First Steps

Your First Steps to Becoming a College Graduate

1. Apply to be admitted to Richland College.

Complete an online application for admission. Applying early is a good idea. An early start also ensures you have plenty of time to visit with an advisor and plan your course schedule. There are several convenient ways to get an application and apply:

• Online at https://www.RichlandCollege.edu/Why/Apply/Admission/Pages/default.aspx.
• Online using the Apply Texas Application at www.ApplyTexas.org
• An Adobe PDF version at https://www1.dcccd.edu/stuapp/
• Come by the college and fill out your application in person or get assistance in applying online.
• Provide official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended.
• Provide ACT/SAT/TAKS/STAAR Scores
• Provide official high school transcript earned within the last five years.
• Provide bacterial meningitis documentation to the Admissions Office.

2. See your college advisor.

After you are admitted to college, you must participate in a Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA), take a practice test and attend an orientation session. Please contact your college's Advisement/Counseling Center to schedule these sessions. After you complete a Pre-Assessment Activity and practice test, you will be required to take the TSI assessment if you are not exempt or waived from the Texas Success Initiative test. After your assessment is completed, you will visit with your academic advisor to select your courses. See Academic Advising at https://www.RichlandCollege.edu/services/advising/pages/default.aspx for more information.

3. Select a Program of Study

You are encouraged to select a program of study before you register for classes. Students who do not select a program of study will be prevented from receiving an official transcript once a student acquires 45 credit hours.

4. Register for classes.

You may register for classes by:

• If eligible, register online at https://econnect.dcccd.edu/. There are certain qualifications you must meet to register online. Log into https://econnect.dcccd.edu/ to view requirements.
• If not eligible to register online, you will be required to register with an advisor at one of the colleges of the DCCCD.

There is no late registration. If you do not register by the end of the registration period, you will not be able to register in the 16-week long semester classes. For flexible term classes, you must be registered before the first day of the class. For students receiving financial aid and enrolling in flexible term classes, it is important that you check with the financial aid office for your registration deadline date.