About the Non-Traditional Dual Credit Program

The Dual Credit program for non-traditional high school students allows eligible students to earn college credit for up to two tuition-free courses taken at Northwest Vista College while satisfying high school curriculum requirements.

Who is considered a non-traditional high school student?

A non-traditional high school student is a student who is enrolled in a home school program or in a high school which is non-accredited or not recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

How do I know if I am eligible to participate?

• You must be currently enrolled in a non-traditional high school program.
• You must be at least 16 years of age by August 1st of the academic year you enroll in.
• You must meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment requirements (see below for details).
• The college makes the final determination on all admissions decisions.

Assessment Information

All students enrolled in a Texas public institution must satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. You may be exempt from these requirements if you have earned the following minimum scores on the SAT or ACT:

If not exempt, you must attempt the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) or state-approved alternate exam. NVC offers the Accuplacer as a state-approved alternative exam on a regular basis. The cost of the exam is $15 and you must provide a picture ID. Call the NVC Assessment Center at 348-2059 for the current testing schedule and details or visit the Assessment Web site.

Application and Other Documents Required

• Northwest Vista College Web Admissions Application. Please be sure to only apply for the semester in which you are enrolling to avoid having to re-apply. indicate Undeclared Dual Credit - Home School or Undeclared Dual Credit - Private School when selecting your major on the application.
  The Fall 2007 Dual Credit Web Admissions Application will be available beginning mid March. Applications will not be accepted for Fall 2007 after April 30, 2007.
• Parent & Student Consent Form.
• Transcript or record of school subjects completed consistent with TEA minimum requirements. Private school transcript must be signed by the registrar to be considered official . Home school transcripts must be notarized to be considered official (notary public services are available on campus at no charge).
• Proof of Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exemption or college-level THEA or alternative THEA scores.
• Certain students may need to provide additional documentation to verify their residency status. Common requirements are Military Verification Forms for active duty military dependents, Resident Alien cards for permanenet residents, and proof of immigration status for non-permanent residents.
• Please submit or bring all documents to the Student Success Center.

Program Costs

You may take up to two tuition-free college-level courses each semester. You will, however, be responsible for the cost of transportation, textbooks, supplies, and applicable fees (such as a parking permit if parking on campus).

Available Courses

Students may enroll in courses taught through Northwest Vista College provided that:

The parent/legal guardian of home school students or High School Principal/Director of private school students will be required to certify that each course will satisfy high school completion requirements. Documents will be provided for this purpose.

Students may view course offerings and descriptions in the NVC Catalog.
The current semester's class availability may be viewed in the NVC Class Schedule.

Getting Started

Complete and submit the referenced documents, obtain a transcript, complete any testing requirements, and visit the Student Success Center for advisement and (if applicable) registration. Although students are encouraged to speak with the Dual Credit Department, any advisor may assist Dual Credit students in their absence. Advising and registration services are available on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis in the Student Success Center. It is recommended that students register as early as possible as classes fill quickly.

Current/Former Dual Credit Students

Students must meet with an advisor each semester for advisement and registration (phone or web registration is not available to Dual Credit students). It is recommended that students register as early as possible as classes fill quickly. Although students are encouraged to speak with the Dual Credit Department, any advisor may assist Dual Credit students in their absence. Advising and registration services are available on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis in the Student Success Center. Students will need to provide a Currently Enrolled Dual Credit Application and Student & Parent Consent Form. Students may be asked to provide an updated transcript to verify continued eligibility in the program.

Contact Person

Julia Garza-Bryant
(210) 348-2145
jgarza-bryant@mail.accd.edu