates

Students who have graduated from high school.

GED/High School Equivalency Applicants

Students who have passed the General Education Development/High School Equivalency test.

Home Schooled Graduates

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

High School Programs Applicants

Eligible high school students who can earn college credit for selected high school courses.

Early Admission Applicants

Students who have completed the sophomore year of high school or the home school equivalent by the start of the academic term for which they wish to enroll. The Alamo Colleges District does not guarantee that college credit earned through the Early Admission program will satisfy high school requirements.

Individual Approval Applicants

Students who (1) are graduates of high school or the equivalent, but cannot obtain an official transcript due to the institution and/or academic records no longer existing, (2) cannot provide a transcript due to financial obligation at a previous institution, or (3) have other extenuating circumstances may be admitted through an Individual Approval petition.

Former Alamo Colleges District Students

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

College or University Transfers

Students who have previous college work at an accredited institution of higher education and plan to attend a college in the Alamo Colleges District.

College or University Transients

Students enrolled in an institution of higher education who are taking courses at one of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District and are non-degree seeking.

International Students

Students who hold non-immigrant visas.

Senior Citizens

Students who will be age 65 by the census date of the term for which they wish to enroll as course availability allows and are seeking a reduced tuition.

Open Admissions

The colleges in the Alamo Colleges District have an open door admissions policy to ensure that every person has the opportunity to access a college education. There are no minimum admissions requirements (i.e. minimum entrance exam scores, minimum GPA or class ranking, etc.). The only requirement is completion of a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency. As Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) institutions, the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District admit students without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

General Admission Requirements

Students must complete the application process by the published application deadline for the term they plan to attend. A new application is required for former students who stopped out for one calendar year or more. The student selects a college as the primary/home college. One application is acceptable at all of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District. Students missing the application deadline for a regular fall or spring term (16-week session) may apply for the Start II or Flex II part of term within that same term.

In addition, students must meet federal and state regulatory requirements and any professional standards regarding admissions to the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District or specific programs.

Admissions requirements:

• Submission of an admission application via ApplyTexas
• Students must also meet program-specific admission criteria found on the Academics Find Your Program website 

High School Admissions

High school graduates applying to college for the first time must meet the criteria for admission listed below. Following graduation, high school students are responsible for submitting complete, official high school transcripts. The colleges in the Alamo Colleges District will not consider a high school transcript complete without a posted graduation date. For a complete list of Enrollment (Registration) Steps go to https://www.alamo.edu/admission—aid/how-to-apply/.

• Apply for admission
  • Complete and submit the admission application via 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. Official high school transcripts must be sent by the school, either in a sealed envelope or electronically.
  • Students who have not graduated from high school at the time of application must submit an official high school transcript in order to register. Official high school transcripts must include at least six complete semesters and must be sent by the school, envelope 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. Registration for future terms will not be allowed until submission of final official high school transcript.
  • Students unable to submit an official high school transcript prior to enrollment the first (1) semester in a college in the Alamo Colleges District because of financial obligations:
    • will submit an Exceptional Admissions request to the Vice President of Student Success or designee
    • will submit an official written institutional agreement from the previous institution to fulfill financial responsibility within 12 months
    • will be admitted conditionally for with unofficial credentials
    • will not be permitted to re-enroll in future semesters after 12 month period unless financial obligations have been met 
    • will have official transcripts withheld until all admission requirements are met

GED Admissions/High School Equivalency Admissions

GED/High School Equivalency Admissions recipients applying to college for the first time must complete the criteria for admission listed below. GED/ High School Equivalency Admissions students are responsible for submitting an official passing score report. For a complete list of Enrollment (Registration) Steps, go to http://www.alamo.edu/alamoenroll/.

