Welcome, Bienvenidos to our New Students!

The Welcome Advising Center is dedicated to providing a first point of contact for entering, transfer and returning students by providing assistance with information on the admissions, assessment and advising processes at Palo Alto College.

A mini-computer lab is available for completing the online application, requesting transcripts, submitting the FAFSA, and accepting financial aid awards online. Stop by and visit with our friendly and knowledgeable staff!

STEP 1: Welcome Advising Center (Palomino Center, Room 103)

Complete a 2-year college application for admissions

• Apply Texas.org (The Welcome Advising Center has a small computer lab that can be used during office hours.)

STEP 2: Admission and Records (Palomino Center, Room 117)

Submit the following documents:

• Official High School Transcript with official test scores (if applicable) (Mailed or Hand Carried in Sealed Envelope), or 
• Official GED Scores (Mailed or Hand Carried), or 
• Official Transcripts with any attempted College course work (mailed or Hand Carried in Sealed Envelope)

STEP 3: Assessment and Testing Center (Brazos Hall, Room 101)

Complete the internet based Texas Higher Education Assessment Test (THEA IBT)

• The PAC Test Center is proud to announce our new online Student Appointment Calendar which allows you to make your appointments in advance for CLEP, Distance, Make Up, and THEA tests
• Cost is $29.00 for THEA (IBT).
• First time students must have scores on file prior to registration unless qualified for exemption.
• An interactive practice test is available for $19.00 at http://thea.starttest.com.

STEP 4: Financial Aid - FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

1. Complete a FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov/
• PALO ALTO COLLEGE - Federal School Code 016615
2. The Financial Aid Office is located in the Palomino Center Room 108 - Phone: 210-486-3600 Fax: 210-486-3601
3. Receipt of payment secures your enrollment in classes. Computer lab available to complete the FASFA in the Welcome Advising Center.  

STEP 5: Group Advising/Registration Session

1. Build Your Schedule:  Meet with Counselor/Advisor for Group Advisement Session 
2. Register for a required SDEV 0170 course (College Success)
3. What to Bring:
• Copies of your transcripts and test scores
• Print a Degree Plan  
4. Register early for classes
5. Print schedule and tuition bill on ACES  
6. Make sure to check the Academic Calendar for important dates

STEP 6: Parking and Transportation

VIA Bus Passes:

VIA bus passes are available for students during the Fall and Spring semesters for $35.00. A VALID COLLEGE STUDENT PICTURE ID is required. VIA Bus Passes may be purchased on-campus at the Business Office. Continuing Education students must contact the VIAa Metropolitan office to obtain a bus pass.

Parking Permits: 

Parking Permits may be purchased during on-campus registration or at the Business Office all during the semester. Students and employees are eligible to purchase a Parking Decal/Tag. Exceptions are authorized through the President's Office (Article IV of the Parking and Traffic Rules and Regulations). Additional Parking decals will be $50.00 per vehicle. Three or more vehicles will need to show proof of car insurance. A Vehicle Registration Form must be completed and the full tuition payment must be paid, prior to receiving a parking permit. Each student parking on the campus must have a parking permit. Note: License plate number is required on the Vehicle Registration Form .

For more information please stop by the Bursar's Office (Palomino Center Room 115).