Admission & Registration

McLennan Community College maintains an open door admissions policy and accepts applications throughout the year. Entrance examinations are not required, but tests for placement in appropriate courses are required. No particular test scores are necessary for admission to the College; however, acceptable scores are required to enroll in some college-level courses.

Admission to the College does not automatically admit students to a specific program. Students should consult with an academic advisor or a Program Director regarding admission requirements for specific programs.

Admission or re-admission to the College or programs may be denied to a person who does not meet the admission requirements of the College or program.

  • Requirements for Admission to the College

    New students and students who were not enrolled at McLennan during the previous calendar year must apply or reapply for admission online through www.ApplyTexas.org. New students must also submit an official high school transcript or General Educational Development (GED) test scores, and transfer students must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. Immigration records may be required of some students.

    Continuing and returning students are expected to maintain a current address, phone number and email address. Changes can be made through WebAdvisor. Students who have not been enrolled during the last calendar year must submit an application for admission and official transcripts from all colleges attended since their last enrollment at McLennan.

    Students must meet all admission requirements to the College before registration. Students who do not submit the appropriate transcript(s) (high school or college) or GED scores in person to Highlander Central or by mail to the Office of Student Admissions before the 12th class day for a fall/spring semester, fourth class day for a summer term or second class day for a minimester term shall not be permitted to re-enroll. In addition, McLennan official transcripts will be withheld until the transcript(s) or GED scores have been received.

    All incoming freshmen, transfer students and returning students who did not attend McLennan in the previous long semester (fall or spring) will be required to provide proof of immunization against bacterial meningitis. The law does not apply to students:

    • Ages 22 and over
    • Enrolled only in online classes
    • Enrolled in continuing education courses
    • Enrolled in programs less than 360 hours
    • Enrolled in dual credit courses taught at a public or private K-12 facility

    Documentation showing that the student has received the immunization within the last five years must be provided at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester in order to register for classes. Students must submit one of the following in order to be cleared for registration:

    • The signature or stamp of a physician (or his/her designee) or public health personnel on a form that shows the month, day and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered
    • An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority
    • An official high school or college transcript that includes documentation of immunization provided by school officials (including records from other states)

    After submitting proof of immunization, there will be a waiting period to allow for the processing of immunization information before a student will be cleared for registration.

    Students who are required to have the vaccination will not be allowed to register until they provide proof of immunization to Highlander Central in the Enrollment Services Center.

    Documentation of immunization may be delivered to Highlander Central in person in the Enrollment Services Center (a drop box is available if you don't want to wait to turn it in), mailed to Highlander Central, McLennan Community College, 1400 College, Waco, TX 76708; faxed to 254-299-6239; or emailed to studentadmissions@mclennan.edu.

    An exemption may be requested by visiting the Texas Department of State Health Services at https://corequestjc.dshs.texas.gov/. The form may be submitted in person at Highlander Central located in the Enrollment Services Center or by mail. Only the original of this form can be accepted.

    • Students Seeking a Degree or Certain Certificates

      Students who plan to work toward a certificate or a degree may qualify for admission to the college and for enrollment in college credit courses by meeting admission requirements in one of the following ways:

      1. Graduation from an accredited high school or home school

        Submit in person to Highlander Central or via mail to the Office of Student Admissions an official high school transcript or other written proof of graduation from an accredited high school or home school. Graduates from a non-accredited high school should submit an official high school transcript or other written proof of graduation. Graduates from a non-accredited high school may be admitted under the terms of individual approval (see below).
      2. Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Test, if not a high school graduate

        Submit an official copy of the GED Certificate or an Official Report of Test Results in person to Highlander Central or via mail to the Office of Student Admissions, McLennan Community College, 1400 College Drive, Waco, TX 76708.
      3. Eligibility as a transfer student

        Submit in person to Highlander Central or via mail to the Office of Student Admissions, McLennan Community College, 1400 College Drive, Waco, TX 76708 an official transcript from all colleges and/or universities attended. Transfer students must submit an official transcript and a report of their Texas Success Initiative (TSI) status, if required, before enrollment. In the event the student cannot submit a complete transcript because of time constraints, an incomplete transcript and/or a current grade report may be used for advising purposes, but students are required to submit official transcripts by the 12th class day of a fall/spring semester, fourth class day of a summer term, or second class day of a minimester.

