ACC/Dual Credit
ACC REGISTRATION GENERAL INFORMATION:
Registering for SPRING classes is due in early September
Registering for SUMMER classes is due in early March
Registering for FALL classes is due on April 1st each year.
FOR SPECIFIC REGISTRATION DATES OR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ALPHA COUNSELOR (See "Counselor Contact" tab at the top)
ACC Dual Credit Information
Ms. Kidwell is the MHS counselor who coordinates the ACC program. You can reach her at stephanie_kidwell@roundrockisd.org.
A great source source of information about ACC and Dual Credit can be found on the ACC home page (www.austincc.edu). Be sure to click on "Dual Credit Programs" for important information specific to taking college classes while in high school.
Information for PARENTS of Students Enrolled in Dual Credit Courses at ACC
ACC Dual Credit STUDENT Resources and Support
Includes several 'how-to' videos and other valuable resources for dual credit students.
ACC Registration Tutorial Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdLC7iF7URo
Tips for taking Distance Learning Classes
1) Read the course description and log into class as soon as possible
2) Many classes use Blackboard - please log on and read through the mandatory orientation (if required)
2) Read the syllabus and note the test dates - create a calendar
3) Hold yourself Accountable- Devote a certain time of day for class - manage your time well and find a quiet place to study
4) Eliminate distractions during your study time - from Netflix to Social media - this is a college course - spend more time than you think you should to prepare
5) Get to know the professor - when emailing for help, be sure you use your ACCemail only!!
6) Don't be afraid to ask for help - advocate for yourself!
7) Use technology to your advantage
8) Connect with other students who have the same professor, you can study remotely together
9) Take your tests on or before the deadline!
10) If you don’t do well on the first test, ask for specific feedback from the professor, so you know how to study differently for the next exam.
General Information
Students and parents should view the ACC/ECSPowerPoint Presentation and read the updated list of approved Dual Credit Courses.
Transfer Information to colleges and universities- ACC's transfer guide
Texas General Education Core Curriculum - allows you to search Texas college/ university core curriculum requirements for course planning.
ACC Student Handbooks- English version and Spanish version
ACC Application
Application:
1. Students must create an account and then start/complete an application. These are two separate tasks.
2. In the application, when students are getting to the high school attended portion. The dates they attended from should be the year they started at the high school and the attended to should be their actual grad year. If not done correctly, they will get unnecessary holds that may prevent them from registering on time.
3. In the application, when they get to the question that asks for the basis of admission. Students MUST select "High School Dual Credit Program (Receiving Both High School and College Credit)." If students do NOT select this then they will not receive a confirmation with their ACCeID. If they select high school graduate or anything else other than what I just listed, then students will have to reapply with the correct basis of admission. They use their same account, but select "Create a New Application" and hopefully do it correctly.
4. If the student has applied correctly, they should receive a confirmation email with their ACCeID - 24 hours after applying. Once an ACCeID is received the student can move forward with activating their account, setting up an email and securing their ACC DC Documents from Ms. Kidwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q. When can students begin taking courses at ACC?
A. Students can begin as soon as the summer following 8th grade, however we advise most students wait until after at least their freshman year in high school. There is a certain level of maturity and responsibility that comes with taking these courses and it is the beginning of a college transcript!!
Q. What courses are offered at McNeil?
A. For the 2020 school year, McNeil will offer English III (English 1301 & 1302), English IV (British Literature 2327), speech, Economics, Government, Sociology.
Q. Are classes offered at McNeil in the summer?
A. No, all classes are offered on the ACC campuses. There are multiple sections of classes restricted for RRISD students only, however a student can take whatever class best suits their needs.
Q. What can you tell me about Distance Learning courses?
A. DL classes are offered for many of the Dual Credit courses. We strongly encourage students to take their first college course in a classroom with a professor and students to get the college feel and to have a solid experience. Half of students that take DL classes fail – not good odds. Successful students that take DL classes are highly motivated, responsible, dedicated, disciplined and need little direction or interaction with teachers/ professors. Students are their “own professor” and have to take tests at the college, however there are a few courses that tests can be taken from home.
Q. Are grades calculated into GPA?
A. In RRISD, grades made in Dual Credit courses are not part of the GPA. Courses and grades however are part of the high school transcript. Grades at ACC are letter ( A, B C) and once put on the high school transcript they are changed to numeric grades ( A = 95, B = 85, C= 75).
Q. What grade do I need to make in order to get high school credit?
A. Students must make a C or better to get high school credit.
Q. What is SAP?
A. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) College records are permanent. Therefore, it’s important to maintain satisfactory academic progress while enrolled at ACC, even as a dually enrolled high school student. Failure to do so may affect future college financial aid and/ or transfer eligibility. The elements of SAP are Grade Point Average, Competition Rate, and Maximum Time Frame.
