Dual Credit Application Process
- I am interested in Dual Credit! What do I do next?
- I have decided to apply for Dual Credit! What is the process for applying for the Dual Credit Program at Richland College?
- I have completed my application for Dual Credit. Where do I submit my application?
- Richland College Admissions Office in Thunderduck Hall - T170L or T170J
- Richland College Dual Credit Office in Crockett Hall - C196, C180, C161, C159, or C152
- Your High School Counseling Office: Only as directed per the instructions on your application packet provided by your high school counselor
- I have turned in my application. What do I do next?
- I have completed my application and the Accuplacer test. I’m ready to register for classes at Richland College or at my high school. Why can’t I register online or through Academic Advising in Thunderduck Hall?
If you are interested in the Dual Credit program at Richland College, be proactive and schedule an appointment with your high school counselor or home school instructor to discuss your interest in Dual Credit. High school counselors can provide a wealth of information regarding the Dual Credit program at your high school and can explain other options for obtaining college credit in programs, such as College Tech Prep. High school counselors and home school educators are instrumental in helping high school students select approved courses eligible for high school and college credit simultaneously. In addition, counselors advise students when the application process will begin at your school. Each high school predetermines the deadlines for the Dual Credit application process for the high school every year. Therefore, each high school student is responsible for verifying the required deadline for completion of the application from the high school counselor. Application packets for Dual Credit are available from your high school counseling office, the Richland College Dual Credit office in Crockett Hall, or by visiting our website: www.richlandcollege.edu/dual.
The first step is to fill out the online DCCCD Admission Application for High School Students at https://www1.dcccd.edu/stuapp/. Once the application is submitted, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance containing your DCCCD/Richland College student identification number. Print a copy of the Letter of Acceptance to submit with your other required documents. Then, you may set up your eConnect account. eConnect is a web interface that provides a variety of online services relating to student records. Students can access their registration summary, class schedules, final grades, advising report (unofficial transcript) or request official transcripts. In addition, students can access the online bookstore to purchase textbooks and update contact information through eConnect. You may setup your eConnect account by visiting econnect.dcccd.edu and click the link, "I’m New to eConnect."
The second step is to complete the High School Student Enrollment Form, also called a Permission Form. The High School Student Enrollment form requires signatures from the student, parent, and high school counselor or home school official. This document gives Richland College permission to enroll the high school student in Dual Credit or Concurrent courses. Furthermore, the High School Student Enrollment form advises your Dual Credit Advisor of which courses have been requested and approved by your high school counselor for registration during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The High School Student Enrollment forms are required to be completed each academic year or each semester the student is enrolling as Dual Credit/Concurrent student.
The third step is to complete the DCCCD Consent to Emergency Treatment. If the student is under the age of eighteen, a signature from the parent is required. If the student is over the age of eighteen, the student’s signature is required.
The fourth step is to complete the FERPA/Registration by Proxy form. Dual Credit students enrolled in college classes are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. In order to comply with federal laws dealing with the confidentiality of official student records (FERPA), the student must sign a written release authorizing registration by a proxy and/or authorizing the release of the student's educational information to the proxy. If the student wishes to be registered by the parent(s) or allow parent(s) to have access to certain educational records this form must be completed, signed and submitted to Richland College.
The fifth step is to request your official high school transcript. Your high school transcript must include the signature from the high school official and/or seal embossed on the document. It is important to keep your transcripts sealed in order for the document to remain official. Home school transcripts require the course name, letter grade, signature of instructor or home school official, and seal of notary public.
The sixth step is to prepare your college placement scores. Students may submit copies of their 11th grade Exit Level TAKS, SAT, or ACT scores with their application packet or verify your college placement scores are available on your official high school transcript. If you do not have test scores, the Dual Credit Advisor will issue you a test referral to take the, Accuplacer, the Richland College assessment test, once the admission process is completed.
Beginning the spring 2012 semester, Dual Credit students may be required to submit documentation for proof of the Bacterial Meningitis vaccination 10 days before the first day of the semester you enroll. Some exemptions are available from the new State of Texas immunization requirement. For more information, please contact a Dual Credit Advisor or the Dual Credit Associate Registrar in the Admissions Office.
Your Letter of Acceptance, High School Student Enrollment Form, DCCCD Consent to Emergency Treatment, FERPA/Registration by Proxy Form, Official High School Transcript, College Placement Scores, and Proof of Meningitis Vaccination (if necessary) may be submitted in person to the one of the following locations:
Applications must be submitted by the deadlines predetermined by your high school. If you are not sure about the deadline for your school, please contact your high school counselor or the Dual Credit office.
If needed, the next step is to prepare to take the Richland College Assessment Test, called the Accuplacer. Students may take the Accuplacer exam in the Richland College Testing Center in Medina Hall or at their local high school. If the student is taking the Accuplacer in the Testing Center, the student will need a test referral provided by the Dual Credit Advisor and a photo ID. Test referrals can be obtained when you turn in your completed application to the Richland College Admission office or Dual Credit office. If the Accuplacer is offered at your high school, the high school counselor will schedule the exam when the application is completed. All students may prepare for the exam by visiting the following website: http://www.richlandcollege.edu/advising/tsi.php and click on the link "How do I prepare for the assessment?"
After you have completed the Accuplacer in the Richland College Testing Center, it is your responsibility to contact your Dual Credit Advisor in person or by email to verify your test scores. Students are not approved to register for Dual Credit/Concurrent courses until your scores are confirmed by the Dual Credit Advisor.
Students are only allowed to take the Accuplacer Exam once a semester. It is suggested to apply and assess early in order to allow yourself time to retest if needed during the next semester, but prior to your high school deadline.
Dual Credit students are required to register for classes through their Dual Credit Advisor. Your Dual Credit Advisor will register Dual Credit/Concurrent Students for classes based upon the approved course selections from the High School Student Enrollment Form. Dual Credit Advisors are trained specifically to collaborate with high school counselors and administrators to meet the specific requirements to ensure high school students are enrolled in appropriate courses to receive Dual Credit. You may confirm your registration of classes by printing your receipt or viewing your class schedule in your eConnect account.
For more information on the Richland College Dual Credit Admissions and Registration Process: please download the Dual Credit Admissions and Registration Process (PDF), contact your Dual Credit Advisor, or high school counselor.