• Apply for admission
  • Complete and submit the admission application via ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.
• Submit official GED test scores or other High School Equivalency reports issued by the state or testing agency authorized to administer the test

*** NOTE: GED Testing Services, HiSET Exam, TASC are approved High School Equivalency Exams. ***

Home Schooled Admissions

Students applying for admission following completion of a home school program equivalent to the high school level will be admitted as Home School Admission graduates. In addition to the standard criteria for admission to a college in the Alamo Colleges District, home schooled students must present a signed, notarized record of the high school equivalent work completed and the date of graduation. A final, official high school transcript includes a graduation date, a physical address in the United States (to ensure that state’s standards are met). For a complete list for Enrollment (Registration) Steps go to http://www.alamo.edu/alamoenroll/ .

• Apply for admission
  • Complete and submit the admission application via ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.
  • Students who have graduated must submit a notarized transcript of the high school equivalent work completed and the date of graduation in order to register.
  • Students who have not graduated from high school at the time of application must submit a sealed envelope and notarized non-final official transcript of the high school equivalent work. In addition, the non-final official high school transcripts must include at least six (6) complete semesters and be notarized. 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 and notarization in order to register. Registration for future terms will not be allowed until submission of final official high school transcript.

Early Admission

Early Admission allows students who have not yet graduated from high school or completed home school to get a jump start on the future. The colleges do not guarantee that college credit earned through the Early Admission program will satisfy high school requirements. Students should check with high school to verify if credit can be used to satisfy high school requirements. Early admission students must meet the following criteria:

• Apply for admission
  • Complete and submit the admission application via 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 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 a college in the Alamo Colleges District
• Demonstrate college-level ability in the subject area(s) requested

Students registering must complete the AlamoENROLL Checklist, which consists of a series of educational and college readiness modules for promoting student success:

For a complete list of Enrollment (Registration) Steps go to http://www.alamo.edu/alamoenroll/.

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

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

Individual Approval Admissions

Students who (1) are graduates of high school, the equivalent, or have attended a college/university, but cannot obtain an official transcript due to the institution and/or academic records no longer existing, or (2) have other extenuating circumstances may be admitted through an Individual Approval petition submitted by college Vice President of Student Success or designee. Please note that Federal Financial Aid may not be awarded without proof of high school graduation or equivalent.

Individual Approval requests must be approved and all enrollment steps must be completed in order to register. 

• Apply for admission
  • Complete and submit the admission application via ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.
• Submit Individual Approval request
  • Individual Approval request are available at the college’s Enrollment Services/Admissions and Records office.
  • Individual Approval requests and all required documentation must be submitted four weeks prior to the start of courses.

High School Programs Admissions

The High School Programs allow eligible high school students to earn college credit for selected high school courses in which they are currently enrolled while completing their high school requirements though traditional Dual Credit, Early College High School, Alamo Academies and Phoenix (SAISD only). In order for students to participate in the program, area high schools must be approved to offer Dual Credit courses. For a complete list of Enrollment (Registration) Steps go to https://www.alamo.edu/academics/youth-education/high-school-programs/dual-credit/.

High School Programs students meet the following criteria:

• Apply for admission
  • Complete and submit the admission application via ApplyTexas utilizing the Ready-Set-Apply guides for Dual Credit, Early College High School or Alamo Academies on the on the AlamoENROLL website. 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
• Home schooled students must submit a notarized transcript
• Demonstrate college-level ability in the subject area(s) requested
• Be TSI exempt (or compliant) and meet the basic skills required for specific dual credit courses
• Provide proof of residency if requested to correct your student record

In accordance with the Alamo Colleges District’s policy, high school junior and senior students may take up to two Dual Credit classes per regular semester and high school sophomores may take one Dual Credit class per regular semester. Dual Credit courses are offered in the Fall and Spring semesters only.

Dual Credit students (currently enrolled in high school) who have earned college-course credit from another institution(s) of higher education must provide an official transcript of coursework to ensure that prerequisite requirements are applied.

The Alamo Colleges District’s policy allows tuition to be waived for two (2) courses [six (6) to eight (8) semester credit hours] per semester for the Dual Credit Program. Students in the Dual Credit program must reside in Bexar or the service area counties*.

Prior to high school graduation the colleges will only release an official transcript of coursework directly to other institutions of higher education at the student’s request. Official transcripts of coursework will be released when the student’s complete, official high school transcript, including the graduation date, is on file. First transcript request is free and additional requests have a fee. See Non-Refundable Fees for price rates. 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.

