The Alamo Colleges encourage students to pursue an education beyond high school and welcome all students to attend.
The Alamo Colleges recognize a variety of admissions:
Students who have graduated from high school.
Students who have passed the General Education Development test.
Students who have completed the curriculum outlined for their home school diploma.
Eligible high school students who can earn college credit for selected high school courses.
Students who have completed the sophomore year of high school or the home school equivalent and are 16 years old by the start of the academic term for which they wish to enroll. The Alamo Colleges does not guarantee that college credit earned through the Early Admission program will satisfy high school requirements.
Students who are eighteen (18) years or older and who are graduates of high school or the equivalent may be admitted if they can provide evidence to indicate that high school graduation occurred.
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.
Students who have 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.
Students enrolled in a university who are taking courses at the Alamo Colleges for only one semester.
Students who hold non-immigrant visas.
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.
The Alamo Colleges 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. As Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) institution, the Alamo Colleges admits students without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.
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. 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 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 AlamoENROLL 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.
High school graduates applying to college for the first time must complete the AlamoENROLL 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.
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 the Alamo Colleges, 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 posted graduation date, a physical address in the United States (to ensure that state’s standards are met).
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 must meet the following criteria:
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.
The Dual Credit Program allows 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. In order for students to participate in the program, area high schools must be approved to offer Dual Credit courses.
Dual credit students meet the following criteria:
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 the Dual Credit Program. Students in the Dual Credit program must reside in Bexar or the service area counties*. Students enrolling in regular college sections will pay tuition and fees. Dual Credit enrollment through Alamo Colleges Academies, Early College High School, and Phoenix Program are exempt from the tuition 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. There is a transcript fee.
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, 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.
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. Students who did not attend a regionally accredited college or university will be considered a New Student and will need to follow the High School/GED criteria. A tuition fee is required of students transferring into the Alamo Colleges.
Students with earned credit hours and seeking a degree at another institution of higher education who plan to take courses at the Alamo Colleges for one term only 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 the Alamo Colleges. Effective Summer 2016, the steps to complete transient student admissions requirements are:
Students should complete the application process well before registration begins for the term they plan to attend. Fulfillment of Texas Success Initiatives (TSI), advising and enrollment steps, and course pre-requisites may be required prior to registration.
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. Returning students whose last status was Academic Dismissal must petition for registration as outlined under Academic Standing and Probation .
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 of status from current visa may apply for admissions under an F-1 (Academic or Language) non-immigrant visa student.
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 and the International I-20 Application.
Applicants on an F-1 visa who wish to concurrently enroll with this institution must submit an ApplyTexas application for admissions 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 ApplyTexas application 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.
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 translation service.
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
Audit of college credit courses
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 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:
Note: Students 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 courses will be noted on the student’s permanent record as “AU” for Audit.
A new application is required for anyone who is attending for the first time, who applied but did not register and for former students who have not attended for one year or more. One application is sufficient for admission to all five Alamo Colleges: Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, and St. Philip’s College. 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.
Students should have the following information available before beginning the online application.
Guidelines for completing the ApplyTexas application are available through the Alamo Colleges’ home page at alamo.edu.
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 numbe from ApplyTexas.
When you consult with one of the Alamo Colleges, please have your email verification and confirmation number with you.
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 prevent the release of official Alamo Colleges’ transcripts and/or prevent registration. Academic holds result when students:
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.)
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.
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. Students must comply with the TSI rule by taking the new TSI ASSESSMENT exam or meet exemption requirements in order to enroll in courses. The exam is offered at any of the Alamo Colleges’ testing centers. 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 Alamo Colleges’ testing centers for further details.
Previously approved TSI Assessment Exams:
Effective August 26, 2013 the new TSI Assessment examination will be the only administered placement exam.
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:
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 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.
See Texas Education Code: Section 51.30621, Chapter 4, Subchapter online.
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 effective Spring 2016.
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 or eligibility in programs that require a separate admissions policy. 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.
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:
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.
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 academic plan . This policy applies to all degree plans. Credit may be transferred to the Alamo Colleges from colleges and universities accredited by one of the following associations:
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.
The Alamo Colleges Center for Student Information (CSI) is responsible for verifying an institution’s 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.
The term “official transcript of record” refers to the record of coursework transferred from other 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 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.
Transfer work from military education is accepted based on the American Council on Education Guide. Students must present an official copy of the Joint Services Transcript (JST).
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 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.
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.
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
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.
Transcripts will be withheld if students have not settled all admissions requirements (e.g., submitting official transcripts from last accredited institution attended) and satisfied all financial obligations to the Alamo Colleges.
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.
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:
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.
Applicants must submit:
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 any of the Alamo Colleges. Specific information is provided in the following tables.
Score
Sem. Hr.
Alamo Colleges Course
Business
Information Systems and Computer Applications
Introductory Business Law