Admission Policies and Procedures

The College is an open-enrollment community college system. It identifies, attracts, enrolls, and retains students reflecting the Colleges diverse population. When admitting students, the College does not consider race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

New students can apply directly to Lone Star College through the LSC online application, LoneStar.edu/admissions-application, or the Texas Common Application, ApplyTexas.org. Returning students who have not been enrolled during the preceding fall and spring semesters must update their general information by signing into their original application account at LoneStar.edu/apply. Students who have not been enrolled for two or more years will be required to submit a new admissions application.

 Admissions Criteria for Credit Courses

Applicants are typically admitted within one business day and may attend any college within the LSC system. Admission to LSC does not guarantee admission to a specific limited-enrollment program. Students may be admitted to LSC under any one of the following criteria:

1. High school, secondary education, GED, or home school program graduates.
2. High school students enrolled in dual-credit or early-college programs.
3. Special admissions may be granted for (a) students aged 16 years or younger, or (b) non-high school graduates if the College finds the applicant is able to do College-level work according to the same general standards as those students who graduated from public high school.

The College may enroll students with valid immigration visas if they qualify for any of the scenarios listed above. See Admission Procedures for International Students section of this catalog for additional information.

 Admissions Process for Credit Courses

Lone Star College’s open-enrollment process follows the steps detailed below:   

1. Submit an online admissions application at LoneStar.edu/admissions or ApplyTexas.org.
2. Submit qualifying assessment scores, or complete Pre-Assessment Activity in order to take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment.
3. Complete an assessment placement test unless TSI exempt.
4. Submit meningitis documentation if applicable.
5. Submit all official High School/General Education Development/High School Equivalency Program transcripts upon completion and College/University transcripts from institutions attended.
6. Attend a New Student Orientation if enrolling as a first-time student.
7. Register and pay for classes.

See below regarding some additional details related to admission to Lone Star College:

• Returning students must update their information and complete a new residency oath if they did not enroll the preceding fall and spring semester. Students can update their address information and answer the Texas Residency Questionnaire by signing into the myLoneStar student portal.
• High school graduates who are age 16 or younger should follow the Special Admissions Process to enroll in courses with LSC. See Special Admissions Process for details.
• All students age 17 or younger must complete and return a Parental Consent and Waiver Form available at any LSC campus prior to enrolling at LSC. See LoneStar.edu/admissions for details.
• Apply for Academic Fresh Start if needed. See LoneStar.edu/academic-fresh-start.htm for details.

 Academic Fresh Start Program

Academic Fresh Start means the College does not consider grades from courses taken 10 or more years before the start of the applicant’s first semester. The College may not give any applicant under this program course credit for courses older than 10 years. The applicant must be a Texas resident.

Under the provisions of the Texas Education Code Section 51.931, a Texas resident is entitled to apply for admission or re-admission to LSC, or to any specialized admission program at LSC, and elect to have all academic coursework earned ten (10) or more years prior to the requested enrollment date ignored for enrollment purposes. The applicant must complete the Academic Fresh Start agreement with the college admissions office prior to registration, confirming the decision to enroll under the academic fresh start statute. An applicant who decides to apply under this statute may not receive any course credit for courses taken at any college or university ten (10) or more years prior to enrollment.

An applicant who chooses to exercise the provisions of the Academic Fresh Start Program must meet all LSC admission or re-admission requirements and must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended prior to the Academic Fresh Start being granted. The courses excluded under this provision may not be counted toward a degree, may not be counted in the GPA calculations or academic standing, and may not be used to meet prerequisite requirements. Contact the campus Admissions Office for more information.

Please Note: The Academic Fresh Start Program does not apply to the Standards of Academic Progress for financial aid applicants. Therefore, the student may not qualify for financial aid based on prior academic performance.

Program Admissions Requirements

Additional admission requirements are required for some specific College programs, degrees, and certificates. Students should refer to program specific information in the Degrees and Certificates section of this catalog for details.

Special Admissions Process

Special admissions may be granted for (a) students aged 16 years or younger, or (b) non-high school graduates the College finds are able to do College-level work according to the same general standards as those students who graduated from public high school.

Applicants who are admitted under the special admission process can enroll in college courses at an LSC campus or online. In addition to the regular admission process, students age 16 or younger must:

• Show proof of education indicating graduation from public high school or completed secondary education according to the same general standards as those students who graduated from public high school.
• Once admitted, students age 16 or younger must meet with LSC personnel prior to registering each semester. Students age 15 or younger must also have a parent or legal guardian at the LSC campus, center, or facility at all times to monitor the student’s activities outside of class and to be immediately available in case of an emergency. Failure to do so will cause the student to be removed from each enrolled class.
• All students age 17 or younger must complete and return a Parental Consent and Waiver For Minor Students Form, also available at any LSC campus prior to enrolling at LSC. See LoneStar.edu/admissions for details.

