College application help?

Help with Houston Community College application?

• I already submitted my application and received an e-mail saying they have accepted it. But I remember when I was filling out the application I put Performing and Visual Arts...thinking Photography fell into that category. But it turns out it doesn't. And I was wondering if I could change my Program/Cluster thingy..because I accidentally put Preforming and Visual Arts. Like, I really don't want to get a certificate in Photography anymore....I want to major in Radiology. I just turned 17 and was home-schooled and I know nothing about applying in colleges! I really need help. This is what the e-mail said (My questions are in all caps) : Dear Student: We have received and accepted your application for admission to Houston Community College that you submitted via the applytexas.org website for the (Summer and Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 semesters). As part of the process, you have selected a Program/Cluster, but you will also need to declare a specific major plan for your educational objective. Financial Aid students must complete this step before they can receive their award. (WHAT AWARD ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT?) Other students (WHAT DO THEY MEAN BY OTHER STUDENTS? :/) are encouraged to use this link, http://imc02.hccs.edu/ccp/career-clusters.htm, to complete the Educational and Decision-Making Tool before the end of their first semester. You can print the final page and take to a campus to meet personally with a HCC counselor/advisor at any of the HCC centers to discuss your educational objectives, or email the form to [email protected]. International students will need to go to the International Student Office at 3100 Main to complete their I-20 certification before proceeding. To complete the admissions process, you will need to do the following: Assessment, if applicable • Send official transcripts for previous college work (transfer & transient students) (I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO ANY COLLEGE) • Submit TSI test scores or Take TSI test • Submit ACT, SAT or TAKS scores Advising • Meet with HCC counselor/advisor on campus or email on-line advisors at [email protected] to determine and enter pre-requisite groups Orientation • Attend a college orientation session if you have less than 15 hours (Check with the college you will attend for times and locations) Communication • Record your HCC student ID number for your records. This number will be used for enrollment, accessing your grades, and all future enrollment services • You will receive a HCC student email account after you make payment for your classes. HCC will use this email address for all official communication Oh and I have this envelope the my school gave me to give to the college that I can't open. I know I have to send them but I wanted to know if I have to put my application Id number on the envelope..or if I can take the envelope to them personally? Oh and is it to late to apply for Financial Aid? Someone please help me...I have no clue on what to do. Dx

• Answer:

  Okay, don't panic. This is fairly routine. First of all, you need to realize you will have tons of questions as you proceed through college. Ask, ask, ask until you find the right person with the correct answer. And don't always believe the first thing you're told. Find someone who has the authority to make decisions. HCC is a community college and you will be accepted. The enrollment process is fairly straight forward but can get confusing because of the different procedures different schools have. But it's not worth letting yourself panic. Just take a deep breathe and proceed how to figure out the answers to your questions. Yes, you can change your course of study. The first time you speak to an advisor, you tell them you have changed your mind and explain the new field you want to study. It's that simple. You will probably required to speak to an advisor or counselor before signing up for classes. That keeps people from simply taking classes without a goal in mind. The Financial Aid award? Many students apply for financial aid. You received a standard form letter. If you want to apply for financial aid, you complete the steps outlined in the letter. Other students? People who aren't receiving financial aid. If you don't need aid, just ignore that and pay for your tuition when you are required. http://imc02.hccs.edu/ccp/career-clusters.htm Complete the assessment, print the final page and take it with you to your appointment with the counselor/advisor. (Or email the form to [email protected]) College transcripts? Many students have AP classes that count as college credit. The school needs the transcripts so they can award credit to the students. Since you have no college credit, you don't need to do anything about this one. You can take an unopened envelope to the school personally, or ask your school to mail it to the admissions office at HCC. Either way. But don't open the envelope. And no, it's not to late to apply for financial aid. But the sooner the better. When money runs out, it's gone.