Admissions

Admission Forms

Kilgore College (KC) welcomes applications for admission. Kilgore College has no application fee and accepts the GoApplyTexas application or the AccessKC application for admission (www.kilgore.edu). All other admissions information is available online or from the Office of Admissions and Registrar, Kilgore College, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore, TX 75662-3204, phone (903) 983-8209. Individuals who do not enroll in the semester for which they applied will be required to complete a reactivation form or a new admissions application.

General Admission Policy

The college has an “open door” admission policy ensuring that all persons who can profit from post-secondary education will have an opportunity to enroll. Admission to the college does not imply admission to all programs. Applicants to any of the health occupations programs must meet special entrance requirements and complete an application form for the desired program. Specific requirements for these programs are explained under “Health Science Programs”.

General Admission

KC offers the following general admission categories:

• Freshman/GED: High school/home school graduates or GED recipients with no previous college coursework (dual credit courses do not count as previous college coursework for admission purposes)
• Transfer: Students who have attended another institution of higher education after high school graduation
• Transient: Visiting students who are attending another institution of higher education and plan to attend KC for a single term or the summer with the intention of returning to their home institution
• Readmission: Former KC students seeking readmission

The college also offers special admission options.

All materials required for admission to the college must be on file in the Office of Admissions and Registrar prior to registering for classes.

Admissions Application Priority Dates

Kilgore College encourages all applicants to start the admissions process early. Students submitting applications and completing the admissions process by the respective admissions priority date can take full advantage of early registration opportunities. Students registering early are more likely to get the courses they desire on their preferred dates and times. Later applicants may find less flexibility in scheduling. Kilgore College’s Admissions Application Priority Dates are as follows:

Transcripts for Admission Purposes

Any reference to high school or college transcripts submitted for admission means that an official transcript is required. To be considered “official”, transcripts must:

• Be issued within the last 6 months and bear the signature of the registrar and/or seal of the issuing institution
• Be submitted directly from the issuing institution to KC (hand-carried transcripts may be considered if in an unopened, sealed college/high school letterhead envelope)
• High school and home school transcripts without a graduation date are not considered official. A final transcript with graduation date must be provided after the graduation date
• Unofficial transcripts may be considered on an individual and temporary basis, but official transcripts must be received in the first two weeks of the student’s first semester of attendance
• Lacking academic credentials will result in a hold on the student’s account preventing future registration and the release of official KC transcripts

All transcripts submitted become the property of KC and cannot be returned. Records of students who do not enroll may be destroyed after one year.

Freshman

Students who have a diploma from an accredited public or private high school; who have completed a nontraditional secondary education course of study in a non-accredited private school setting, including a home school; or who have successfully completed a Certificate of High School Equivalency (formerly called the GED) and who have attempted no college (other than dual credit coursework) must meet the following requirements:

1. Submit an Application for Admission as early as possible prior to registering for classes.
2. Submit an official high school transcript with graduation date or proof of obtaining a Certificate of High School Equivalency. Home School transcripts must be signed by the home school teacher or administrator and notarized by a notary public.
3. Submit Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment test scores or submit proof of exemption from TSI.
4. Students who took college courses for dual credit at a school other than Kilgore College must submit an official college transcript in addition to the high school/home school transcript.

Kilgore College will not recognize a student as a high school graduate who has obtained a diploma through a school or online program that requires only payment of a fee with little or no coursework requirements. Determination of the legitimacy of these diplomas will be at the discretion of the Office of Admissions and Registrar. Graduates of such programs will be considered for admission on an individual approval basis (see Individual Approval section below).

Transfer

Students who are transferring from another college or university must meet the following requirements:

1. Submit an Application for Admission as early as possible prior to registering for classes
2. Verify Texas Success Initiative (TSI) status and take the TSI assessment if scores or proof of exemption is not provided.
3. Submit to KC an official transcript directly from each college or university attended.

Note: Transfer students meeting the above requirements who are seeking a KC degree will be informed of the amount of credit which will transfer to Kilgore College as soon as possible and no later than the end of the first academic term in which they are enrolled. However, students seeking to transfer credit from non-regionally accredited institutions must submit a “petition for transfer credit” form. Students must also furnish supporting documents to substantiate that the course outcomes and faculty credentials are equivalent to those of KC courses, as described in the form.

