Come to HC

Apply for Admission

• Apply online at Apply Texas (www.applytexas.org)
• Or download an admissions application, complete, and mail or bring in person to your preferred campus (Apply Texas is preferred if at all possible, and will increase the speed and accuracy of your application).

Howard College is an open admissions college.  Approximately 2 weeks from the time your application is received and processed, you should receive your Acceptance Letter.  If you do not, contact the Registrar's office at your preferred campus.

Submit Official Transcripts

• High School Graduate / No Previous College:  Submit an official high school transcript showing test scores for any placement tests you may have taken, plus any end-of-year testing.
• High School Graduate with Dual Credit Hours:  Submit an official high school transcript showing test scores for any placement tests you may have taken AND an official transcript from all colleges where dual credit classes were taken.
• Previous College Credit:  Submit an official transcript from all colleges.  A high school transcript is not required.

Submit Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Documents

Senate Bill 1107 requires all students under 22 years of age entering a public, private, or independent institution of higher education in Texas as of January 2012 and thereafter to provide documentation that they have a had a meningococcal vaccine or "booster" dose within the past five years and at least 10 days prior to the first day of class.  Click for further information about this requirement and a list of exemptions for this requirement.

Meet with an Academic Advisor

You will need to come in person to your preferred campus to meet with an academic advisor to discuss your plans, such as the degree you plan to pursue, review test scores to determine if additional testing is required, select classes, etc. 

Complete Financial Aid Paperwork

You will need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Be sure to include all colleges you think you might want to attend so that they can receive your financial aid information.

Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor on your preferred campus if you need assistance.

Complete Placement Testing (If Needed)

After meeting with an academic advisor, you will know if additional placement testing is required before you can register for classes.  Ask the advisor for the Testing Schedule (or view it online) to choose a testing date that works with your schedule.  The test is administered on a computer and you will know your scores shortly after completing the test.  Once you have scores, you can register for classes (if registration is open).

Submit Housing Application

If your preferred campus offers student housing (Big Spring campus, SWCID campus), please:

• Complete a Campus Housing Application.
• Review the Residence Hall website for a guide to residence life at Howard College, including tips on future residents.
• Refer to the Housing Supplement for further questions.

Register for Classes

• When you meet with an academic advisor, ask when registration will be open for the semester you want to attend, or monitor the website for an announcement.
• The majority of new students will register in person with the help of an academic advisor once registration is open.
• Online registration is available, however all paperwork must be complete.

Paying Your Bill

• If you are receiving financial aid, it will automatically be applied when payment is due.
• If you are self-paying or if you registered early, be aware of the payment due date, or pay at the time you register for classes.
• Howard College does offer a payment plan.  Click here for details.

Be aware that if you do not make payment when due, all classes registered will be removed and you would have to re-register to continue. 

Buy Your Textbooks

• Once you have registered for classes, take your schedule to the Howard College Bookstore at your preferred campus to purchase your books.  You must have your schedule with you.
• If receiving financial aid, it should automatically be applied at the time your books are purchased (if funds remain).

Activate Your MyHC Account (Student Portal)

• On the Howard College website, click MyHC in the Student Center across the top of any page.  Instructions will be shown to setup your account.  
• MyHC gives you one-stop access to:
• Your Campus Connect and Registration Information
• Your Financial Aid Information
• Your Student Email

Attend New Student Orientation

When visiting with the academic advisor, ask when New Student Orientation will be held at your preferred campus or refer to the website for upcoming events.

• Attending this orientation will help to acquaint you with Howard College.
• Meet other new students in your incoming class.

Get Your Student ID Card

• Your preferred campus will have a schedule for providing Student ID cards.  When visiting with the Academic Advisor, ask what you need to do to get an ID card.  These are provided at no charge to the student.
• Students receiving financial aid are required to have the Student ID / Debit card.  For other students, it is optional.