The Ultimate Guide to Enrolling at Lonestar College

Welcome prospective Lonestar student! As an expert advisor who has helped thousands of students start their college journey, I‘m thrilled you‘re considering Lonestar.

With multiple campuses plus online options, Lonestar provides accessible education to 80,000+ Houston-area students. I‘m here to walk you through everything you need to know – from admissions to classes – to confidently enroll.

While college enrollment can seem daunting, I‘ll be with you every step of the way. This comprehensive guide answers all your questions, so you can focus on excitement for this new chapter! Let‘s get started.

When Should I Apply to Lonestar?

While Lonestar has rolling admission, I recommend applying as early as possible. By submitting your application months in advance, you ensure plenty of time for items like:

• Processing transcripts and test scores
• Advisor meetings
• Assessment testing (if needed)
• Orientation completion
• Registration for best class availability

Here are the ideal Lonestar application deadlines:

• Fall semester: June 1
• Spring semester: November 1
• Summer semester: May 1

Meeting these deadlines guarantees you the widest selection of classes. Popular courses and times fill up quickly – apply late, and you may end up with an inconvenient schedule, waiting lists, or closed classes.

Earlier is better! For example, the nursing program application for fall is due in March. I advise submitting a general application as a first-time freshman by November 1 at the very latest.

What are the Admissions Requirements at Lonestar?

Since Lonestar employs open enrollment, admissions requirements are inclusive:

• High school diploma or GED – Official transcripts required

• Completed application – Available online, takes about 15 minutes

• Qualifying test scores (if applicable) – SAT, ACT, TSIA

• Texas residency – Texas ID/license, voter registration, lease, etc.

• Age 17+ – Requirement varies by program

Unlike four-year colleges, you do not need minimum GPAs, letters of recommendation, admissions essays, or extensive extracurricular profiles.

An open access mindset allows anyone with a high school credential to pursue higher education at Lonestar.

What Programs are Most Competitive at Lonestar?

While Lonestar aims to include all students, a few limited enrollment workforce programs receive abundant applicants. Competitive programs to keep in mind are:

• Nursing: With a shortage of nurses, Lonestar‘s Nursing program is highly competitive. The ADN program admits just 90 students twice per year. Applicants should have 3.0+ GPAs and strong assessment scores.

• Physical Therapist Assistant: This rewarding healthcare career path attracts applicants with its average salary of $59k. However, just 30 students per campus are admitted fall and spring. Strong grades in science prerequisites are key.

• Process Technology: Lonestar‘s Process Tech associate degree feeds into lucrative oil industry careers. However, the program only admits 24 students per semester across all campuses. Applicants with related industry experience may have an edge.

While I encourage applying to your desired program, having a flexible backup plan helps in case competitive program attempts are unsuccessful.

What Percentage of Applicants are Accepted?

In the 2019-2020 academic year, Lonestar received 21,318 applications, and 20,239 were accepted – an acceptance rate of 94.8%. This high admission rate demonstrates the colleges truly practice open access.

However, within selective programs, admission rates can be significantly lower. For example, the acceptance rate for the ADN Nursing program was 17% in 2019, meaning less than 1 in 5 applicants gained admission.

Program	Applicants	Accepted	Admission Rate
ADN Nursing	659	112	17%
Physical Therapist Asst	251	30	12%
Process Technology	86	24	28%

So while overall admission is very likely, applicants to popular programs should have backup plans and may need to reapply. Cast a wide net!

What are Common Reasons Applications are Rejected?

Since the admission criteria are reasonably basic, rejections are rare assuming paperwork is complete. Here are some common reasons applicants may get denied:

• Incomplete documentation: Missing transcripts, test scores, IDs, or other required records

• Disciplinary issues: Code of conduct violations, suspension/probation, or criminal background flags

• Capacity filled: Applying late to a competitive program already at capacity

• Age requirement: Program minimum not met (ex: not yet 17 years old)

• Residency not proven: Failure to provide documents proving Texas residency

As long as you avoid these pitfalls by following instructions closely and applying early, you can expect a smooth application process!

Do I Need a High School GPA?

While Lonestar does not require a minimum high school GPA, your grades still matter for placement purposes. Here‘s how GPA impacts enrollment:

Under 2.0 GPA

Students entering with under a 2.0 high school GPA take Lonestar‘s placement test, called the TSIA. TSIA results determine skill levels and readiness for college-level vs. developmental courses. Students needing extra support take developmental classes to sharpen reading, writing, and math abilities before college-level work.