Q. Will I always be eligible to take Dual Credit at ACC?
A. All dually enrolled HS program students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students who fall below a cumulative GPA of 2.0 will lose their tuition waiver for one probationary semester. Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for two semesters (consecutive or nonconsecutive) will result in a student being ineligible for the dual credit tuition & fee waiver. Dually enrolled students who don’t maintain good academic standing are subject to further disciplinary action as outlined in the ACC Catalog & Student Handbook.
Q. Do I need an ACC ID?
A. It is recommended students who are taking a class on an ACC campus or online, that they acquire their free ACC student ID card sometime the first week of their class. If a student is already in a class, they don't need to get one now unless they really want to go up to campus. They can obtain it in person at any campus Admissions & Records Office. They can use their ID card to access on-campus services and receive local discounts.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q. What if I don’t have a social security number?
A. There is a form to fill out to get you an alternate id to use for ACC’s purpose only. See Mrs. Kidwell.
Q. I don’t know my major, do I have to fill out those sections of the application?
A. YES! If you don’t know which Area of Study or major you want, then use Liberal Arts and General Studies.
Q. This application seems like one for college – is that the correct one for ACC Dual Credit?
A. Yes, you are taking a college course and must go through the same application system as a high school graduate.
"COLLEGE READINESS" QUESTIONS
Q. Can I use my SAT scores from middle school?
A. Yes, SAT & ACT scores are good for 5 years.
Q. Can I use my PSAT 8/9 scores?
A. No
Q. Can I use my PSAT/NMSQT scores?
A. Yes, you must have a 460 (EBRW) for Reading and Writing and 510 (Math) for classes that involve math (ex. math, science, economics classes)
Q. For TSI testing, can I just complete the Reading and Writing portions?
A. No, you must take the entire test which includes math as well.
Q. How do I take the TSI test at ACC?
A. Please call the closest campus and ask about their testing hours. Make sure that you take a copy of the PAA, Photo ID and payment.
Q. Where do I get practice material – what is on the test?
QUESTIONS ABOUT CLASSES
Q. Can I take classes not on the Approved Dual Credit list?
A. Tuition and fee waivers only apply to core classes, language courses and workforce courses leading to a certificate or associate’s degree. See Ms. Kidwell for questions.
QUESTIONS ABOUT MATH CLASSES
Q. I would like to take Precal or Calculus this summer. How do I sign up?
A. You will need to take the ALEKS test to register for a math class higher than College Algebra or Elementary Statistics. Please go to austincc.edu and in the search bar type in ALEKS TEST. It will link you to information about the test and how to sign up to take it. Math classes are very strict on their prerequisites.
QUESTIONS ABOUT LANGUAGE CLASSES
Q. I've taken Spanish 1 & 2 and would like to take Spanish 3 at ACC - is that possible?
A. As with math, there are prerequisites and students must show readiness for a college level 3 vs a high school level 3. Please read link below to help with your decision making.
http://sites.austincc.edu/fola/credit-by-exam/
QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOKS
Q. Are books provided for me?
A. No, you will have to purchase, rent or borrow a book. Your professor will have information in their syllabus about books required. There are some classes where materials are available online for free the first day of class.
Q. Where can I get the books?
A. ACC bookstore, ACC library, Half Price books, Amazon
QUESTIONS ABOUT PAYMENT
Q. Is it all free?
A. Tuition is free for the approved dual credit courses ( except for some Fine Arts and PE) However some classes may have a workbook, textbook or first day fees associated with the class. When completing online registration, always check to see if a payment is required. Fees that are part of the class and must be paid for or the student is dropped from the class. It is wise to always check this when completing the process.
QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS
Q. Do I have to order a transcript? How much does it cost?
A. Students must order a transcript once they have completed the course so grades/credits can be placed on their high school transcript.
PLEASE SEND TRANSCRIPTS TO:
Annette Griggs, Registrar
McNeil High School
5720 McNeil Dr.
Austin, Texas 78729
QUESTIONS ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS
Q. I get extended time on testing - will I receive accommodations in ACC/college?
A. Once you have applied to ACC and completed the enrollment process, new students should contact the most convenient SAS office (Student Accessibility Services), complete an application for services, submit relevant diagnostic documents and meet with SAS staff to determine eligibility. There is an SAS office at each campus. www.austincc.edu/sas
Differences Between High School and College Accommodations Handout
EOC EXAM OF US HISTORY
All high school graduates must take and pass 5 EOC exams ( English I, English II, Biology, Algebra and U. S. History). Students that take the ACC US History must still take the exam.
The state mandates the window of time the test is offered. Typically students who take the First Summer Term ACC course ( June) will take the exam at the end of June. Students who take the Second Term ACC History course will take the exam in December. It is important that students take this test seriously and save their notes to review if they must wait until December.