 Exceptional Admissions Process

Students can earn college credits while enrolled in high school if they are admitted through the exceptional admissions process.  Exceptional admits are applicants who have not graduated high school and are able to present sufficient evidence of their capability to do college level work. 

College credits earned through the exceptional admissions program will be accepted by most institutions on the same basis as other college credit. There is a possibility, however, that a specific transfer institution may add additional requirements for transfer purposes. Contact the transfer institution’s admissions office, a high school counselor, or an LSC Dual Credit advisor LoneStar.edu/dualcredit for more information.

Participation in the exceptional admissions program may make some students ineligible for University Interscholastic League (UIL) competition in certain academic areas, depending on the courses taken. English and history courses do not affect eligibility. Students should contact their high school advisor for specific UIL requirements.

The following actions must be completed by all exceptional admission students prior to registering:

• In addition to the regular admission process, exceptional admits must provide evidence that required course prerequisites have been satisfied such as high school, home school, or college transcript, and high school graduation plan.
• All students admitted under exceptional admissions must complete the Dual Credit/ Exceptional Admission Course Approval form, which lists the college and high school classes, and is signed by the student, parent/guardian, high school principal, or designee. See LoneStar.edu/dual-credit-admission for more details.
• Students age 15 or younger must also have a parent or legal guardian at the LSC campus, center, or facility at all times to monitor the student’s activities outside of class and to be immediately available in case of an emergency. Failure to do so will cause the student to be removed from each enrolled class.
• All students age 17 or younger must complete and return a Parental Consent and Waiver for Minor Students Form, also available at any LSC campus prior to enrolling at LSC. See LoneStar.edu/admissions for details.

Dual Credit at Lone Star College

Dual credit is part of Lone Star College’s exceptional admissions program. High School students  who demonstrate college readiness through a college placement exam can qualify to earn high school and college credit simultaneously while still enrolled in high school. Dual credit students receive a 100 percent discounted tuition rate. All other fees will be assessed at their regular rate. See LoneStar.edu/tuition for details.

LSC colleges have agreements with several high school districts that permit eligible high school students to earn college credit while satisfying high school graduation requirements at the same time. Upon approval by the high school principal, or designee, and college admission through the exceptional admissions program, a student may enroll in college courses taught either at the high school or at LSC.

In order for students to be eligible for dual credit, all of the following must be met:

• The high school has an agreement with Lone Star College.
• The student is currently enrolled in a public, or private, high school or home school.
• The student has a current LSC application on file.
• The student meets the requirements for exceptional admission.
• The student has approval from high school designee, college designee, and parent/guardian.
• The student has demonstrated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) compliance and/or taken an approved assessment test.
• High school students must complete each college course attempted with a grade of C or better in order to continue in the dual credit program. Students age 15 or younger must have a parent, legal guardian or authorized responsible adult at the LSC campus, center or facility to monitor the student’s activities outside of class and to be immediately available in case of an emergency.

    For additional information about dual credit and dual credit eligibility, see LoneStar.edu/dualcredit for more information.

    Note: Registration deadlines for dual credit differ from the regular college registration deadlines.  Refer to LoneStar.edu/registration for details.

Returning from Active Military Service

The College has two duties under this policy: (a) provide the student a financial aid package similar to the one for which the student was eligible before withdrawing for military service (this assumes the student meets the current financial aid eligibility requirements and conditions); and (b) allow the student the same academic status the student had before the student withdrew for military service, including any course credit the College awarded the student.

Admissions Procedures for International Students

LSC is certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enroll non-immigrant students carrying valid F-1 (student) visas for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and degree-seeking programs. Currently there are about 2,500 international students from 100 different countries on various immigration types enrolled at Lone Star College. LSC adheres to the DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidelines. It is the responsibility of the student to have knowledge of DHS regulations pertaining to their visa type. 

F-1 Student Enrollment

Enrollment involves ten processes:

1. Admission as an F-1 student
2. Visa/status approval by the U.S. government
3. U.S. arrival
4. Satisfy insurance requirement
5. Meningitis requirement (if applicable)
6. Check in with DSO
7. Advisement and original transcript submission
8. Placement testing
9. Orientation
10. Course registration

The procedures outlined below are required for the Lone Star College F-1 student admissions process and issuance of the Form I‑20. The student will receive an I-20 and acceptance letter from the International Advisor/DSO if all admission requirements have been met. After being admitted by Lone Star College, the student is solely responsible for applying for F-1 visa or status with the U.S. Consulate, or transferring their SEVIS record if already an F-1 student. Please refer to https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students for guidelines for each type of applicant.

