Application and Admission

Q: What do I need to do to apply to the Collin County Community College District (Collin College) TCP?
A:

1. Determine eligibility to apply to the program

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited University (Non-US degrees will need to be evaluated)
• Strong Content Emphasis (24 college credit hours with a GPA of 2.5 or higher in a content or subject area in which Collin’s program offers teacher certification)
• Attend required Program Information Session (Register by calling (972) 377-1062 or by emailing teachered@ccccd.edu)
• Passing Test Scores on: (Must have passing scores on all sections of the test before submitting application)
  
  Collin’s Basic Skills Assessment

        OR
  
  TASP/THEA scores with 260 in Reading, 220 in Writing and 230 in Math, if taken  within the last 5 years.
  
  Note: Test for oral proficiency in English may be required for non-native English speakers – Program advisors will make this determination.

2. Submit Application Materials

• Completed and signed Application form (with the check list on first page completed)
• Resume / Portfolio (work experience may be used to add weight to the applicant’s educational achievements )
• Filing Fee- $40.00 (Collin County residents) / $75.00 (non-Collin County residents)
• Official Transcripts from all Colleges / Universities Attended
• Collin’s Basic Skills Test Score Report 

      OR

TASP/THEA Test Score Report (Test must have been taken and passed within the last 5 years)

Admission to the program will be based on the combined results of all the following criteria:

• Application Materials
• Verification of Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited University
• Review of Official Transcripts from all Colleges / Universities Attended
• Proof of Strong Content Emphasis (24 college credit hours in a content or  subject area in which   Collin’s program offers teacher certification)
•  Passing Score in the Pre-Admission Test to verify content knowledge in the subject area  in which teacher certification is being sought
• Three References  
• Scored Interview

Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance into the Collin’s Teacher Certification Program.

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Q:  Do I have to have a content area?
A:  Yes.  Collin requires a strong emphasis (24 hours) in a content area offered that corresponds to a teaching field in Texas schools. Content knowledge proficiency will be verified with transcripts and a passing score on the Pre-Admission test in the content area in which certification is sought.

Q: Once I turn in an application and meet the requirements, am I automatically enrolled in the program?
A: No. Submitting an application and meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Applicants are considered using a holistic approach and on multiple criteria. The TCP selects only those applicants for this intensive accelerated teacher preparation program that have met all the criteria and have the personal and professional qualities necessary for success as a classroom teacher. All applicants are notified in writing about the status of their application upon completion of the application process.

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Q: Why is a basic skills assessment required for applying to the program?
A: All applicants are assessed according to State Board of Educator Certification requirement: "Screening for admission to include but not limited to college level skills in reading, oral and written communication, critical thinking, and mathematics."
SBEC Chapter 227. Admission to an Educator Preparation Program

Q: Is Collin’s Internal Assessment required even though I have taken another skills test such as GRE, GMAT or TOEFL?
A: Yes. Everyone applying to Collin’s TCP will have to take the assessment. The exception will only apply if TASP/THEA test was taken less than 5 years ago with minimum scores of 260 in Reading, 220 in Writing and 230 in Math. This will ensure everyone applying to the program is equally assessed using a standard tool to measure knowledge and skill level. Besides screening for admissions, the Collin Assessment will also act as a placement tool for entrance into the program.