Student Timeline

The following is meant to serve as an example for you to understand the chronology of your Dallas College education experience. Please keep in mind that every student has unique circumstances and therefore your timeline will vary accordingly. Consult with your campus academic advisor with any questions.

• Before Enrollment

  Complete the following:

  • Dallas College application.
    
  • Submit official transcripts to college Admissions/Registrar’s office.
  • IF under 22 years, submit meningitis vaccination.
  • File Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) as soon as possible starting October 1 through June 30.
  • Call college financial aid office to discuss your financial aid status.
    

  Complete the above steps at least two months before official start of semester. Document processing times take longer than two weeks.

• Entry Semesters

  First enrollment to 15 hours:

  • Attend College Orientation.
    
  • Familiarize yourself with Guided Pathways.
    
  • If Transferring to a Four-Year College

    If you plan on transferring to a four-year college one day, select Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS).

  • 
    

    If Entering a Career

    If going into the workplace, review degree choices that make you the most competitive.

  • Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your educational plans and Guided Pathway choices.
  • File your Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) as soon as possible starting Oct. 1. (Remember, FAFSA/TASFA must be completed every year.)
    
  • Get to know your faculty and classmates.
  • Be involved with student government and/or student clubs.
    

• Progress Semesters

  15-45 hours:

  • Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your educational plans and Guided Pathway choices.
    
  • Create a semester-by-semester map of your remaining courses needed for educational plans.
  • Begin:
    • Developing a list of four to five schools that best match your career interests and academic records. Consider degree programs offered, cost and location (e.g. in-state versus out-of-state).
      
    • Working with Career Services to write/review your resume. Discuss careers available and placement opportunities.
  • Attend at least one community or Dallas College campus sponsored job fair.
  • Look for summer internship possibilities.
    
  • Research scholarship and internship/apprenticeship options.
    

• Completion Semesters

  45 hours to completion:

  • Meet with your academic advisor to discuss remaining degree requirements.
  • Transferring to a Four-Year College

    • Discuss with your advisor transfer requirements from your list of transfer schools.
    • Research financial aid and scholarship options at your transfer school.
    • File your FAFSA/TASFA as soon as possible starting Oct. 1.
    • If possible, make a campus visit to your intended transfer institution.
  • Entering a Career

    • Participate in mock interviews with Career Services.
    • Review and update resume.
    • Start looking for career opportunities and applying to job possibilities.
  • Research financial aid and scholarship options at your transfer school.
  • Visit your intended transfer institution.

• Transition Semester

  Graduation to transfer/employment:

  • File for graduation.
  • Visit with your academic advisor to determine if ready to apply for graduation.
  • 
    

    If Transferring to a Four-Year College

    • Continue visits to transfer schools, complete transfer school scholarship applications.
    • Arrange for final transcripts to be sent to transfer schools.
  • 
    

    Entering a Career

    • Continue to research jobs opportunities.
    • Consult with Career Services about job search techniques.
      
  • Attend commencement ceremony.