        Individuals who are on academic suspension from the last accredited college or university attended may be considered for admission by the Coordinator of Student Admissions or Director of Admissions and Recruitment. Students on disciplinary suspension from any college attended may not be eligible for admission into McLennan Community College until they are eligible to return to their previous college. Upon an examination of the applicant’s personal history and a thorough pre-admission interview, MCC will decide whether to grant or deny admission. Students can schedule a meeting with the Vice President of Student Success, who may grant admission on a case-by-case basis.
      4. Individual approval

        An individual who does not qualify for admission under one of the other admission categories may be admitted by individual approval of the Coordinator of Student Admissions or the Director of Admissions and Recruitment. This category includes graduates from non-accredited high schools and students who have received a certificate of course completion from an accredited Texas high school. Students admitted on Individual Approval are not eligible to receive financial aid.
      5. Eligibility for a High School Pathways Program
        Early Admission Program
        High school students who have completed the sophomore year in high school may be eligible for admission to McLennan to receive college credit for courses. To be eligible, students shall complete the High School Pathways Application Process High School Pathways website and comply with the following conditions:
        1. The student must be enrolled in the high school and the College concurrently during the academic year. (Exception: Early Admission students may enroll during the summer after their completion of the 10th grade.) Under special circumstances, a student who has not completed the sophomore year may be granted approval by the Dean of Arts and Sciences to enroll in college-level course work. Approval is based on such factors as grade-point average (GPA), ACT or SAT scores and other assessment indicators.
        2. The student must have a minimum high school grade point average of 80.
        3. The student must have the approval of the high school principal or counselor, parent or guardian, and a Student Development Advisor or High School Pathways Program Director at McLennan.
        4. Unless otherwise exempt, the student must have passing scores on the reading section, as well as sections of the TSI Assessment related to the course in which the student intends to register. Early Admission students may not take college-level courses related to sections of the test that have not been passed.
        5. Early Admission courses will be selected at the discretion of the student and the McLennan Advisor.
        6. The student must agree to abide by academic, general conduct, and departmental policies of McLennan Community College as outlined in the Highlander Guide and the General Catalog.

        Eligibility for Academic, Workforce A.A.S., and Workforce Level 2 Certificate Dual Credit Classes

        High school students who receive approval from their parents, principal or counselor, and High School Pathways Program Director at McLennan may enroll for Dual Credit. That is, they may be granted credit by the College and the high school for course work successfully completed at McLennan. To be eligible, students shall complete the High School Pathways Application Process (see the High School Pathways website) and comply with the following conditions:
        1. The student may enroll beginning in the fall semester of his/her freshman year in high school.
        2. The student must have a minimum high school grade point average of 80.
        3. Unless otherwise exempt, the student must have passing scores on the reading section, as well as sections of the TSI Assessment related to the course in which the student intends to register. Academic Dual Credit students may not take college-level courses related to sections of the test that have not been passed.
        4. The student must be enrolled the required number of courses each day in the high school and be in attendance during the accounting period.
        5. The student must agree to abide by academic, general conduct and departmental policies of McLennan as outlined in the Highlander Guide and the General Catalog.

        Eligibility for Workforce Level 1 Certificate Dual Credit Courses

        High school students who receive approval from their parents, principal or counselor, and Student Development Counseling Specialist or High School Pathways Program Director at McLennan may enroll for Dual Credit. That is, they may be granted credit by the College and the high school for course work successfully completed at McLennan. To be eligible, students shall complete the High School Pathways Application Process (see the High School Pathways website) and comply with the following conditions:
        1. The student may enroll in the fall semester of his/her freshman year in high school.
        2. The College recommends the student have a TSI Assessment Reading score of 347
        3. The student must have a high school average of 75+.
        4. The student must be enrolled in the required number of courses each day in the high school and be in attendance during the accounting period.
        5. The student must agree to abide by academic, general conduct and departmental policies of McLennan as outlined in the Highlander Guide and the General Catalog.
        6. College credits earned by Early Admission or by Dual Credit are transferable and have the same value as credits earned after high school graduation.
      6. Eligibility as an international student.