Readmission

Readmission is available to formerly enrolled students who have not enrolled in KC for one or more long semesters (spring or fall term) and who wish to return. Students who have been away from KC for one long semester (spring or fall term) may submit a reactivation form available in the Office of Admissions and Registrar. Students who have been away from KC for more than one long semester must reapply for admission. Whether these students were forced to leave (academic or disciplinary suspension) or chose to leave, they must meet the following requirements:

1. Submit a new Application for Admission or Reactivation Form as applicable as early as possible prior to registering for classes. We recommend students apply by the appropriate application priority date.
2. Submit an official transcript from every college or university attended since the last enrollment at KC as applicable.

Transient (Visiting) Students

Transient students are those pursuing a degree elsewhere who attend Kilgore College for a long semester (fall or spring), December Mini, May Mini or summer terms and intend to return to their previous college or university. Students must be enrolled at their prior institution in the long semester (fall or spring) immediately preceding admission as a Kilgore College transient student. Traditionally, transient students enroll while home for the winter or summer breaks or for a single long semester.

Transient students are limited to one long semester (fall or spring) the December Mini, or May Mini and/or summer terms. Previous transient students are required to reapply if they return as a transient student for a future term. Should a transient student decide to continue at Kilgore College immediately following the transient term, the student must reapply as a transfer student and meet all transfer admission requirements.

When applying for admission, select the appropriate semester. December Mini students should use the spring admissions application. May Mini students should select the summer admissions application. The applicant should select the Non-Degree-Seeking Academic major option. Also indicate you are a transient-seeking a degree elsewhere on the application.

We recommend you apply by the appropriate application priority date. Students must request an official transcript from the school which they are currently attending to be sent to Kilgore College. Proof of other prerequisites may be required if the student has attended more than one college.

All visiting students should consult their academic advisor at their home institution to ensure applicability of courses prior to KC registration. It is the responsibility of the transient student to request an official KC transcript be sent to their home institution: https://www.kilgore.edu/current-students/registration-transcripts/transcript-request

Transient students cannot use financial aid awarded at their home institution at Kilgore College.

Request for Readmission Under the Second Chance Policy

Section 51.931 of the Texas Education Code provides Texas residents with the “Right to an Academic Fresh Start”. A student who is returning to Kilgore College after an absence of at least 10 years may seek a fresh start by requesting approval to use the Second Chance Policy upon application for readmission. Under this policy, all Kilgore College coursework completed 10 or more years prior to readmission is eliminated from computation of the grade point average (GPA). None of the coursework can be used to meet degree or prerequisite requirements, though the work remains on the student’s record. In addition, coursework cannot be used to satisfy Texas Success Initiative requirements. Further, no credit will be given for transfer coursework earned 10 or more years ago. A student readmitted under this policy is placed on academic probation.

The student must seek application of this policy when applying to return to KC. The policy must be used on or before the last day of the semester or term in which the student returns to school.

Financial aid and veterans’ benefits may be affected by this policy. Acceptability of this policy by other colleges is solely at the discretion of the receiving institution. Additional information about this policy is available from the Office of Admissions and Registrar. Phone (903) 983-8606.

Special Admission Options

Dual Credit/Early Admissions

Students who exhibit exceptional academic ability may apply for admission to KC and take college courses while completing high school according to the following policy. All students who enroll in classes at KC prior to high school graduation are considered dual credit students.