High School Programs students seeking to continue enrollment with a college in the Alamo Colleges District after high school graduation must submit a HSP to FTIC application as a high school graduate and follow the admissions steps outlined under the High School Admissions category.

*Bandera, Comal, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, 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 an institution of higher education and plans to attend a college in the Alamo Colleges District. A New Transfer Evaluation Fee is required of students transferring into a college in the Alamo Colleges District. For a complete list of Enrollment (Registration) Steps, go to http://www.alamo.edu/alamoenroll/ .

• Apply for admission
• Complete and submit the admission application via ApplyTexas. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process
• Submit transcripts in an official college sealed envelope or electronically (encrypted transcripts from an approved institution)
  • Transfer students must submit an official transcript from the last institution of higher education attended in order to register. 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, avoid retaking a course and as a graduation requirement, a student must submit all institution of higher education transcripts with all grades posted.
  • In order to have foreign college credit count towards the completion of an a program at one of the colleges of the Alamo Colleges District, students must submit a course evaluation by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)  or American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Please note: Some evaluation services require translation from a specific translation service.
  • Exceptional Admissions
    • Students unable to submit an official high school/institution of higher education transcript prior to enrollment the first (1) semester in a college in the Alamo Colleges District because of financial obligations:
      • will submit an Exceptional Admissions request to the Vice President of Student Success or designee
      • will submit an official written institutional agreement from the previous institution to fulfill financial responsibility within 12 months
      • will be admitted conditionally for with unofficial credentials if available
      • will not be permitted to re-enroll in future semesters after 12 month period unless financial obligations have been met
• For a complete list of Enrollment (Registration) Steps go to https://www.alamo.edu/admission—aid/how-to-apply/.
• Contact the college Admissions/Enrollment Services office for questions concerning the transcript.

Transient Admissions

Students with earned credit hours and seeking a degree at another institution of higher education who plan to take courses at a college in the Alamo Colleges District for one term only as a non-degree seeking student are considered transient students. Students should complete the application process well before registration begins for the term they plan to attend. A New Transfer/Transient Evaluation Fee is required of students transferring into a college in the Alamo Colleges District. For a complete list of Enrollment (Registration) Steps go to https://www.alamo.edu/admission—aid/how-to-apply/.

The steps to complete transient student admissions requirements are:

• Apply for admission
  • Complete and submit the two (2) year admission application as a transient student via ApplyTexas by the deadline of the semester of intended admission. An active application is required to move forward with the enrollment process.

Former Student Admissions

Students who have previously attended one or more of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District and have not enrolled within the past twelve (12) months at any other institution of higher education must satisfy all applicable admissions requirements prior to registration and complete an admission application via the Returning Student Application. Returning students whose last status was Academic Dismissal must petition for registration as outlined under Academic Standing and Probation. For a complete list of Enrollment (Registration) Steps go to https://www.alamo.edu/admission—aid/special-populations/international-students/.

• Check the Alamo Colleges District website for Bacterial Meningitis vaccination requirement information at Bacterial Meningitis Requirement. Information is also available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
• Students who are returning to a college in the Alamo Colleges District after attending another institution of higher education need to submit transcripts from the last transfer institution attended.
• If students return to a college in the Alamo Colleges District after a five (5) year absence, they may be required to re-submit transcripts for admission and/or graduation. S

International Student Admissions

All persons seeking admission holding non-immigrant visas will be processed as international students. Applicants who do not currently hold a non-immigrant visa or who wish to change status from current visa may apply for admissions under an F-1 (Academic or Language) non-immigrant visa student. Please go to https://www.alamo.edu/admission—aid/special-populations/international-students/ for specific checklist items.

Applicants for F-1 student visas, or F-1 visa students transferring from a high school or institution of higher education in the United States, must submit an admission application via ApplyTexas and the International I-20 Application.

International students who are transferring from a high school, home school, or equivalent, or an institution of higher education need to look at the appropriate admission category to complete the needed steps for admission to a college in the Alamo Colleges District as well.