        An individual who has successfully completed at least the equivalent of 12 years of elementary and secondary education shall be eligible for admission to McLennan if the following conditions are met:
        1. The student must submit an admission application to www.applytexas.org.
        2. The student must submit the International Student Information Sheet.
        3. The student must submit official transcripts of all previous academic work. Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by English translations certified by a university official. Students must have at least a C average to be eligible for transfer from another college or university in the United States.
        4. If not from an English-speaking country, the student must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 500 on the paper-based test, 61 on the Internet-based test (iBT) or 173 on the computer-based test. If the student has graduated from a high school in the U.S. or received the GED, the TOEFL may be waived, and a transcript or GED score report is required. The McLennan TOEFL code is 6429. For more information, go to www.toefl.org.
        5. The student must provide a financial statement of support reflecting sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the United States.
        6. The student must meet all admission requirements by July 1 for admission to the fall semester, November 1 for admission to the spring semester or April 1 for the summer semesters.
        7. The student must submit a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
        8. If under age 22, the student must submit the Bacterial Meningitis Immunization Form signed and completed by the student’s physician.
        9. Submit a copy of the front page of the student’s passport (biography page).
        10. The student must take the TSI Assessment prior to enrollment.
        If transferring from a U.S. school, the student must include a copy of his or her visa, passport, I-94 card, I-20 and a transfer clearance form completed by the international advisor at his or her current institution.

        The Office of Student Admissions shall notify students of tentative acceptance and shall provide necessary forms and information related to entering the United States on a student visa.

        International students attending McLennan on student visas are required to maintain full-time student status by being enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours of course work with a minimum of 9 of those hours in face-to-face on-campus classes. Any exceptions must be approved in writing by the international student advisor, the Coordinator of Student Admissions or the Director of Admissions and Recruitment before a student may drop below full-time status.
  • Admission for Students Not Seeking a Degree or Certificate

    Students not seeking a degree or a certificate must submit an official high school transcript or General Education Development (GED) scores or official transcripts from all colleges attended to the Office of Student Admissions upon initial enrollment.

    Non-degree-seeking or non-certificate-seeking students shall take the TSI Assessment before enrolling in any college-level course work unless otherwise exempt.

  • Admissions Committee

    The Vice President of Instruction, the Vice President of Student Success, the Director of Admissions and Recruitment, and the Coordinator of Student Admissions constitute the permanent Admissions Committee. The committee shall consider individual student requests for admission or re-admission when the student does not meet the College’s standard admission requirements. Requests for hearings should be made in writing to the Coordinator of Student Admissions.

  • Developmental Studies

    Developmental courses are designed to help students improve basic skills needed to succeed in college and may be required of students whose academic records or test scores indicate a need for further skills development. These courses do not count toward graduation requirements at McLennan and usually do not transfer to universities or other four-year institutions.

    The following developmental courses are offered in a variety of instructional modes that may not be available for all courses:

    1. Modular, Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI), self-paced one-hour courses
    2. Eight-week sequences of developmental courses and sequences of the last developmental course followed by the appropriate college-level course
    3. Online courses
    4. Hybrid courses (online instruction blended with face-to-face classroom instruction)
    5. Traditional face-to-face classroom instruction
    6. Co-requisite pairs of the last developmental course in a sequence and an appropriate college-level course taught in tandem in any of the above modes
    7. Non-course competency-based options that support developmental students who are mainstreamed in an entry-level college credit course in the same discipline

    The different instructional options offer students learning-style choices and opportunities to complete developmental courses more quickly.

