Congratulations on choosing the Alamo Colleges!

Start the application process by going to   Ready-Set-Apply , your guide to completing the online ApplyTexas application. You need an active personal  (non-school related) email address to fill out the application.  If you plan to apply for federal financial aid, you will need to include your social security number on your ApplyTexas application.   

Please allow 5 business days for application processing. 

Once your application is processed, you will receive two emails to your personal email:

• One from ApplyTexas
• One from Alamo Colleges, which will include next steps to access Alamo Colleges Education Services (ACES) student portal. The "Start Here" tab at the top will get your started on your AlamoENROLL checklist.   

While you're waiting for your application to be processed, you can save time by:

• Submitting transcripts (See Step 2)
• Complying with the state law on bacterial meningitis vaccinations (See Step 3)
• Complete your Financial Aid application (FAFSA) (See Step 4)
• Visit Career Coach  to find out how the Alamo Colleges can help you meet your career goals.  

Official transcripts are required in order to enroll. Send us your unopened, official transcripts as soon as you complete your application to avoid enrollment delay.

What transcript is required?

• Prior to Graduation: High school seniors must submit an official 6 semester transcript
• After Graduation: High School graduates must submit an official transcript with TEST SCORES and GRADUATION DATE
• Official high school transcript must contain the high school seal and may be submitted in person or sent electronically by the high school.
• Home School 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 have a notarized non-final official transcript of the high school equivalent work.
• GED graduates must submit an official GED Certificate with scores from Texas Education Agency (TEA) to your Alamo Colleges Enrollment Services/Admissions & Records Office
• Students who have graduated from a high school outside of the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by an organization approved by the National Association of Credential Services  (NACES).   

IMPORTANT: Open transcripts are NOT accepted for admissions purposes. Transcripts must be in the original, unopened, sealed envelope.

A hold will be placed on your record until an unopened, official transcript has been received by the Alamo Colleges.

Mail or bring your official transcripts to (links to Campus Map):

Texas law requires incoming college students under age 22 to be immunized against bacterial meningitis. The Alamo Colleges uses Magnus Health  to collect and process student bacterial meningitis information. Magnus Health is a secure and easy-to-use website for submitting bacterial meningitis documentation.  Some exemptions automatically apply; see the  FAQ's  or the information below to confirm you status.  

Alamo College District defines an international student as a student who is in the United States on non-immigrant visa or plans to apply for a student visa (F-1). There are three types of international students, one who is requesting an initial I-20 for F-1 visa or is transferring their I-20, one who has an active I-20 from another university or college and wish to concurrently enroll, or one who has an active non-immigrant visa that allows visa holder to study in the United States.

International Student Application Types:

International Student:  I-20

International students who are in their home country and wish to apply for the F-1 visa and would like for one of the Alamo Colleges to issue the Form I-20

International student who are already on an F-1 visa and attending a college/university or language school and wish to transfer their I-20 to one of the Alamo Colleges

International student who is currently on another non-immigrant visa who wishes to submit a “Change of Status” from current visa to the F-1 visa and is requesting one of the Alamo Colleges to issue the Form I-20.

Provide the following to the International Student Services Offices

International: I-20 Application Form (print/complete/return)

Required Financial Statements-to meet cost of attendance ($24,358 U.S. Dollars)

Official transcripts from high school and/or college

Original transcripts-submit to International Student Services

Translated by American Translators Association a nd evaluated by an organization that meets the quality guidelines endorsed by the National Associate of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)

Proof of English Proficiency (determined by your  ESOL course level)

Proof of English Proficiency (not required for ESL Program)

TOEFL score: 500

iBT TOEFL score: 61

IELTS score: 5.5

ESL Program

You will take a test to determine your level of English proficiency

This test will be scheduled once you obtain your visa

Please arrive in San Antonio two weeks before classes begin to schedule your test

Attach a photo ID

Complete the Statement of Understanding

Processing Fee

$100.00 US Dollars (non-refundable)

Cashier check or money order made payable to Alamo Colleges (attach to application)

For online credit card payments, visitVirtual Business Office

Under Alamo Colleges Market Mall select “Paying for one of the above? Click Here”

Select Alamo Colleges International Services

Select International Application Fee

Print receipt and mail copy with the international application

International Student:  Concurrent or Transient

International student who is currently on an F-1 visa thru a college or university and would like to take one or two classes at one of the Alamo Colleges

Your I-20 will still remain issued by your current college or university

A transient student is one who will only be attending one of the Alamo Colleges during summer your I-20 will remain issued by your current college or university.

International Student: Other Visas

You are currently under a non-immigrant visa other than an F-1 student visa, such as HB1 or J1 etc.,

You do not wish to submit a “Change of Status’ to an F-1 visa (no Form I-20 issued)

Alamo Colleges will verify your non-immigrant visa allow for study in the U.S.

Application Deadline (Only for International Students requesting I-20)  

New International Students:

• Deadline for  fall  semester (August): May 15
• Deadline for  spring  semester (January): October 15

International Transfer Students

• Deadline for fall Semester (August): July 1
• Deadline for spring Semester (January): December 1

International Student applying as Concurrent/Transient and Other Visas please visit Calendars for current Registration/Payment Calendar for deadlines.

Alamo Colleges Education Services (ACES) is the online hub of activity and information for students, faculty and staff. You will use ACES to complete the AlamoENROLL modules, register for classes, and access your college records and student email. Once your application is processed, you will receive an email at the address on your ApplyTexas application from Alamo Colleges with instructions and information for ACES. Log-in, open the Start Here tab and you are ready to get started on your AlamoENROLL modules! 

Check your personal email account for an email from the Alamo Colleges. 