• High School Admission
• GED Admission
• Home School Admission
• Transfer Admission
• Transient Admission

Applicants on an F-1 visa who wish to concurrently enroll with this institution must submit an admission application via ApplyTexas and the International: Concurrent Application.

Applicants who currently hold a non-immigrant visa that are eligible to study in the United States must submit an admission application via ApplyTexas for admissions and the International: Other Visa Application.

All international applicants must follow the admission steps outlined for their visa type on the International Student webpage.

All foreign credentials must be evaluated. Admission requires a general evaluation stating credential is equivalent to that of a U.S. high school or U.S. college or university.

All evaluations must be completed by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Please note: Some evaluation services require translation from a translation service.

In order to have foreign college credit count towards the completion of a program at a college of the Alamo Colleges District, students must submit a course by course evaluation.

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

Students using a tuition waiver must meet the following conditions:    

College credit courses

• Refer to appropriate admissions type for admissions requirements
• May enroll only on the first day of the part of term based on space availability
  • San Antonio College (home school) students can enroll in San Antonio College courses prior to the first day of class.

Additional steps for college credit courses:

• Responsible for completing course requirements
• Traditional tuition waived, but responsible for associated fees
• 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
  • San Antonio College (home school) students can enroll in San Antonio College courses prior to the first day of class.

Additional steps for audit of college credit courses:

• Tuition waived, but responsible for associated fees and $65 Audit fee
• 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. Senior Citizens who audit do not have to submit admission credentials and are not subject to admission holds. Audit courses cannot be changed to credit or credit to audit after the Census date of the course or term, whichever occurs first.

Audit Admissions

Audit 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. In addition to tuition and fees for the course, an additional charge will apply.

Students who enroll only for Audit admission must:

• Complete an admission application via ApplyTexas

Note:  Students who audit do not have to submit admission credentials and are not subject to admission holds.

A change from Audit to Credit must be done prior to the second-class meeting.  A change from Audit admissions status will require all appropriate admissions documents.

ApplyTexas Application

A new application is required for anyone who is attending for the first time and for former students who have not attended for one year or more. Students will select a primary college. One application is sufficient for admission to all five of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District: Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, and St. Philip’s College.

High School Programs students must follow the Ready-Set-Apply guides for the program in which they plan to apply and/or contact the High School Program office at the respective college in the Alamo Colleges District.

Steps to Enrollment

To view the Alamo Colleges District enrollment process and download a printer friendly “Step by Step” Checklist, please refer to the AlamoENROLL website and choose your enrollment classification.

• First Time in College Students
• Former Students
• Transfer Students

Additional information and resources, including college success information, financing your future, application assistance, computer lab locations and hours, technical support and web browser information, are also available.

Validity of High School Completion

The Alamo Colleges adhere to federal and state policies/directives regarding validation of high school diplomas. The following criteria are examined to determine school validity:

• Is the high school recognized by an established accrediting body (this is not the only determinant factor);
• Are the students only required to take a test or pay fees for the issuance of a diploma (this may not be an acceptable practice for high school validity);
• Are teachers certified and/or have appropriate academic background/credentials;
• Does the high school deliver instruction, either online or in person;
• Is the high school able to provide a list of courses and a description of such courses, grading scale, master schedule and academic calendar year? Are they able to describe, communicate and provide validation of the educational product?

Under the U.S. Department of Education Code of Federal Regulations § 668.16(p), an institution is required to develop and follow procedures to evaluate the validity of a student’s high school completion if there is reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education. 

To evaluate the validity of the student’s high school completion, the Alamo Colleges may:

1.      check with the high school to confirm the validity of the student’s diploma; and

2.      confirm with the relevant department or agency in the state in which the secondary school is located that the secondary school is recognized as a provider of secondary school education.

Note: A student or institution may appeal this decision through the Office of Enrollment Services. However, should the quality of the educational program of the institution attended not meet requirements, the College reserves the right to not accept the high school’s diploma.