• To be eligible for enrollment in dual credit courses, students normally have at least junior year high school standing at the time the course is taken and demonstrate appropriate college readiness for the courses that are taken. Exception: Younger students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and show college readiness may be recommended by their high school and individually approved by the Vice President of Instruction.
• High school students are generally limited to no more than two courses per semester. Exception: Students who have met the required minimum scores in reading, writing, and math may enroll in three dual credit courses during the fall or spring semesters (students wishing to enroll in more than three courses require permission from the high school principal and the KC VP of Instruction). In a standard summer term, a student may enroll in a maximum of two courses. Students may enroll in only one mini-term course at a time.
• Students taking dual credit courses for the first time after their junior year must meet the minimum ACT, SAT, STAAR End-of-Course (English III and Algebra II), or TSI Assessment scores in the sections(s) of the test relevant to the course(s) in which they wish to enroll.
• Students taking dual credit courses for the first time after their sophomore year (or those seeking approval to enroll prior to completion of the sophomore year) must meet the minimum PLAN, PSAT, ACT, SAT, STAAR End-of-Course (English II and Algebra I), or TSI Assessment scores in the sections(s) of the test relevant to the course(s) in which they wish to enroll. NOTE: PLAN and PSAT scores can only be used for enrollment during the junior year. ).
• Students taking workforce education/technical courses may enroll based on designated STAAR scores (must meet program and course prerequisites; additional testing may be required prior to enrollment in college after high school graduation).
• A dual credit student may neither enroll in a college level course in which he/she requires remediation nor take developmental education classes at Kilgore College.
• A final high school transcript must be provided upon graduation, even if not attending KC after graduation.
• General academic courses offered through the dual credit program are courses that are commonly required for either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Acceptance of credit by another institution, however, is left to the discretion of the receiving institution. Public universities in Texas are not required to accept more than 66 hours of transfer coursework from a community college.

For a complete explanation of KC’s dual credit policy, please see the Dual Credit Handbook: https://www.kilgore.edu/academics/dual-credit-for-high-school-students

Individual Approval

Students who do not meet the Freshman or Transfer admissions guidelines, may be admitted conditionally on an individual approval basis at the discretion of the Office of Admissions and Registrar. This category includes students who have not graduated from high school or earned a Certificate of High School Equivalency or whose high school credential is not recognized by the Office of Admissions and Registrar. Students admitted as Individual Approval must provide evidence of successful completion of the Certificate of High School Equivalency or graduation from a recognized high school during the first semester of enrollment, or future enrollment will be blocked.

Federal regulations state that students admitted with this status must successfully complete one of the following requirements in order to be eligible for Title IV financial aid consideration:

• Take the Certificate of High School Equivalency test, with all sections passed, and furnish proof of the certificate to the Office of Admissions and Registrar
• Submit an official transcript from a bona fide high school as recognized by the Office of Admissions and Registrar
• Submit an official transcript from a bona fide home school as recognized by the Office of Admissions and Registrar

International Student Admission

All non-immigrant alien students seeking F-1 Visa category are managed by the Office of Admissions and Registrar. Students must submit and meet the following criteria:

1. A completed Application for International Student Admission to the Office of Admissions and Registrar 60 days prior to the beginning of registration.
2. Request official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or approved alternate exam results be sent to KC. Official scores must be sent directly from ETS to Kilgore College (DI Code: 6341). KC requires a minimum iBT score of 71 (computer-based, 197, or paper-based, 500).
3. A financial statement proving that the applicant has sufficient resources for support during the entire period of study in the United States. (Amounts provided on the international student section of the Kilgore College website.)
4. International transcripts should be evaluated, translated to English, and sent directly to Kilgore College’s Office of Admissions and Registrar. Kilgore College requires evaluations and translations be conducted by a National Association of Credit Evaluation Services member. http://www.naces.org/
5. If the student has attended a school(s) in the United States, official transcript(s) must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Registrar from the issuing institution.
6. A medical record giving evidence of immunization against Mumps, measles, rubella and bacterial meningitis, as well as proof of a negative test for tuberculosis (including test results or chest x-ray results).
7. Kilgore College does not accept international students who are out of status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Note: The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-20 will not be issued until admission procedures are completed to the satisfaction of the Office of Admissions and Registrar.

Note: International students are subject to the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI-Assessment).

Additional English proficiency testing may be required prior to registration. During the entire period of study at KC, each international student is required to purchase health and accident medical insurance.

International Application Priority Dates

Kilgore College encourages all applicants to start the admissions process early. Applications submitted after the respective international admissions priority date will not be guaranteed acceptance for that semester. Kilgore College’s Admissions Application Priority Dates for international students are as follows:

Health Science Programs

Health science programs have additional entrance requirements and recommend early application. Admission to the college in no way implies or guarantees entrance to the professional health science programs. Prior to making application to any professional health science program, the student should contact the health science academic advisor. To schedule an appointment with a Health Science Academic Advisor, please visit the KC Academic Advising website.  Entrance procedures are designed to ensure fairness to each applicant. To ensure orderly and timely progress toward acceptance, progression, and completion of the desired health science program, the student is responsible for seeking advice, for knowing and meeting requirements of the health science program of interest, for enrolling in courses appropriate to that program, and for taking courses in the proper sequence.

