1. Transferring Do you plan to transfer from Lone Star College Tomball to a university? If so, it is NEVER too early to start the transfer planning process. If you are unsure of where to start, then this PowerPoint is for you!

2. Some students know exactly what career path they would like to pursue. Others are still undecided. Choosing a major is critical because it will ensure that the courses you take while at Lone Star will not only transfer, but will count towards your degree at the university level as well. If you HAVE decided on a major you should meet with an advisor to discuss your degree plan at LSC and how exactly to match the courses you take at LSC to your university’s degree plan. If you are UNDECIDED on a major, consider using Career Counseling here at LSC Tomball. Contact the Advising and Counseling office to schedule an appointment with our Career Counselor so that you can match your interests with your abilities to determine suitable career choices. Transferring Step 1-Choose a major

3. Transferring Step 2-Choose a College Once you have chosen your major, then it’s time to research colleges and universities that offer your desired program. In order to determine the best fit, consider the questions below: –Do you want to stay local? –Do you want to attend a small or large college? –Which schools offer your major and have well reputed programs? –What types of financial aid are offered to transfer students? –Will you be required to live on or off campus? Many universities offer Open Houses or Preview Days where prospective students can visit the campus, take a tour, visit with admissions counselors and engage in campus life in order to decide if the school is a good fit. Our Advising and Counseling Office posts fliers for these events if you want to stop by and take a peek!

4. You should submit an application to your college of choice as early as possible. Check the website for specific admission deadlines for each semester. Pay close attention to additional required documents such as official transcripts, test scores, essays, etc. Submitting at least 6 months in advance (if not more) is highly encouraged. For example, if you would like to enroll in your transfer institution in August, you should apply in January. If you are still taking courses at Lone Star when you apply, remember to submit another round of official transcripts once your last courses here are complete. Applying early could increase your chances at receiving transfer scholarships. Be aware that most likely you will be required to pay an application fee in order to submit your application. Transferring Step 3-Apply for Admission

5. Transferring Step 4-Apply for Financial Aid You should submit an application to your college of choice as early as possible. Check the website for specific admission deadlines for each semester. Pay close attention to additional required documents such as official transcripts, test scores, essays, etc. Submitting at least 6 months in advance (if not more) is highly encouraged. For example, if you would like to enroll in your transfer institution in August, you should apply in January. If you are still taking courses at Lone Star when you apply, remember to submit another round of official transcripts once your last courses here are complete. Applying early could increase your chances at receiving transfer scholarships. Be aware that most likely you will be required to pay an application fee in order to submit your application.

6. First Things First!! Lone Star College Catalog It’s yours for 5 years and it’s available online at: http://www.lonestar.edu/st udents.htm Phone Numbers Table of Contents Academic Calendar Tuition/Refunds Dropping/Withdrawing Core/AA/AS Degree Plans Workforce Degree Plans Course Descriptions

7. Your Gateway To LSC MyLonestar Student E-Mail Student Center Class Schedule Access Unofficial Transcripts Access Final Grades Online Classes Access to Classes Available Any Time! Financial Information View Fee Statements Review Financial Aid Documents Course Scheduling Set-up & View MyPlanner Register & Drop Classes (before they start) “How To” Documents

8. Counselors vs. Advisors Counseling Services Include: Crisis Counseling Academic Crisis Career Planning Disability Services Advising Services Include: Degree Planning Course Selection Transfer Planning Graduation Planning Registration

9. When To See An Advisor For Registration Services: For Advising Services: Before and After Registration If you have a hold on your account or If you are unable to self-register online

10. Know Your Options: What is your educational goal?

11. Transferring? Most universities have a “transfer” page on their website. There is usually a limit to the number of college credit hours that will transfer. Core Curriculum is designed for transfers to Texas universities. Lone Star College offers transfer guides for many Texas universities on our website (lonestar.edu/transfer-university)lonestar.edu/transfer-university Transfer Fairs are offered every semester at LSC-Tomball!!! (Check with your advisor for specific dates) It is your responsibility to determine if a course will transfer by seeking advice from the institution you plan to transfer to. Guides and online resources are helpful, but are not a guarantee!

12. But I WANT to take a Photography class! Excessive Credit Hours Acquiring more than 30 credits in excess of your bachelor’s degree may result in you paying out of state tuition in Texas. Taking too many electives, unrelated to your degree, can cause excess credit hours. You may be charged for it!

13. Do You Know? Dropping is Before “Official Day” and Does Not Show on Your Transcript Withdrawing is After “Official Day” and Appears on Your Transcript as a “W” Before you Drop: Check Drop Deadlines 6 Drop “W” Limit 3 Repeat Rule Refunds and Financial Aid Always talk to your instructor FIRST! Consider tutoring Consult with your advisor

14. Academic Standing It is very important that you maintain a 2.0 GPA every semester. Staying On Track

15. Academic Warning – If you drop below a 2.0 your first semester, it is a warning. Academic Probation – If you stay below a 2.0 your second semester, you will have to meet with a counselor before you are able to register. Academic Suspension – If you remain under a 2.0 for a third semester, you may be suspended or, you may have to take a reduced course load. Staying On Track

16. Definition: Plagiarizing something means copying facts, ideas, and/or words without giving credit to the person from whom you got the information. Important rules to remember in order to avoid plagiarizing something: Ask the instructor or a librarian if you’re not sure. Use quotations “…” if you want to use a sentence from the text When in doubt, document with quotations, the author’s name, and the title. Adapted from English Works! at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. Plagiarism

17. Contact the Tomball Advising and Counseling Office C-100 281.351.3310 Office Hours Monday -Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday 9:00a.m. - 2:00 p.m.