    In addition, short, intense workshops may be offered each semester for students needing to improve specific skills or their understanding of specific topics. These workshops may be related to specific courses, or they may be taken to improve students' TSI Assessment scores.

    The following are developmental courses/programs:

    • INRW 0401 Integrated Reading/Writing I
    • INRW 0401 Integrated Reading/Writing I: Intensive English [ESOL]
    • INRW 0402 Integrated Reading/Writing III
    • INRW 0402 Integrated Reading/ Writing II: Intensive English [ESOL]
    • MATH 0124 Beginning Algebra I (Module I)
    • MATH 0125 Beginning Algebra II (Module II)
    • MATH 0126 Beginning Algebra III (Module III)
    • MATH 0137 Intermediate Algebra (Module 1)
    • MATH 0138 Intermediate Algebra (Module 2)
    • MATH 0139 Intermediate Algebra (Module 3)
    • MATH 0307 Elementary Algebra
    • MATH 0308 Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning
    • MATH 0311 Intermediate Algebra
    • NCBI 0100 College Integrated Reading & Writing Readiness
    • NCBM 0100 College Math Readiness
    • NCBM 0101 College Algebra Readiness
  • Texas Success Initiative

    The Texas Success Initiative is an instructional program designed to ensure that all students attending public institutions of higher education in Texas have the reading, mathematics and writing skills necessary to perform effectively in college-level course work.

    Students must take the TSI Assessment prior to enrolling for any college-level course work unless otherwise exempt or enrolled in a waived Level-One Certificate program of 42 hours or less. The College reserves the right to make an exception to this policy for those individuals seeking additional training in a specialized workforce program after completion of a Level-One Certificate.

    The following students are exempt from the Texas Success Initiative:

    • A student who has exemplary SAT, ACT, TAKS or STAAR scores
    • 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 completed college-level course work in the areas of reading, math and writing with a grade of D or higher
    • A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a public institution of higher education
    • A student who has attended any Texas public institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution
    • A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment
    • 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

    Sections of the TSI Assessment that are passed will satisfy the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative, and those sections failed or not attempted will result in the student being required to meet the provisions of the institution’s developmental education plan.

    A student must begin any required developmental education during the first semester of college enrollment. In general, students are encouraged to address all areas of weakness in the beginning but must remediate in at least one area until all remedial sequences have been completed or the student passes the section of the TSI Assessment for which remediation was initially required.

    Students are required to remain enrolled in developmental education courses through the census date and are encouraged to remain enrolled through the completion of the semester. Reading is given priority over math and writing since the skill of reading applies to all areas of the curriculum.

    In addition, students who do not pass two or more sections of the TSI Assessment are required to enroll in PSYC 1300 or EDUC 1300, a course designed to expose the student to learning theory and emotional intelligence skills, as well as assist the student in the development of study skills, time management, note-taking and critical-thinking skills.

    Students who do not meet the minimum passing score on each section of the TSI Assessment may satisfy the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative in one of two ways:

    1. Achieving a passing score on sections TSI Assessment for which developmental education was initially required; OR
    2. Completing the required remediation.

    All students, unless otherwise exempt or enrolled in a waived Level-One Certificate program, must have TSI Assessment scores. The McLennan Testing Center offers the TSI Assessment on a regular basis. Students must complete the online pre-assessment activity using their McLennan student ID number before they can take the TSI Assessment.

    Following the receipt of test scores, students are advised as to appropriate course selection.

    All students are required to see an academic advisor each semester. Advisors in the various departments are available to meet with students throughout the semester.

    Each student entering college for the first time is required to meet with an academic advisor to discuss the student’s major, test scores and to provide guidance to the student in course selection and educational planning. Students who are new to McLennan are also required to complete the online orientation and the face-to-face Connections orientation to receive information about the College, the registration process, financial aid and other valuable information about life as a student at McLennan.

