New-to-College Student

You're a New-to-College or First-Time-in-College (FTIC) student if you have not attended a college or university after high school. Even if you took dual credit classes, you're still considered an FTIC student when you enroll at TCC.

 
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Getting Started at TCC

Our steps walk you through the process, from applying for admission to starting your classes at TCC.

 

Skip to Any Step

  1. Step 1
    Apply for Admission & Financial Aid
  2. Step 2
    Complete Registration Requirements
  3. Step 3
    Prepare to Register
  4. Step 4
    Explore Your Payment Options

Apply for Admission

How do I apply to TCC?

Complete and submit an application for admission.

Apply now with ApplyTCC.

You can apply online with ApplyTCC (use Chrome or Firefox for the best experience), or use ApplyTexas* as an alternate online application method.

*If you applied through ApplyTexas, please allow additional time for processing.

What's the deadline to apply to TCC?

Find deadlines and important dates in the 2025–2026 Academic Calendar.

What are my next steps?

Check your personal email within 24–48 hours.

You will receive emails about instructions on activating your student email, submitting any supporting documentation, and next steps.

Apply for Financial Aid

Apply for financial aid and scholarships as early as possible for the best chance of receiving funds.

Learn more about how to apply for financial aid.

You can also apply for our available scholarships.

Submit Supporting Documents

After you've applied for admission and been accepted, you will need to submit your supporting documents.

Visit the pages linked below to learn how to submit your documents.

New Students

Provide the following documents only if applicable:

High School/Home School Graduates

Provide the following documents only if applicable:

High School Equivalency Recipients

  • Official State of Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency, or
  • Official GED certificate from issuing state

To submit these documents or for help with high school equivalency report orders, contact an  Admissions and Registrar Office.

Non-High School Graduate/Non-GED Recipient

Meet Your TCC Coach

Coaches and other TCC representatives provide support in completing your application, the registration process, and your transition into college.

While meeting with your coach, you will:

  • Review FTIC requirements
  • Complete the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)
  • Help you find out if you are eligible for a testing exemption
  • Obtain a TSI Assessment referral
  • Create a MyPlan referral (if your major is undecided)
  • Take the Online Readiness Assessment (if you’re enrolling in any online courses)

Contact our Success Coaches for more assistance.

Contact your Enrollment Coach if you are a current high school senior.

Explore Testing Requirements

Common test requirements include, but are not limited to:

You may be eligible to use:

For more information on other tests, visit a Testing Center.

Meet Your Career Advisor

Career Advisors help you plan out your academic and personal goals.

Meeting with a Career Advisor is required.

When you meet with a Career Advisor, you will:

  • Review your TSI Assessment placement scores and determine which courses will work best
  • Go over your MyPlan results (if you set this up during your Success Coach meeting)

Connect with our Career Advisors.

Attend New Trailblazer Orientation

New Trailblazer Orientation (NTO) ensures you are registered for your desired classes. All FTIC students are required to attend NTO.

During your scheduled NTO session, you will complete the admissions process by registering for your classes. NTO introduces you to TCC and college studies to ensure you have a successful semester.

Pay for College in a Variety of Ways

Identity Validation

Please be prepared to provide a valid photo ID when visiting TCC offices. For virtual visits, you must turn on your camera and show photo identification for verification by TCC staff.

Accepted forms of photo identification include:

  • Current High School ID
  • TCC Student ID
  • Driver's license
  • State-issued identification card
  • Passport
  • U.S. Department of State Official Visa
  • Consulate card

Download These Steps

Annual Security Report

Tarrant County College Police Department prepares the Annual Security Report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported Clery Act crimes that occurred on campus, in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the Tarrant County College District, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The Annual Security Report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and policies regarding alcohol, drug and tobacco use.

You can receive a printed or accessible copy of the Annual Security Report by visiting one of our campus police departments or calling 817-515-5500.

Read the Annual Security Report (PDF)

Updated July 01, 2025