Registration/Transcript Holds

Holds prevent registration and/or the release of official transcripts. Registration/Transcript holds result when students:

• do not provide an official high school transcript with evidence of a graduation date
• do not provide an official college transcript
• do not comply with academic policy
• are required to consult an assigned certified advisor
• do not return equipment
• have a monetary outstanding balance
• do not provide evidence of complying with the Bacterial Meningitis Law

Academic Standing Appeal Procedure

All students who fail to meet the academic criteria stated in the current catalog of a college in the Alamo Colleges District — students on Academic Dismissal (previously referred to as Enforced Scholastic Withdrawal) must follow the admission/readmission procedures as described in the guidelines outlined under Academic Dismissal in Academic Standing and Probation in order to be re-enrolled. In addition, students may be required to submit a brief written petition to a counselor/assigned certified 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; also under the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Chapter 4, Subchapter C) is a state-mandated program that promotes academic success by ensuring that all students are prepared for college-level coursework.

TSI measures reading and writing, and mathematics skills to determine students’ readiness to enroll and perform in entry-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 a college in the Alamo Colleges District based on TSI scores or college placement scores. Students must comply with the TSI rule by taking the TSI ASSESSMENT exam or meet exemption requirements in order to enroll in courses. The exam is offered at the testing centers at the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District. Students who have taken any of the previously approved TSI assessment exams below and enrolled in courses may not need to test. Visit any of the testing centers in any of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District for further details.

Previously approved TSI Assessment Exams:

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

Effective August 26, 2013 the TSI Assessment examination is the only administered 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
  Taken after March 5, 2016:  A minimum of 480 In Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing and/or a minimum of 530 in math tests. Scores are valid for five (5) years from date of testing. 
  Prior to March 5, 2016:  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.  Students meeting this exemption will not be required to take any formal developmental education courses; however they may be administered the TSI Assessment for diagnostic purposes only.
• 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 meet this exemption are encouraged to take the TSI ASSESSMENT for diagnostic purposes to aid in program and course selection during advising.
• STARR End of Course
  Minimum of Level 2 (required minimum score of 2000 for reading, minimum score of 2000 for writing, and minimum combined score of 4000) on the English III shall be exempt from the TSI ASSESSMENT for both reading and writing, and a minimum of Level 2 (must receive minimum score of 4000) on the Algebra II EOC shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment for mathematics. Scores are valid for five (5) years from date of testing.
• College Prep
  A student who successfully completes a college preparatory course under Texas Education Code §28.014 is exempt for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of high school graduation with respect to the content area of the course. Students must enroll in content area (English and/or Math) entry-level course within one (1) year of enrollment. This exemption applies only at the institution of higher education that partners with the school district in which the student is enrolled to provide the course. Additionally, an institution of higher education may enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with a partnering institution of higher education to accept the exemption for the college preparatory course.

Students who do not provide official documentation to verify one of the exemptions above are required to take the TSI ASSESSMENT.

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

See Texas Education Code: Chapter 51, Section 51.333 online.

Common Entry Requirements for Course Placement

A detailed reference guide for common entry requirements and course placement is updated periodically throughout the academic year. Click for a pdf version of the Common Entry Requirements 2023 .

Academic Fresh Start

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 (Texas Education Code, Chapter 51, Subchapter U, Section 51.931). Academic Fresh Start must be declared upon admission to a college in the Alamo Colleges District. Fresh Start Declaration must be requested at the student’s home college.

Students who declare an Academic Fresh Start 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 colleges in the Alamo Colleges District and any other Texas state institution of higher education. 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. An applicant who elects Academic Fresh Start may apply these credit hours towards the determination of TSI requirements.

Academic Fresh Start does not eliminate credits for purposes of determining financial aid eligibility or eligibility in programs that require a separate admissions policy. Academic Fresh Start courses are NOT excluded from Three-Peat, Six Drop Limit or 18 Hour Rule processing. Previous academic standing will remain for semester processed in an Academic Fresh Start.

This provision does not exempt students from notifying a college in the Alamo Colleges District 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.  Official college transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities must be on file before an Academic Fresh Start can be approved.

