South Plains College Admissions

Open Admissions

South Plains College's admissions program is based on an open door philosophy which accepts all students for enrollment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability or age. To be eligible for admission to SPC, you must have graduated or received a diploma from an accredited high school or have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) Test.

Students wishing to transfer to South Plains College from another college or university will be considered for admission based on their previous college record. International students seeking admission should contact the Registrar directly for specific application information and forms.

The Dean of Admissions and Records is responsible for administering the admissions policies and procedures of the college. Questions pertaining to admission to South Plains College should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Records.

General Admission Requirements

In all cases, students seeking admission to South Plains College should follow these steps in the process.

1. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION. New and transfer students must submit an Application for Admission which may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records. For your convenience, a copy of the Application for Admission can be found at the back of this catalog. Applicants should attach a photocopy of their Social Security card to the Application for Admission.

2. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT. An official transcript of the student's academic record in high school or the record at each college attended since leaving high school must be filed with the Office of Admissions and Records. The applicant is responsible for having these records forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Records. Transcripts should be sent immediately following the close of the last semester of attendance in high school or other college. Submission of partial or incomplete transcripts are not necessary unless there is some question regarding admission.

3. COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS. South Plains College also encourages students to submit test results from the ACT (American College Testing Program) Test or the CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) Scholastic Aptitude Test. Any high school graduate who is otherwise qualified will not be refused admission to South Plains College on the basis of these test scores. The test results are used in advising and in placing students in appropriate sections. The ACT is given at South Plains College and at other testing centers throughout the United States. Application forms may be obtained from high school principals or counselors. It is recommended that the tests be taken during the senior year in high school.

Students applying for scholarships must provide ACT or SAT scores in order to meet scholarship eligibility requirements.

4. COLLEGE PLACEMENT TESTS. Students who are entering college for the first time and who are planning to enroll in college-level courses should plan to take a Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) or an alternative placement test prior to registration. Placement test scores are utilized in advising and placement of students in appropriate course work. Students with prior college-level work and those entering specified certificate programs may be waived from TSI requirements. Students who are not waived from TSI are required to take a placement test prior to registering for classes.

TSI placement tests are given at South Plains College and at other Texas colleges. THEA, an approved TSI placement test, registration forms are available from high school or college counselors.

5. CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE. A Certificate of Residence form can be found as part of the admissions application.

6. IMMUNIZATIONS. Immunization is an integral part of your health care and the disease prevention program at South Plains College. While not a requirement for admission, all new or transfer students, especially those born on or after January 1, 1957, should have received immunizations for the following diseases:

RUBELLA: One dose of rubella vaccine administered on or after the first birthday.

TETANUS/DIPHTHERIA: One dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid administered within the last 10 years.

MEASLES: Two doses of measles vaccine administered on or after the first birthday and at least 30 days apart.

MUMPS: One dose of mumps vaccine administered on or after the first birthday.

While South Plains College will not administer immunizations, information can be gained from the Student Health Coordinator.

Methods of Admission

1. If you are a Graduate of an Accredited High School:

An applicant who is a graduate of an accredited high school will be admitted upon the presentation of a properly authenticated high school transcript.

2. If you are NOT a Graduate of an Accredited High School:

An applicant who is not a graduate of an accredited high school, who may have been home schooled or who has graduated from private, non-accredited educational programs, may be admitted as follows:

A. Successful completion of the High School Level General Education Development (GED) Test provided that the applicant meets the age requirement for taking the GED, or;

B. Presentation of a notarized record of the high school equivalent work completed and the date of successful completion.

C. If you are not a graduate of an accredited high school or private school, or have not earned a General Education Development (GED) certificate, you may be considered for admission by individual approval. Contact the Dean of Admissions and Records for information.

3. If you are seeking Readmission:

Former students of South Plains College not on suspension, provided they have not attended another college since they were last enrolled at South Plains College, will be readmitted to South Plains College during any scheduled registration period. Former students who have attended another college or university since leaving South Plains College should refer to Methods of Admission 4-B.

4. If you are a Transfer Student from another College or University:

A. New student. A student who has begun work at another accredited college or university and is not under disciplinary or academic suspension at the last college attended will be considered for admission to South Plains College. Performance at the other institution must, however, meet the minimum academic standards of South Plains College.

A student from another college seeking admission to South Plains College must present an official transcript of his/her entire college record. All transcripts should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Records and should be on file at the time of enrollment. A student is not officially enrolled until all transcripts are on file. If college transcripts are not on file at time of enrollment, the applicant will be given a conditional admission. If, upon receipt of the applicant's transcript by the Office of Admissions and Records, it is noted that the student is on suspension at the last college attended, the student will be required to withdraw from South Plains College immediately and will receive a refund of tuition and fees in accordance with the refund policy as stated in the current catalog. A student who has been enrolled in another college for only a summer term or session will be admitted to South Plains College on the basis of the high school record.

B. Former student. A former student of South Plains College who has attended another college after leaving South Plains College must meet the requirements indicated above for new students.

5. If you are an International Student:

General Requirements

A. The application must be submitted at least 90 days, and the file complete at least 30 days prior to the first scheduled day of registration for a given semester.

B. There will be a quota imposed on the total number of international students accepted for admission by South Plains College for any given semester. The college reserves the right to change the quota at any time without prior notification.

C. A $50 application fee is required before consideration of an application can be made. The fee should accompany the application when it is sent to the college.

Specific Requirements

A. Evidence of proficiency in the English language is required and can be satisfied by submitting results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550, or computer TOEFL score of 213.

B. An official copy of a transcript from the last four (4) years of secondary school must be submitted. The official transcript must be an original copy translated into English and must show each course completed and the grade earned. A minimum grade average of "B" is required.

C. Proof of financial ability to remain in South Plains College long enough to complete degree requirements must also be submitted with the application. This proof can be in the form of a bank statement and letter from the person responsible for providing financial support for the international student.

Specific Requirements for International Transfer Students

A. Transfer students from other colleges and universities within the United States must meet all general and specific requirements as outlined.

B. An official college transcript from every college or university attended must be submitted in place of the high school transcript.

C. Transfer students must have completed at least 12 semester hours but not more than 40 semester hours with a minimum 3.25 GPA to be eligible for consideration.

THE FORM I-20 WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL ALL SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN SATISFIED.