Author: Jill Bourgault

Prepare to Apply / Every college sets its own admission requirements, so it is a good idea for to check with the college’s website to see what criteria and deadline applicants must meet in order to be a good candidate. / 2-year colleges, or community colleges, are a great option for students who either intend to transfer to a 4-year college or for those looking specifically for technical skills that will translate directly to the workforce. / Timing is still important at a community college. Most community colleges have an open admissions policy, but classes fill up fast and students who apply early will have a better chance of getting optimal classes. Each college will have different deadlines for admissions, so check online at the college you are interested in. / Here are the most common parts to an application at a 2-year college: / The Application: All community colleges in Washington use the same online application process at www.public.ctc.edu/ApplicantWebClient/Applicant / Here you will set up an account with the Web Admissions Center and then be prompted to set up a user ID and password. / You then will be able to complete the Admissions application and select the school you are applying to. / You will then receive a response to your application generally within a week, some within 24 hours! This will give you a Student ID number and next steps to enroll. / Transcript: Most colleges will require a high school transcript, which is a record of your classes and grades. Students, who have earned college credit, will also need to submit those college transcripts. NOTE: Colleges only accept "official" transcripts that are signed and sealed by the high school, usually the school counselor. To request a transcript from Shelton High School, please use the link at the bottom of the SHS webpage or this link: / https://shs.sheltonschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=16523763&pageId=20329273 / Test Scores: Most universities are test optional. For community colleges, you may need to take the ASSET/ACCUPLACER/COMPASS. Community Colleges in Washington can also use the Smarter Balance test scores in lieu of a placement test. Please go directly to the schools website for more information. / Essays, Resumes or Letters of Recommendation are not required for admissions to community college, however you should still be working on these items and have them ready to apply for scholarships (please go to the scholarship section of this webpage)