Please note, certain programs of study such as healthcare programs have additional admission requirements. Check with the particular academic program for more information. See LoneStar.edu/f1admissions for additional F-1 Visa Student Admissions Requirements.

F-1 Student Admissions Procedures

Admissions Application Period:

• For Applicants from outside of the United States:
  • Fall Semester: April 1 - July 1, immediately prior to desired semester of enrollment
  • Spring Semester: September 15 - November 1 immediately prior to desired semester of enrollment
• Transfer students*:
  • Fall Semester: April 1 - August 15, immediately prior to desired semester
  • Spring Semester: September 15 - December 15 immediately prior to desired semester
  • *F-1 transfer applicants who have completed a program of study at either a U.S. institution (high school, language school, college/university, etc.) must be admitted and transfer their SEVIS records no later than 60 days after program completion to remain in status per F-1 visa regulations.
• Change of Status Applicants: No less than 60 days from current visa status expiration as determined by expiration date on I-94 Admission Card/Record or no less than 60 days before the 21st birthday for dependents on certain visa types.

F-1 Students Authorizing a Representative

To have an authorized representative communicate with LSC about your application or to pick up your I-20:

• New applicants: Send an email to the International Student Advisor/Designated School Official at your campus from your myLoneStar account once you have completed the online application. Your email should list the authorized representative’s name, ID number/passport number and the permission you are giving him or her.
• Current LSC Student: Complete the Authorization to Release Educational Records Form located at www.lonestar.edu/international-student-forms.htm. In the “Other” field list F-1 Admissions, Form I-20, or both and select any other types of information you want to release to that representative. Include the representative’s ID number/passport number. 

Required for All Applicants Requesting an LSC Form I-20

Transfer F-1 visa students and applicants seeking to change their visa status to F-1 while in the U.S., please see the following pages for additional required documents. F-1 students with an I-20 from another institution (concurrently enrolled) do not have to submit the documents outlined in this section, but must submit different documents as outlined in the section F-1 Students with Form I-20 from another Institution (Concurrent Enrollment) below.

• Choose the LSC campus you would like to attend before beginning the admissions process: Visit LoneStar.edu/maps for a listing of all LSC locations.
• Complete the New Student Online Application: LoneStar.edu/admissions-application. In the application, select the LSC campus to which you are applying. You can only select one location.
  • When completing your online application, ensure that you:
    • List your name exactly as it is written on your passport
    • Select that you are applying for an F-1 visa if you do not already have a student visa or are requesting to transfer. If you are an F-1 transfer student or an F-1 student with an I-20 from another school seeking to take some classes at LSC, select F-1 as your visa type.
  • Please Note: After completing the online application and logging in to your student account, you will see a hold for F-1 Insurance Requirement. You do not have to fulfill the insurance requirement to be admitted. Please do not take action until you have been admitted and approved for a visa. F-1 students on a LSC Form I-20 will need to fulfill the insurance requirement after visa approval and prior to class registration. Concurrently enrolled F-1 students will need to provide proof of exemption before they will be allowed to register. Please read the information in the F-1 Insurance Requirement hold for more information.

• Prepare and email all of the documents below as PDF or JPG attachments in one complete packet to the International Student Advisor/Designated School Official at the LSC campus you chose in your New Student Online Application by the specific deadline. If you send your documents to a campus other than the one you indicated, your application may be delayed or denied. The required forms are available from LoneStar.edu/international-student-forms. Original documents may be required at any time.

