TX Fresh Start Update

[RedRaider2013]

Since it’s such a popular discussion topic, I just wanted to give everyone a quick update on my fresh start application to UT San Antonio.

At the time of application, the initial admissions counselor told me to apply as a transfer student (since I already have a bachelors degree) and submit the academic fresh start form to him. I completed this in December.

I contacted UTSA last week for an update and spoke with another admissions specialist... She didn’t think I’d be eligible for transfer because my bachelors degree would be 10 years old at the time of matriculation, and didn’t understand why I would want to get a second bachelors degree. I explained my intent to go to medical school and she wasn’t even familiar with TMDSAS or the entire page on their site devoted to academic fresh start. I forwarded the link to her and she created a case number. I can expect to hear something in 2-4 weeks...

I’m frustrated that none of these admissions “specialists” seem to know the first thing about Fresh Start. UTSA and many other Texas colleges have the legal language from the Texas Code plastered on their websites, but lack any practical information or knowledge. There no processes or consistency at all, which is disheartening because AFS sounds great on paper. Actually using it is a different story. I’ll update everyone as soon as I know something

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[RedRaider2013]

Update: Admissions called me to verify my premed plans. My application will be taken to a committee because I won’t have a gpa for admission purposes and I don’t qualify for freshman admission. She did clarify that the committee can’t hold my lack of a gpa against me, but I should hear something in a few weeks. One thing that I was shocked to learn was that Texas mandates that universities charge out of state tuition on undergraduate credit in excess of 150 hours.

 

[esob]

. One thing that I was shocked to learn was that Texas mandates that universities charge out of state tuition on undergraduate credit in excess of 150 hours.

This is something that needs to be addressed with the legislature. Specifically, there should be an exemption for those invoking AFS. I might finally have something worth writing to my representative about. Also, I agree that it is a travesty that the administration personnel don't have the foggiest idea about AFS.

 

[skeptastic]

This is something that needs to be addressed with the legislature. Specifically, there should be an exemption for those invoking AFS. I might finally have something worth writing to my representative about. Also, I agree that it is a travesty that the administration personnel don't have the foggiest idea about AFS.

Absolutely. The policy doesn't exactly encourage career-changers and others with a ton of previous college credits to take many upper division courses, pursue a 2nd bachelor's, etc.

 

[Animal1234]

One thing that I was shocked to learn was that Texas mandates that universities charge out of state tuition on undergraduate credit in excess of 150 hours.

I am not sure this is enforced by all schools. I had greater than 150+ credits when I moved to Texas and took courses at both CC and Universities but was charged in state tuition.

Also for those looking to enroll in AFS and are having a hard time I was successfully able to enroll in AFS at one of the schools in DCCCD. Took an online course since I don't live in Dallas and applied for AFS once that course was completed. I never did get to use AFS for TMDSAS since I ended up not applying to any Texas programs and got into an out of state school.

 

[medbuddha]

Update: Admissions called me to verify my premed plans. My application will be taken to a committee because I won’t have a gpa for admission purposes and I don’t qualify for freshman admission. She did clarify that the committee can’t hold my lack of a gpa against me, but I should hear something in a few weeks. One thing that I was shocked to learn was that Texas mandates that universities charge out of state tuition on undergraduate credit in excess of 150 hours.

Did the school allow you to register under Fresh Start even though you have a previous bachelor's? I'm wanting to do the same but not sure which schools allow it if we already have a bachelor's degree. Thanks.

 

[dallas89]

Did the school allow you to register under Fresh Start even though you have a previous bachelor's? I'm wanting to do the same but not sure which schools allow it if we already have a bachelor's degree. Thanks.

I invoked AFS successfully at San Antonio College this past May/June after taking a quick online maymester course. I already had a bachelors and masters and I had no issues at all. The majority of people at institutions have never heard of or worked with AFS before so it really matters who you contact in regards to implementing AFS.