2.0-3.0 GPA

Applicants with a 2.0-3.0 high school GPA can often begin in entry-level college courses based on their transcripts. However, TSIA testing may still be needed for proper placement, especially with GPAs under 2.5.

Over 3.0 GPA

Students entering with high school GPAs over 3.0 demonstrate readiness for standard college curriculum. Assessment testing rarely needed. Some scholarships become available at 3.25+.

While low GPAs don‘t prohibit admission, higher grades help place into regular college-level classes right away. Lonestar wants to see you thrive!

How do Lonestar‘s Tuition and Fees Compare?

As a community college, Lonestar provides excellent education value! Here‘s how Lonestar‘s in-district tuition compares:

School | Yearly Tuition | Savings vs. Lonestar
—|—
Lonestar College | $4,410 | –
Houston Comm. College | $5,550 | $1,140 more
University of Houston | $11,350 | $6,940 more
Texas A&M | $12,120 | $7,710 more

Based on 15 credits per semester, Lonestar saves students $1,140-$7,710+ per year compared to other area colleges! That‘s significant savings.

And financial aid can reduce costs further. On average, Lonestar students receive $6,190 in grants and scholarships per year, covering most of the base tuition.

Affordable tuition combined with generous financial aid makes Lonestar extremely accessible. Education need not be expensive!

What Services are Available for Disabled Students?

Lonestar strives to provide equal access to students with physical or learning disabilities through the PASS department. Services include:

• Exam accommodations: Extended time, distraction-reduced space, readers
• Assistive technologies: Speech to text, audio books, hearing assistance
• Physical assistance: Note takers, campus mobility assistance
• Counseling and advising: Specialized support and planning

To request accommodations, students complete the PASS application, provide disability documentation, and meet with a counselor to develop an individualized plan.

Adaptive equipment and technologies are available at campus learning labs. Lonestar makes college success possible for diverse learners!

How Do I Register for Classes?

Once accepted, you can register for Lonestar classes online through your Student Center account. Follow these steps:

1. Meet with an advisor to select ideal courses for your program and schedule. They provide registration approval.

2. Check the course schedule for class days, times, formats, and availability. Make a wishlist.

3. Add selected classes by clicking "Register" or "Add to Cart" in your Student Center.

4. Adjust schedule as needed. Run it by your advisor.

5. When set, click "Proceed to Payment" to finalize enrollment.

6. Pay tuition by stated deadlines – grants, loans, and payment plans can assist.

Registration opens earlier for current students. As a new student, you‘ll register during new student orientation. Act quickly for best selection!

What‘s the Difference Between a Section and a Course?

This is a great question! At Lonestar, courses refer to the actual subject and curriculum, like English 1301 or Chemistry I. These are designed the same regardless of professor.

Sections are the specific class sessions of a course. Each section represents a unique day/time/schedule version of the course. For example:

English 1301 (Composition Course)

• Section P01: MW 9-11 am with Dr. Sanchez

• Section P02: TR 1-3 pm with Mr. Witt

• Section VH1: Online with Dr. Abbasi

Sections give scheduling options for fitting courses into your routine. Sections of the same course cover identical material, just at different times or formats.

During registration, don‘t limit yourself to one section! Enroll in the section that best fits your personal schedule across the great options Lonestar offers.

How do I Get into Competitive Classes That are Full?

Some courses fill up quickly, especially electives like photography, music, or creative writing that are popular for personal enrichment. Don‘t be discouraged if your preferred class is full! You still have options:

• Join the class waitlist. Add yourself to the list in case enrolled students drop and open seats. Monitor it closely.

• Consider alternate sections. If a morning section is full, try an evening or online version that may have spots.

• Ask the professor if they can increase the cap size to accept a few extra motivated students. This works occasionally.

• Consider substitutions. What other classes fulfill the same degree or interest need? Widening choices makes registration easier.

• Plan to retake it next semester. Enroll in other required courses in the meantime. Patience pays off!

With some creativity and persistence, you can access the courses you want most. Our advisors are also happy to help strategize options.

Am I Required to Take Developmental Classes?

Students needing additional support in reading, writing, or math may be required to take developmental classes along with regular curriculum.