• International Student Application for F-1 visa (form): LoneStar.edu/international-student-forms.
• Proof of high school completion and a certified translation if the official document is not in English. Before you can register for classes, you must submit the original documents to the Admissions Office. 
  • Proof of college-level course work (not English Language classes) in the U.S. can be used to satisfy this requirement.
  • Proof of college-level work from outside of the U.S. can be used to satisfy this requirement if it meets the criteria listed here: www.LoneStar.edu/international-transcripts. Also see this website if seeking to transfer college/university credits from abroad.
  • LSC reserves the right to determine whether a document satisfies the high school completion requirement. See www.LoneStar.edu/international-transcripts for a list of common documents accepted by country.
  • Documents used by LSC to satisfy the high school completion requirement are for LSC admissions purposes only. LSC cannot be responsible if transfer universities have different or additional requirements.
  • Note: Applicants who listed previous college attendance in the New Student Online Application will also be required to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended and a certified translation before registering for classes.
• Proof of sufficient English proficiency is required to ensure that prospective students can benefit from the Lone Star College ESOL program. All applicants, including those who plan to take English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, must submit one of the following:
  • Official transcripts from an accredited U.S. college or university showing successful completion of coursework including a college-level writing course (not ESOL).
  • Official records from a foreign high school or higher education institution where English is the primary language of instruction may indicate English proficiency. Upon arrival, students will be required to take placement testing to determine eligibility for admission into college-transfer courses. Students who do not meet the minimum scores will be required to take developmental English and/or ESOL courses.
  • Minimum scores on one of the following English language tests:
• Composite scores: TOEFL 347; TOEFL IBT 19, IELTS 2, TOEIC 255
• Score per section (Reading, Language Use, Sentence Meaning, and Listening sections required): ACCUPLACER ESL 46.
• Scores are valid for two years.
• Admitted students may be required to assess for placement in the intensive English language program (ESOL program) or developmental English classes upon arrival depending on their test scores.
• The following scores allow students to take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test to determine eligibility for admission into college-transfer courses. Scores are valid for two years. Refer to www.LoneStar.edu/English-Proficiency-Requirement  for more information:
• Composite Scores: TOEFL paper 530; TOEFL IBT 71; TOEIC 700; or IELTS 6.0
• Score per section (Reading, Language Use, Sentence Meaning, and Listening sections required): ACCUPLACER ESL 120

• A completed and signed Financial Responsibility Statement (form) showing that adequate funding is available to pay for the applicant’s educational and estimated living expenses for at least one academic year. A copy of the sponsor’s picture identification and sponsor’s signature on the form is required. Form is available at LoneStar.edu/international-student-forms.
• Provide two of the following three financial documents showing, at minimum, the amount listed on LoneStar.edu/international-tuition. If documents are not in English, please include an official translation. The type of currency must be clearly listed. Additional supporting documents may be required.
  • A letter from the employer on official letterhead of each sponsor with 1) the name of the employee 2) the employee’s position/title 3) the annual salary 4) the dates of employment. Letter cannot be more than 1 month old.
  • Bank letter on official bank letterhead with 1) account holder name 2) date account opened 3) current balance and 4) average yearly balance. Letter cannot be more than 1-month old
  • Official savings or checking bank statements for the last 3 months
• Copy of passport for applicant and for spouse and/or children who will be an eligible visa dependent (F-2) valid for at least 6 months at the time of application.
• Maintaining Your F-1 Status (form) located at LoneStar.edu/international-student-forms

An F-1 student seeking to transfer from another U.S. college/university must complete the following steps and submit the documents to the International Student Advisor/Designated School Official at the LSC campus where they wish to enroll:

• Complete the requirements in the section titled Required for All Applicants Requesting an LSC Form I-20
• Provide copies of the following documents:
  • International Student Transfer-In Information Form completed by an international student advisor from the students current institution located at LoneStar.edu/international-student-forms. Applicant must be in status to be eligible for transfer.
  • Copy of U.S. admission stamp in passport for applicant and for any eligible dependent spouse and/or children (F-2). The validity date must list D/S (Duration of Status).
  • Print out of electronic I-94 record from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ for applicant and for any eligible dependent spouse or children (F-2). The validity date must list “D/S” (Duration of Status).
  • Copy of F-1 visa for applicant and for any eligible dependent spouse or children (F-2)
  • Copy of I-20s from current and any previous schools for applicant and any eligible dependent (F-2)

Applicants on another Visa Seeking to Study on an F-1 Visa (Change of Status)

Change of Status Applicants: If you meet the admission requirements, Lone Star College will issue the Form I-20 for the semester you request in your International Student Application if classes are available for your language abilities. However, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has special rules about the expiration of your current status and when your F-1 program should start. This may negatively impact the decision they give you. It is your responsibility to make sure you meet their requirements. We advise you to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney. Lone Star College cannot be responsible for a denial by USCIS. Please see the Instructions for Form I-539 section on the USCIS website for more information: www.uscis.gov/i-539.