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 Dual Credit students who have graduated from high school
• Transfer college students to a college in the Alamo Colleges District 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/assigned certified advisor about courses and other educational concerns if currently enrolled and pursuing a two-year degree program, planning to transfer to another institution of higher education, 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/assigned certified advisor regularly.

Many students who plan to transfer to an institution of higher education are advised to fulfill the lower-division requirements for the institution selected for their continued education. The Alamo Colleges District’s 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 a college in the Alamo Colleges District that will be accepted by the senior institutions they wish to attend.

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

Advising PIN

The Alamo Colleges District utilizes Advising PIN (Personal Identification Number) processing at critical advising touchpoints to ensure that students meet with their assigned certified advisor during their educational pathway. Students are required to meet with their assigned certified advisor when they complete 15 hours, 30 hours and 45 hours of college credit hours for coursework in an associate degree program as defined by the State Legislation §9.555. Student Advising, notwithstanding Texas Education Code §51.9685.

Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer Credit

To meet the requirements for an Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science, or an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, only those courses in which a “D” or better has been earned may be applied. To meet the requirements of an Associate of Applied Science degree or certificate, only those technical courses in which a “C” or better has been earned may be applied to meet the requirements in the academic plan. This policy applies to all degree plans. Credit may be transferred to the Alamo Colleges from institutions of higher education accredited by one of the following associations:

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Colleges and SchoolsSchools and Colleges (ACCJC-WASC)
• WASC Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and University Commissionies, Western Association of Colleges and Schools  (WASC-SCUC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Colleges and Schools
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

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 Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)
• 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 Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools Accreditation Commission (AARTS)
• 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 Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)
• Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)

The Alamo Colleges District Center for Student Information (CSI) works with the college to verify an institution’s accreditation status and for processing existing course equivalencies. Traditional classroom instruction and credit by examination are the basis on which transferred credit is recognized. A minimum of 25% of the degree or certificate hours required for graduation in residency at the college of the Alamo Colleges District granting the degree or certificate through undergraduate traditional semester credit hours.

Career and Technical Education (CATE) courses taken ten (10) or more years prior to a student’s last enrollment at a college in the Alamo Colleges District 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 may 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 VPAS.

Transfer Transcript Evaluation

The term “official transcript of record” refers to the record of coursework transferred from other accredited institutions of higher education to a college in the Alamo Colleges District. An official evaluation of college transfer coursework will be processed during the first (1) semester of enrollment at a college in the Alamo Colleges District.

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

Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended must be forwarded to the respective college in the Alamo Colleges District. 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 evaluated by the American Council on Education Guide is reviewed by the colleges of the Alamo Colleges District for credit acceptance.  Students must present an official copy of the Joint Services Transcript (JST).

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 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 a college in the Alamo Colleges District from other institutions and/or when courses from a college in the Alamo Colleges District 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 (Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter B, §4.27) 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.
• 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 (Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter B, §4.26) that an institution of higher education 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

In compliance with FERPA regulations and Alamo Colleges District’s policy, transcripts may only be released to the student of record. Students may access unofficial transcripts and grades through ACES Web Services at alamo.edu if there are no transcript holds on the student’s record. Educational Releases signed by the student are required for each request and are subject to review.

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

Transcripts will be withheld if students have not fulfilled all admissions requirements (e.g., submitting official transcripts from last institution attended) and satisfied all financial obligations to the Alamo Colleges District.

The Alamo Colleges District is now using Credentials Inc., to accept transcript requests online.

Students may request an official transcript through ACES. 

