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New CTC Students, First-Time in College

Applicants who have not previously attended any regionally accredited college or university are considered first-time in college (FTIC) students. All new college students seeking a degree or certificate from CTC are required to:

  1. Complete the CTC Application for Admission at www.ctcd.edu/apply or the ApplyTexas application at GoApplyTexas.org.
  2. Sign the oath of residency and submit substantiating documentation as may be required. Nonresident active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to duty in Texas and their family members are entitled to pay resident tuition rates. To qualify, the student may be required to submit a completed Military Verification form or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders prior to the census date of the first semester of enrollment that he or she will be using the military tuition waiver. Refer to the "Determining Resident Tuition" section of this Catalog for additional information.
  3. Any student who completed their high school diploma or GED within the past 5 years must submit an official high school transcript or high school equivalency documentation (such as a GED or TEA Approved High School Equivalency certificate). Effective fall 2017 documentation must be received by the end of the second term of enrollment. If obtaining an official high school transcript or high school equivalency documentation presents a hardship for the applicant, other documents as determined by CTC may be accepted. If documentation is not received, a hold will be placed on the student’s record. General admission students who completed their high school diploma or GED more than 5 years ago are exempt from providing an official high school transcript or high school equivalency documentation. Special conditions may apply to students receiving federal financial aid or applying for specific programs of study.
  4. Meet the Texas Success Initiative requirements by taking the required state-approved Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) unless TSI exempt or waived. To determine if you are TSI exempt or waived, review the “Texas Success Initiative” section of the Catalog and visit with an academic advisor. CTC offers the TSI Assessment 2.0. Test results are for placement purposes only and not an admission requirement. Refer to placement/prerequisite requirements if enrolling in English, mathematics, or reading-intensive courses. Note: The Texas Success Initiative applies to all students residing and enrolling in CTC classes in Texas and bonafide Texas residents regardless of location who wish to enroll in distance learning (online) courses eligible for in-state tuition. Students enrolling in classroom courses taught at one of CTC’s Continental locations are not required to take the TSI Assessment 2.0 but encouraged to do so for course placement purposes. 
  5. Consult with an academic advisor or a designated advisor at your location to discuss a program of study and course selections.
  6. Arrange to attend the new student orientation session. In-person and virtual sessions are available. Orientation is highly recommended but not a requirement. All first-time new students are encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if they may be eligible for student financial assistance

All first-time new students are encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if they may be eligible for student financial assistance.