Select Transfer Enrollment Program
The Select Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP) offers an alternative admission pathway for select prospective First-Time in College freshmen.
The Select Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP) offers an alternative admission pathway for select prospective First-Time in College freshmen. It guarantees admission to UT Dallas after completing 30 transferable credit hours with a B or better in each course at a local community college.
STEP Benefits
Begin your college journey by enrolling in courses at a community college while working closely with your UT Dallas admission counselor. This collaborative approach supports your path to degree completion, helping you build strong study habits and effective time management skills for long-term academic success.
- Career Preparation: Access to pre-health professions and pre-law advising centers.
- Degree Completion: Transfer UT Dallas course credit back to your community college to complete your associate degree.
- Early Advising: Meet one-on-one with UT Dallas academic advisors.
- Library Privileges: Use the UT Dallas Library through the TexShare program.
- Student Discounts: Join us at campus and athletic events and get the Comet Connection student rate.
How To Become a STEP Member
Step 1: Meet with a UT Dallas Admission Counselor.
Let us know if you are coming to UTD by accepting your invitation to the STEP. It’s easy. Just log in to your Galaxy Applicant Center.
Step 2: Accept your STEP Invitation.
Complete pending items on your To-Do List, such as submitting transcripts. You can access your To-Do List through your Galaxy Applicant Center.
Step 3: Enroll at a Texas Community College.
We will send future communications to your UTD email address. Don’t miss out — be sure to check it regularly.
STEP Timeline
Spring Semester (High School)
- Meet with a UT Dallas admission counselor and accept your invitation to STEP by May 1.
Summer (After High School Graduation)
- Finalize your STEP plan with your UT Dallas admission counselor by July 1.
Fall Semester (Community College)
- Enroll and begin fall classes at your community college.
- Review your fall semester progress with your UT Dallas admission counselor in November.
Spring Semester (Community College)
- Enroll and begin spring classes at your community college.
- Review your spring semester progress with your UT Dallas admission counselor in April.
- Submit your official community college transcript to UT Dallas.
Summer
- Submit a completed UT Dallas transfer application through ApplyTexas by July 1.
- After successful completion of STEP, register for transfer orientation.
- Check your Galaxy portal for any other items on the to-do list.
STEP FAQ
Will my dual credit transfer if I participate in STEP?
Yes, it is possible for students participating in STEP to apply dual credit to their degree plan at UT Dallas. We encourage dual credit students to contact our office to determine if STEP is the best option for them.
What happens if I join STEP and fail to complete the required courses?
Students who do not meet the criteria outlined in their STEP agreement can still be considered for admission as transfer applicants.
What happens if I miss the July 1 deadline?
We encourage students to finalize their STEP plan by the July 1 deadline to ensure they stay on track with their coursework. Students who miss the deadline should contact their admission counselor.
When should I meet with an admission counselor?
As early as possible! Any student interested in STEP, or the transfer process in general, should contact the Office of Admission and Enrollment at admission@utdallas.edu or 972-883-2270. Students can also connect directly with their admission counselor by visiting the counselor locator tool.
Questions?
Admission Counseling
Our admission counselors are here to help guide you through the entire admission process — from choosing your school and submitting your application to preparing for enrollment.
Contact us or use our counselor locator tool to email your assigned UT Dallas admission counselor directly.