Note: An applicant must show evidence of good physical and mental health. If accepted into a health science program, the student must submit a medical record and certification of immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus, and, in most cases, Hepatitis B. Updated immunizations are an integral part of health care and provide protection against these communicable diseases.

Auditing Courses

The Office of Admissions and Registrar may grant a student permission to audit a course for special reasons. Courses involving computers, equipment, labs, clinicals, etc. also require departmental approval. Such permission gives the student only the privilege of observing and does not include submitting papers or taking tests. A student desiring to audit a course fills out an application for admission, submits official transcripts, completes an audit request form, and registers in the Office of Admissions and Registrar only after regular registration and on a space-available basis. Audit students are required to meet the same admissions requirements as all other students, with the exception of placement testing. Tuition and fees for auditing are the same as those fees charged for enrolling in a course for credit. The college will not refund tuition and fees paid to audit a course.

Immunizations

The college highly recommends that each student take precautionary measures by keeping inoculations current. According to the Texas Department of Health, those born in 1957 or later may not have been properly immunized. The single dose measles immunization that many received is inadequate. The classroom setting increases the chance of exposure. If a student was born after January 2, 1957, the student should see his or her physician or visit a public health clinic for proper immunization against measles (two doses of measles vaccine administered on or after the first birthday and at least 30 days apart), rubella (one dose of rubella vaccine on or after the first birthday), and mumps (one dose of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday). The tetanus vaccine is effective for about ten years and should be boosted at ten-year intervals in combination with the diphtheria vaccine. It is common for older adults to develop tetanus because many have not received booster shots.

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast - so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities. All entering students under 22 years of age must provide documentation of receiving an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination dose or booster within the last 5 years. All new, transfer, or former students who are returning must show proof of having the vaccination at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester. Students may not register until documentation of vaccination is on file. Proof of the bacterial meningitis vaccination must be provided to the Office of Admissions and Registrar (provide copies, not originals). Kilgore College will not return vaccination records submitted nor provide copies for use at other schools. Records may be mailed, faxed, or delivered in person.

Kilgore College
Office of Admissions and Registrar
1100 Broadway Kilgore, TX 75662
Fax: (903) 983-8607
Devall Student Center-2nd floor

Exemptions from Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

Students age 22 or older are exempt. A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student, or a parent or guardian of a student, submits to the institution an affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.

The only means by which a student can object to vaccination for enrollment purposes is to use the Texas Department of State Health Services’ current, official form for conscientious objection. Complete the online form at https://co-request-jc.dshs.texas.gov/. After entering all the requested information, print the form, sign it, date it and submit the form to the Office of Admissions and Registrar before registering for courses.

How Can I Find Out More Information?

• Contact your own health care provider.
• Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health Office.
• Contact web sites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo
• or www.acha.org

Requirements of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requires that all students entering a public college or university for the first time be tested in the areas of reading, writing and math before registering for any college-level classes unless exempt. Students are encouraged to test as early as possible.

Exemptions

The following students are exempt from the provisions of the Texas Success Initiative:

The following students shall be exempt from the requirements of this title, whereby exempt students shall not be required to provide any additional demonstration of college readiness and shall be allowed to enroll in any entry-level freshman course as defined in §4.53(13) of this title (relating to Definitions):

(1) For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards that cannot be raised by institutions:

     (A) ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test shall be exempt for both the reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment, and/or 19 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment;

     (B) SAT

        (i) SAT administered prior to March 5, 2016: a combined critical reading (formerly “verbal”) and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the critical reading test shall be exempt for both reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment; a combined critical reading (formerly “verbal”) and mathematics score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment.

        (ii) SAT administered on or after March 5, 2016: a minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test shall be exempt for both reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment; a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment. There is no combined score.

        (iii) Mixing or combining scores from the SAT administered prior to March 5, 2016 and the SAT administered on or after March 5, 2016 is not allowable.

     (C) GED: minimum score of 165 on the Mathematical Reasoning subject test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment. A minimum score of 165 on the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) subject test shall be exempt for the English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) section of the TSI Assessment.

