Academic Fresh Start

In accordance with Texas Senate Bill 1321 (1993) and Senate Bill 365 (2025), Texas residents applying for admission to Dallas College may elect to exclude all college credit or grades earned five (5) or more years prior to first day of the semester in which they seek to enroll. This provision is known as Academic Fresh Start.

Eligibility

To qualify for Academic Fresh Start, a Dallas College applicant must:

• Be a Texas resident; and
• Have completed college-level coursework more than five years before the first day of the term in which they seek to enroll.

Key Provisions

• Individual course selection is not permitted. If an applicant elects to exclude credit or grades for an academic fresh start, they exclude all credit or grades earned five or more years prior to enrollment.
• Excluded coursework:
  • Will not count toward degree requirements
  • Will not affect GPA or academic standing
  • Cannot be used to meet prerequisites

Transcript Requirements

Applicants electing Academic Fresh Start are still required to:

• Include all previously attended institutions; and
• Submit official transcripts for all attempted coursework, including coursework eligible for exclusion under this policy.

How to Apply

To request Academic Fresh Start, applicants must:

1. Complete the Academic Fresh Start Request Form
2. Notify the Admissions Office at the time of application
3. Ensure all official transcripts are on file
4. Meet with a designated Dallas College official to confirm eligibility and complete the Fresh Start process

Additional Information

• This policy does not affect eligibility for federal financial aid
• Any TSI (Texas Success Initiative) exemptions previously earned will remain valid
• Excluded coursework will remain part of the applicant’s academic record, if enrolled, but will not be used in academic evaluations