    A student transferring to McLennan from a Texas public, private or an out-of-state institution of higher education must have made a grade of D or higher in college-level course work in the areas of math, reading and writing in order to meet college-level readiness standards. If not, the student will then be required to test in the respective area, and developmental education requirements will apply for those sections not passed. A student transferring from a Texas public institution who has met the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative at their college is considered ready for college-level work and will not be required to test or meet developmental education requirements at McLennan.

    Students who are regularly enrolled at private or out-of-state institutions of higher education who attend Texas public institutions temporarily are waived from the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative. Evidence of such enrollment must be from the immediately preceding semester. The only exception to this rule is for students who attend private or out-of-state institutions during the spring semester, do not go to school during the summer, and then decide to attend a Texas public institution in the fall semester. Otherwise, students who did not attend a private or out-of-state institution during the term immediately preceding the term for which they seek enrollment at a Texas public institution may not be waived from testing requirements. Such students must fill out and submit the Temporary Student Waiver to Highlander Central.

  • McLennan Student Success Initiative

    Orientation

    All students who are new to McLennan must complete the online orientation and the face-to-face Connections orientation offered by Student Development. Topics covered include Success Coaches, critical resources, graduation, core curriculum, fields of study, transfer options, degrees and certificates offered, the Texas Success Initiative, financial aid, student organizations, and more. Once both orientations are completed, students will meet with an advisor and then will be able to register for courses.

    Learning Framework Courses

    All incoming students are required to enroll in a Learning Framework class during their first semester in which they are eligible to take the course. Students who are college ready or have passed two of three sections of the TSI Assessment will be required to enroll in PSYC 1100 or EDUC 1100. The PSYC 1100 or EDUC 1100 Learning Framework course focuses on critical issues for students new to college. Emphasis is placed on addressing perceptions, expectations, behaviors, and outcomes required for college success. Upon completion, students will have knowledge of communication and social skills, time management, available college resources, and solutions to challenges in the college environment. As a minimum, students also must be co-enrolled in INRW 0401 or have passed the reading portion of the TSI Assessment.

    Students who fail to pass two or more sections of the TSI Assessment are required to enroll in PSYC 1300 or EDUC 1300. PSYC 1300 or EDUC 1300 covers more comprehensively the topics in the 1100 course and provides in-depth exploration of students’ knowledge of learning theories, emotional intelligence, and practical student success strategies (note-taking, reading, test preparation, etc.). These students also must either have credit for or be concurrently enrolled in INRW 0401 or have passed the reading portion of the TSI Assessment.

    Both PSYC 1100/EDUC 1100 and PSYC 1300/EDUC 1300 are credit courses and will count toward degrees at McLennan and are transferable to four-year colleges and universities as well. All students wanting to strengthen their study skills are welcome to enroll in these courses.

    Success Coaches

    The McLennan Success Coaches help students succeed during their time at McLennan. They establish an ongoing advising-coaching-mentoring relationship at the beginning of the college experience that lasts through the duration of a student's education at McLennan.

    Success Coaches inform, guide, empower and encourage students by giving them the tools to succeed throughout their academic and personal life. Students work with a coach to develop a plan for success in college, learn how to build healthy relationships and improve their ability to communicate with others. Success Coaches also guide students to resources both on campus and in the greater Waco community that can help with any particular problems.

    For more information, visit the Success Coaches website.

  • Registration

    College Credit Courses

    Registration for college credit courses must be completed during the scheduled registration periods at the beginning of each semester or term. The class schedule is available in PDF form or searchable by subject in WebAdvisor on the College’s website before each semester or term. Admitted students will be given clearance to register.

    Students must meet with an advisor to discuss degree/certificate programs and class needs before registration. Before meeting with an advisor, students should view their degree plan(s) through Student Planning in WebAdvisor. All courses required for a degree or certificate, courses that have been completed, and courses remaining to be taken are listed on the degree plan in Student Planning.

    Registration includes completion of required forms, preparation of a class schedule, and payment of all tuition and fees.

    Registration for courses beginning at irregular times during the semester or term is completed at the time specified for the particular course.