Placement into developmental classes is based on:

• High school GPA below 2.0
• ACT scores below 18 in relevant subjects
• TSIA exam showing skill deficiencies

Developmental classes start with very basic concepts and build up to college readiness. Taking these "prerequisite" classes sets you up for future success when transitioning into standard college courses.

Think of developmental classes not as a barrier, but as the key to unlocking your potential! Our support resources help ensure you grasp the material.

How Do I Get My Transcripts and Test Scores Sent to Lonestar?

Great question! To complete your application, Lonestar needs official copies of the following:

• High school transcript: Request through your guidance counselor or registrar. Most use electronic transcript services which deliver documents instantly online.

• SAT/ACT scores: Send directly from College Board / ACT accounts. The Lonestar SAT code is 6870. The ACT code is 4178.

• AP/IB scores (if applicable): Get the official score reports and submit alongside your transcript.

• GED (if applicable): Order transcripts through the Texas GED testing website.

Electronic delivery through approved vendors ensures quick processing. Bring any hard copy scores and transcripts to the Registrar‘s Office in person. Send items immediately after applying!

What Types of Financial Aid are Available?

Money should never prohibit your education! Here are the main types of financial aid available at Lonestar:

Grants – Federal and state

• Need-based, no repayment needed! Provides up to $6,195 per year

Scholarships

• Competitive awards based on academics, talents, demographics – free money!

Student Loans

• Offered at low interest rates, variety of options

Work Study

• Part time campus jobs to earn tuition money

TEXAS Grant

• Covers tuition/fees for eligible TX residents (must apply fast!)

Waivers

• Fee reductions for senior citizens, military, dual credit students

With so many options, find the right funding mix for your situation. Our financial aid advisors make the process easy to get your tuition covered!

What are Some Scholarships I can Apply For?

Lonestar offers an excellent scholarship program. Here are some top awards to consider:

• Academic scholarships: Merit awards based on GPA and test scores

• Departmental scholarships: Specific subjects like music, art, STEM

• Athletic scholarships: Sports teams including basketball and baseball

• Honors scholarships: For Harris County Academy grads

• Performing arts scholarships: Choir, band, dance, and theater

• International student scholarships: For non-citizen students

• Institutional scholarships: Variety of financial need and background based awards

Most Lonestar scholarships require a completed FAFSA application. Check the website for eligibility and deadlines! With many options, finding funding is highly achievable.

What‘s the Best Way to Buy Textbooks Affordably?

College textbooks are notoriously expensive. Here are my tips for getting yours as cheap as possible:

• Find the ISBNs and shop around before buying! Prices vary wildly.

• Rent rather than buy when possible – you can highlight and write in rentals. Much cheaper.

• Price compare online retailers and aggregators like Amazon, Chegg, and Slugbooks.

• Buy used copies which are much less expensive, if you can find them.

• Share with a classmate if you don‘t mind sharing the physical book.

• Reference library copies for core reading, taking notes instead of buying.

With a bit of shopping savvy, you can get textbooks for less. Let me know if you need help finding any required course materials!

What If I‘m Still Unsure About Choosing a Major?

It‘s very common to start college undecided about your ultimate degree or career path. At Lonestar, you have time to explore options and find the right fit. Here are helpful steps:

• Complete any required developmental courses to open opportunities.

• Dabble in intro classes from fields that interest you – psychology, healthcare, business, tech, etc.

• Research in-demand careers aligned with your strengths and passions. The career center can help.

• Talk to academic advisors about how to structure your curriculum flexibly.

• Utilize career counseling services to identify well-matched majors and careers. Assessment tests provide direction.

With some thoughtful exploration of programs, advising support, and career services, making the right major and career choice becomes much easier. No pressure to decide immediately!

I‘m Ready to Enroll! What are My Next Actions?

Congratulations, future Lonestar student! You have all the key information needed to successfully enroll. Here are your next steps:

• Apply ASAP to get your transcripts and test scores processing

• Upon acceptance, connect with an advisor to map your program

• Register early for the ideal class schedule

• Complete onboarding items like orientation and placement testing

• Secure financial aid, apply for scholarships, and explore tuition payment plans

• Get course materials like textbooks to be ready for Day 1

Enrolling in Lonestar is the start of an amazing journey. I‘m here to support you every step of the way – let‘s do this!

Wishing you tremendous success,

Lillie Gabler, College Advisor