Applicants seeking to change their visa status from another visa type to an F-1 visa must complete the following steps and submit the documents to the International Student Advisor/Designated School Official at the LSC campus where they wish to enroll:

• Complete the requirements listed in the section titled Required for All Applicants Requesting an LSC Form I-20
• Provide copies of the following documents:
  • Copy of U.S. admission stamp in passport for applicant and for any eligible dependent spouse or children (F-2). The validity date cannot be expired.
  • Print out of electronic I-94 record from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ for applicant and for any eligible dependent spouse or children (F-2). The validity date must list “D/S” (Duration of Status).The validity date cannot be expired.
  • Copy of visa for applicant and for any eligible dependent spouse or children
  • Completed Form I-539. Download form: www.uscis.gov/i-539
  • Additional documentation may be requested to confirm valid status

Applicants Currently in the U.S. Requesting an Initial Form I-20

Applicants currently in the U.S. on another visa type who request an Initial Form I-20 and plan to depart the U.S. to apply for their F-1 visa/status, must complete the following steps and submit the documents to the International Student Advisor/Designated School Official at the LSC campus where they wish to enroll:

• Complete the requirements listed in the section titled Required for All Applicants Requesting an LSC Form I-20:
• Provide copies of the following documents:
  • Copy of U.S. admission stamp in passport for applicant and for any eligible dependent spouse or children (F-2). The validity date cannot be expired.
  • Copy of I-94 card or print out of electronic I-94 record from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/ for applicant and for any eligible dependent spouse or children (F-2). The validity date cannot be expired.
  • Copy of visa for applicant and for any eligible dependent spouse or children
  • Additional documentation may be requested to confirm valid status

F-1 Students with Form I-20 from another Institution (Concurrent Enrollment)

F-1 visa students whose SEVIS record will remain at another institution but would like to take some classes at LSC will need to provide the following to the International Student Advisor/Designated School Official at the LSC campus where they wish to enroll:

• Copy of current Form I-20.
• Letter from their International Student Advisor/Designated School Official at their current institution. The letter must indicate good immigration standing. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they maintain full-time enrollment between the two schools.
• Please note: Official transcripts must be submitted to the Lone Star College Admission’s Office prior to registering for classes per the following:
  • Proof of high school completion and a certified translation if the official document is not in English. Before you can register for classes, you must submit the original documents to the Admissions Office.
    • Proof of college-level course work (not English Language classes) in the U.S., can be used to satisfy this requirement.
    • Proof of college-level work from outside of the U.S. can be used to satisfy this requirement if it meets the criteria listed here: www.LoneStar.edu/international-transcripts. Also see this website if seeking to transfer college/university credits from abroad.
    • LSC reserves the right to determine whether a document satisfies the high school completion requirement. See www.LoneStar.edu/international-transcripts for a list of common documents accepted by country.
    • Documents used by LSC to satisfy the high school completion requirement are for LSC admissions purposes only. LSC cannot be responsible if transfer universities have different or additional requirements.
    • Note: Applicants who listed previous college attendance in the New Student Online Application will also be required to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended and a certified translation before registering for classes. 

Accepted F-1 Students

Once accepted for admission into a college, the student will receive a welcome packet containing an I-20 form which is used to apply for an F-1 visa.

All new F-1 international students must attend a mandatory international student orientation session before the start of their first semester in addition to any orientations required by the LSC campus where they enroll. The International Student Advisor/Designated School Official at the college will provide date, time, and location information. The mandatory orientation provides important information about campus resources, SEVIS F-1 visa rules, and the LSC mandatory Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

F-1 visa regulations require students on an F-1 visa to enroll in and maintain enrollment in a minimum of 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester. At least 9 of these credit hours must be in face-to-face classes each semester for students enrolled in all college-level classes (courses that begin with the number 1 or higher). Students taking any ESOL or developmental education courses (courses that begin with a 0) cannot take any courses that are online, hybrid, teleconference, etc. Only courses that count towards a student’s degree requirements can be used to fulfill the 12 credit hour requirement. Other rules pertaining to the F-1 visa program apply as outlined in the Maintaining Your F-1 Status form in addition to college policies and procedures that apply to all students.

F-1 students must have an academic plan on file with their SEVIS Designated School Official and also make reasonable academic progress towards completion. If there are any changes, see the SEVIS Designated School Official.

F-1 visa international students, with an LSC-issued I-20 form, must maintain health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment, including while on approved medical leave.  In order to fulfill this requirement, an F-1 visa international student may either: 1) purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) from the LSC-approved SHIP Administrator, or 2) obtain an approved waiver if the student has an alternative health insurance plan that meets the Lone Star College waiver criteria.  Purchase of the LSC SHIP, waiver approval, or exemption must be verified each semester by the International Student Advisor/SEVIS Designated School Official before an F-1 student will be allowed to register for classes. Please see the http://www.lonestar.edu/23662.htm website for eligibility requirements and instructions on satisfying the requirement.

Use this checklist after admission: LoneStar.edu/accepted-current-international students