1. Follow the information in the email. 
2. Then go to www.aces.alamo.edu
3. Click on the blue link: "How do I get a username and password?"
4. Enter your last name
5. Enter the last 4 digits of your SSN
6. Click Submit
7. Information on your username and default password appear
8. If we were unable to find a match or there were multiple matches, please contact one of the Alamo Colleges IT Help Desks below.           

Students are more successful with a good start in college and confidence building begins as soon as a student expresses interest in the Alamo Colleges. The Go FAARR and Test Prep modules offer students valuable strategies for entering college and being successful on the Texas Success Initiative (TSI)  test. 

Note: To claim an exemption or submit your official TSI scores, contact your college testing center directly. All students entering the Alamo Colleges are required to complete the Go FAARR module regardless of the TSI status. 

Begin the state mandated TSI Pre-Assessment Activity by taking the AlamoENROLL modules:

• Login to ACES
• Click on the " START HERE " tab
• Click on each " Incomplete" button to access the Go FAARR  and Test Prep  modules. You may take either module first and you do not need to wait for the "Complete" or "Checkmark" to begin the second module.
• Review the important information on the Start Here tab

In order to take the TSI test with Alamo Colleges, you must complete both the GO FAARR  and TEST PREP Modules. If this is your first attempt at the TSI test, a testing hold is on your record until both modules are completed. If you have TSI scores on file with the Alamo Colleges, you may be exempt from the TSI Pre-Assessment Activity and be eligible to retake the test at the next available test session. 

Important! The level of your TSI scores does not affect your admission to the Alamo Colleges, but is used to place you in appropriate courses. Students who do not meet the minimum TSI scores, are considered "not TSI complete", and must enroll in a course designed to strengthen skills in reading, writing, or math. (See Refresher Step 8)

Additional test preparation resources

It's important that your TSI scores accurately represent your skills and knowledge.  These tools and resources to help you prepare for the tests are open to the public and can be accessed at any time:

• Texas College and Career Readiness (ACCUPLACER Study Guide ) 
• Alamo Colleges Testing 101   
• TSI Sample Questions  
• TSI WriterPlacer Sample Essays  

Once you have completed the modules in Step 6, you are eligible to take the TSI test. This is part of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI)  requirements set by the State.

Note: To claim an exemption or submit your official TSI scores, contact your colleges testing center directly. 

Testing fees:

Full TSI Exam, 3 parts (Reading, Writing and Math) = $32.00

Individual subject exam = $12.00

Select your preferred location to schedule a TSI test.

Test scores will be reviewed with you during a brief Post-Assessment Advising session conducted immediately after completing the TSI test. Students who score below college readiness in math, reading and/or writing on the assessment tests will be required to enroll in a Refresher  course(s). Refresher courses provide a student with a second opportunity to improve their course placement; ultimately decreasing the time and cost of completion of a degree or certificate.  

Understanding your TSI test scores

Interpreting Your Test Scores

An academic advisor guides you in choosing classes that match your college and career plans. After completing all AlamoENROLL requirements (Steps 1 - 8):

• Schedule a new student orientation (NSO) session if attending college for the first time. Most orientation sessions include advising, but your college will schedule an advising appointment if this is not the case.  
• Dual credit, Early College High School, Alamo Academies and Early Admissions graduates with college level semester hours must also schedule an advising session.

All first time credit students are required to complete new student orientation prior to  registration  for classes. All AlamoENROLL steps 1 - 9 and any holds must be fulfilled to be eligible to register.  Once you are cleared to register, an online registration guide  is available to assist you with the process.

·  To see how much you need to pay, view your Account Summary through ACES /MyPage Tab / My Account  

·  Tuition bills will not be mailed

·       Registration and payment deadlines  are available online.  

      Payment Options  

• Financial Aid Award
• Payment Plan  in installments  
• Payment by credit card or check must be made online  through your ACES account
• Cash payments can be made in person at the Bursar / Business Office of your college

Payment in full or by installments must be made by the payment deadlines or you will be dropped from your classes.  

Note: All Alamo Colleges' students pay a Campus Access Fee  which also covers parking at any of the Alamo Colleges' campuses, off-site locations or district offices.  No sticker or decal is distributed.  For students, the fee of $25 per semester is included when you pay your tuition and fees each semester, with the maximum fee paid not to exceed $50 per year. 
 

Attend Class

Attending classes and participating in them helps you make better grades and meet your goals. Your first week of class, especially the first day, provides you with important information for the rest of the semester. The Alamo Colleges requires regular and punctual attendance in all classes. Your absences are recorded immediately and can even impact your eligibility for financial aid.

• If you  DO NOT  attend on the  FIRST DAY  of each class in which you are enrolled, you may be  DROPPED  from the class
• Waivers may be available; contact your instructor  prior to the first class session.  

Get Your Textbooks and Supplies

Students enrolled in Texas public colleges and universities have a number of options (purchase, rent, borrow) to access their required and recommended instructional materials for classes.  By publishing the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and new and used pricing, the Alamo Colleges provides transparency in textbook purchasing by allowing students to know prices in advance and to search for better prices. NOTE: Contact the instructional department if textbook information is not available for your class.  

Student ID Card

Obtain your free Alamo Colleges Student ID card in person at any college during new student orientation or at the Admissions & Records Office. You can use your ID card to access on-campus services and receive local discounts.

• Full payment of tuition and fees or a payment plan is required
• Bring an official photo ID for identification.
• Student ID cards cannot be mailed.

VIA Bus Passes
The Campus Access Fee  covers the cost of a Via Bus Pass available at the campus business office only. A valid student ID card is required to obtain a bus pass.