     (D) HiSET: minimum score of 15 on the Mathematics subtest shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment. A minimum score of 15 on the Reading subtest and a minimum score of 15 on the Writing subtest, including a minimum score of 4 on the essay, shall be exempt for the English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) section of the TSI Assessment.

(2) For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) with a minimum scale score of 1770 on the writing test, a Texas Learning Index (TLI) of 86 on the mathematics test and 89 on the reading test.

 (3) For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards that cannot be raised by institutions:

     (A) on the Eleventh-grade exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) with a minimum scale score of 2200 on the math section and/or a minimum scale score of 2200 on the English Language Arts section with a writing subsection score of at least 3, shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment required under this title for those corresponding sections; or

     (B) STAAR end-of-course (EOC) with a minimum Level 2 score of 4000 on the English III shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment required under this title for both reading and writing, and a minimum Level 2 score of 4000 on the Algebra II EOC shall be exempt from the TSI Assessment required under this title for the mathematics section

(4) A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.

(5) A student who transfers to an institution from a public, private, or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as determined by the receiving institution.

(6) A student who has previously attended any institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution. For students meeting non-Algebra intensive readiness standards in mathematics as defined in §4.59 of this title (relating to Determination of Readiness to Perform Entry-Level Freshman Coursework), institutions may choose to require additional preparatory coursework/interventions for Algebra intensive courses, including MATH 1314/1324/1414 (or their local equivalent). It is the institution’s responsibility to ensure that students are clearly informed of the consequences of successful completion of a mathematics pathways model which results in meeting the mathematics college readiness standard only for specific entry-level freshman mathematics courses.

(7) A student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college.

(8) A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.

(9) A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.

(10) A student who successfully completes a college preparatory course under Texas Education Code §28.014 is exempt for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of high school graduation with respect to the content area of the course. The student must enroll in the student’s first college-level course in the exempted content area in the student’s first year of enrollment in an institution of higher education. This exemption applies only at the institution of higher education that partners with the school district in which the student is enrolled to provide the course. Additionally, an institution of higher education may enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with a partnering institution of higher education to accept the exemption for the college preparatory course.

    (a) An institution may exempt a non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking student.

     (b) ESOL Waiver–An institution may grant a temporary waiver from the assessment required under this title for students with demonstrated limited English proficiency in order to provide appropriate ESOL/ESL coursework and interventions. The waiver must be removed after the student attempts 15 credit hours of developmental ESOL coursework at a public junior college, public technical institute, or public state college; 9 credit hours of developmental ESOL coursework at a general academic teaching institution; or prior to enrolling in entry-level freshman coursework, whichever comes first, at which time the student would be administered the TSI Assessment. Funding limits as defined in Texas Education Code, §51.340 for developmental education still apply. Developmental Education is not available for high school students.

   (c) Any student who has been determined to be exempt in mathematics, reading, and/or writing under subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall not be required to enroll in developmental coursework and/or interventions in the corresponding area of exemption.

Source Note: The provisions of this §4.54 adopted to be effective December 3, 2003, 28 TexReg 10753; amended to be effective May 17, 2004, 29 TexReg 4868; amended to be effective August 15, 2004, 29 TexReg 7971; amended to be effective November 28, 2012, 37 TexReg 9358; amended to be effective August 15, 2013, 38 TexReg 5063; amended to be effective November 21, 2013, 38 TexReg 8195; amended to be effective September 4, 2014, 39 TexReg 6841; amended to be effective November 25, 2015, 40 TexReg 8203; amended to be effective August 30, 2016, 41 TexReg 6480; amended to be effective May 11, 2017, 42 TexReg2405; amended to be effective February 28, 2018, 43 TexReg 1059; amended to be effective May 17, 2021, 46 TexReg 3123

Advisement

Students who have not completed the Texas Success Initiative must see an advisor each semester prior to registration. The advisor will monitor their progress toward completing required developmental coursework and will assist each one with course scheduling. To schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor, please visit the KC Academic Advising website.

KC Testing Guidelines for the Texas Success Initiative

• Students enrolling at KC should complete the admissions application at least 48 hours prior to taking the TSI Assessment and should use their KC assigned student ID number for testing.
• Students taking the TSI Assessment must complete a state-mandated pre-assessment activity prior to testing.