Community College Option

Searching For The Right Fit

Searching For The Right Fit

Students have a vast array of post high school education options. Community college is a great choice for many reasons.

  • close to home

  • affordable

  • associate and certification programs

  • smaller classes

  • taking a variety of classes to determine major/career

What degrees do community colleges offer?

  • Certifications

  • Associate of Arts (AA)

  • Associate of Science (AS)

  • Applied Associate of Arts (AAA)

  • Applied Associate of Science (AAS)

  • *Lone Star College now offers three Bachelor's degrees

    • Cybersecurity Bachelor of Applied Technology

    • Energy, Manufacturing, & Trades Management Bachelor of Applied Science

    • Nursing Bachelor of Science

10 Factors in Choosing the Right Colleges for You

Community College: FAQ - There are many great reasons to choose a community college. College Board's Big Future program highlights some of the great aspects of attending a community college.

Community College Finder - The American Association of Community Colleges will help students find a community college throughout the United States. Many students would like to attend college outside of their hometown without paying the cost of attending a four year university right away.

What degrees do community colleges offer?

  • Certifications

  • Associate of Arts (AA)

  • Associate of Science (AS)

  • Applied Associate of Arts (AAA)

  • Applied Associate of Science (AAS)

  • *Lone Star College now offers three Bachelor's degrees

    • Cybersecurity Bachelor of Applied Technology

    • Energy, Manufacturing, & Trades Management Bachelor of Applied Science

    • Nursing Bachelor of Science

10 Factors in Choosing the Right Colleges for You

Community College: FAQ - There are many great reasons to choose a community college. College Board's Big Future program highlights some of the great aspects of attending a community college.

Community College Finder - The American Association of Community Colleges will help students find a community college throughout the United States. Many students would like to attend college outside of their hometown without paying the cost of attending a four year university right away.

A Few Community Colleges in Texas

In District vs Out of District

Community colleges serve school districts in their area. Lone Star College is the community college system that serves our area. Our students are considered "in district" if they attend any Lone Star College campus. All other community colleges will be considered "out of district" for our students, which means that tuition will be just a little higher. The cost will not be that of a four year university, but is something that a student must consider.

Below are links to a few Texas community colleges

Alamo Community College - Alamo Community Colleges are located in the San Antonio and surrounding areas. Our students will be considered out of district, which will affect their tuition rate.

Austin Community College - Austin Community College system is located in the Austin area. Our students will be considered out of district, which may affect their tuition rate.

Blinn College - Blinn College has two locations, Brenham and Bryan. Students may apply to either campus using one application.

Houston Community College - The Houston Community College system has some wonderful things to offer with many campus locations. Our students will be considered out of district, which may affect their tuition rates.

Lone Star College - Lone Star College is a highly rated community college system. Many locations are right here in our back yard! Not sure what you want to do after you graduate from high school? LSC is a great option! Whether you want to pursue an associate degree (two year), earn a certificate, or simply take a continuing education course they have it all.

McLennan Community College - Being right in Waco, Texas, McLennan is a great choice for many students wanting to attend Baylor University after they receive their associate degree.

Application Process

Most community colleges in Texas use Apply Texas, and there is no cost to apply.

Application Timeline

  1. August-October: Submit application

    1. Common application websites: Apply Texas, Common Application, Coalition or college/university created application

    2. The majority of community colleges will not require an essay, but be sure to check the college website or application website.

    3. Be aware that your area of study may have prerequisites. Make sure to check the college website.

  2. October 1st: Submit FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

    1. File FAFSA every year you plan to be in college! Opens October 1st each year. File in October for the next school year and tax information lags a year behind.

    2. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

    3. Do your best to submit your FAFSA or TASFA by December 15th

  3. November-January: Complete placement testing (if you have not done so already)

    1. Community colleges will require placement testing. Students can submit any of the following to demonstrate college readiness. This is to ensure that you are placed correctly in your courses.

      1. TSIA - tests students in reading, writing and math areas. The majority of students entering community college will use TSIA scores.

        1. TSIA (prior to Jan 2021) - Reading 351+, Writing 340+ AND 4+ essay, Math 350+

        2. TSIA2 (Jan 2021 and after) - ELAR 945+ AND 5+ essay, Math 950+

        3. PREPARE FOR YOUR TSIA2!
          Accuplacer TSIA2 Practice
          Union Test Prep TSIA2 Practice
          TSI Practice Test

      2. SAT scores (EBRW 480+ and Math 530+) - Send through your College Board account

      3. ACT scores (Reading 19+, Math 19+, AND Composite 23+) - Send through your ACT account

  4. December-January: Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination

    1. Submit documentation through the online applicant portal

  5. Apply for scholarships through the college and the Local Tomball Scholarships for Seniors

    1. Local Tomball Scholarship Websites will be posted on this website in December, due in January (date TBA)

    2. Don't forget to apply for scholarships through your community college as well as any other outside scholarship websites!

  6. March-May: New Student Orientation, advising, and register for classes

    1. Check your online applicant portal to sign up for a New Student Orientation

    2. Students will be advised during orientation, and can begin registering for classes

  7. Submit your final transcript

    1. Seniors can begin requesting final transcripts in April. One final transcript will be sent AFTER graduation. Additional final transcripts can be requested for a fee. Follow instructions per high school to request transcripts.

  8. June-August: Gather materials for class

    1. Books and supplies needed for class

    2. Not sure what you'll need? Ask during new student orientation what will be beneficial to have when you begin classes.

As always, remember to search for scholarships year round!

Transferring Credit: Texas Common Course Numbering System

Many students will take courses at the community college then transfer to a university. Some students who take courses full time at a four year university will take summer classes at a community college as well.

Here is a helpful article on transferring credits. Important Factors in the Transferring Process

Students earning college credit through a community college or transferring from one university to another will find it helpful to do a search using "transfer course equivalency" on the college/university website that they plan to transfer in. This will assist in knowing how and what credit will be able to transfer. As always, consult an advisor at the transfer institution because ultimately it is up to that institution what credit will transfer toward the degree you are seeking.

Transferring College Credits - Texas Common Course Numbering System - Many students plan on transferring from a community college to a four year university. The Texas Common Course Numbering System website can help students determine if their credits will transfer. **Please make sure you are being advised by your university you plan on transferring to for the final determination of credit transfer.

  • Click on "Compare Schools"
    Use the drop down menu to select your schools in which you are attending and transferring to

  • Click "Compare Courses"
    You will then be given a chart with three columns. The first column is a list of all the common courses. The second and third columns are the two institutions in which you are comparing.

Campus Tours

  1. Campus tours

    1. A very important part of the college application process, and not something to skip!

    2. 11th and 12th grade students receive two college visit days per year. College Visit Day Policy & Procedures (for 11th and 12th)

  2. Prerequisites for your area of study

    1. Some areas of study may have prerequisites for you to complete prior to entering that major. Be sure to check the college website!

  3. Submit your FAFSA or TASFA EVERY YEAR you plan to be in college

  4. Apply for scholarships EVERY SEMESTER you plan to be in college