• Transcripts are NOT printed on campus. ALL transcripts are printed and mailed from an off-site location after a request is made. For this reason, it is not possible to pick up a transcript in person on the same day of your request.
• Transcript request take 3 to 5 business days to be processed when it is a printed transcript.
• PDF requests for students with no holds and/or issues within their request, are typically sent out within the hour of the order being processed.
• The PDF option applies specifically to an academic transcript (UG - undergraduate) for students with no academic credit completed before 1985.
• The PDF option does not apply to Continuing Education (CE) transcripts and Undergraduate transcripts for students with academic credit prior to 1985.
• Student with a ‘transcript-hold’ will be able to request a transcript online, but until the hold is resolved, the transcript will not be sent out.
• For information on your transcript hold, contact the Alamo Colleges Call Center at 210-212-5266 or toll-free at 1-844-202-5266
• PLEASE NOTE: If you attended more than one Alamo College, your single request-and-transcript will include all academic credit.  You only need to request more than one transcript when you have more than one intended recipient.
• During peak transcript request periods, the processing time for your transcript may be longer.
• Hold for Grades: your transcript will not be produced until the in-progress term has ended, and all grades are posted to your record.
• Hold for Degree: your transcript will not be produced until the in-progress term has ended, and all grades with your degree award have been posted. This may be as many as 45 days after the end of the applicable term.
• Include Attachments: you may include attachments to accompany your request if required by the recipient.
• Students receive the first transcript free of charge; a fee will be charged for all additional official transcripts.  
• There is a minimum charge of $10.00, via credit or debit card, per transcript.
• A $5 discount will be applied within the order when the PDF option is specified as the delivery method for those eligible requests.
• Overnight delivery is available for an additional charge.

Credit by Non-Traditional Means

The colleges in the Alamo Colleges District provide students the opportunity to receive equivalent college semester credit hours earned through Advanced Placement and non-traditional means. The colleges in the Alamo Colleges District, with appropriate departmental guidelines, reserve the right to determine the acceptable transfer credit to a maximum of forty-five (45) semester credit hours once the student has earned six (6) college semester credit hours at any of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District. Students must be currently enrolled and remain enrolled beyond the Census date in order for non-traditional credit to be posted to the student record.

Military-connected students needing an evaluated degree plan to obtain Military Tuition Assistance (TA) or Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) funding may have transfer credit for CLEP posted to their student record in advance of receiving six (6) college semester credit hours at any of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District. Eligible students must submit a request for CLEP review to their home-college Enrollment Services/Admission and Records Office.  Acceptable CLEP credit will be posted to the student record after the census date for the first term of attendance.  Questions can be directed to dst-military@alamo.edu.

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 in the same course, excluding I and W.  Credit by non-traditional means does not count toward the 25% in residency graduation requirement.

Internal Examinations for Credit Hours

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 internal proficiency exams and receive written departmental approval.
• Register in a course for which internal proficiency exam is being sought.
• Obtain information or approval form from Enrollment Services/Admissions and Records.  Upon approval students must pay the appropriate costs as defined in the fee schedule. This fee is non-refundable.
• Take a comprehensive written examination that may include prescribed performance tests prior to Census Date for the semester.
• Receive a performance grade of “C” or better to receive credit.

Note: Examinations for credit hours are not administered in all departments nor at all colleges.  A student will receive a refund for the course if a passing grade is achieved for an internal proficiency exam. No more than sixteen (16) semester credit hours earned by internal proficiency examinations may apply toward graduation.

External Standardized Examinations

Minimum scores are defined in the CLEP/AP Credit section below.

A student can re-take an external exam after 3 months have passed.

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 accredited institutions.

CLEP/AP Credit

The colleges in the Alamo Colleges District recognize the credit-granting scores recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students can be granted a maximum of forty-five (45) 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 any of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District. Specific information is provided in the following tables. 

CLEP Credit-Granting Scores and Semester Hour Recommendations¹
 

¹ Students taking the CLEP test will earn equivalent college credit from any of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District when attaining the scores indicated and the credit is treated as equal to a grade of CR 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 colleges in the Alamo Colleges District. Students may not earn more than forty-five (45) 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 any of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District when attaining the scores indicated and the credit is treated as equal to a grade of CR 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 colleges in the Alamo Colleges District and students may not earn more than forty-five (45) 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.

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 cael.org an online resource. The requirement to earn six (6) college semester credit hours at one of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District 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 one of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District, 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 forty-five (45) 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 colleges in the Alamo Colleges District 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 45-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 colleges in the Alamo Colleges District 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 colleges in the Alamo Colleges District before the International Baccalaureate credits are awarded.

International Baccalaureate Diploma
Credit Matrix for the Colleges of the Alamo Colleges District
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.