Four Year Colleges and Universities

Of course, there are many colleges across the United States. You need to take the time to explore them and decide what it is you are looking for. Some people don't spend much time thinking about it and end up unhappy with their decision.  Below is a list of considerations that will help you with your search.

• Size - schools come in all sizes, from under a 100 to well over 30, 000.  Think about if you like big or small.  Do you like to know everyone?  Small colleges offer you the opportunity to have smaller classes; get to know both your professors and your classmates.
• Type - Not all colleges are the same.  Some colleges have a specialty in one specific area, such as engineering or teaching, while others give their students a broad education.  Some colleges are research colleges and spend a lot of their resources in that area.  Some have great graduate programs; private vs. public, religious, single sex, the list is almost limitless.
• Location/Distance from home - Are you a small town person who would love the big city? Or would you be lost and miserable in the city on a big campus. Do you want to be close to your hometown? Think about how much of a change you want when you go to college.
• Cost/Scholarship/Financial Aid - cost is a big deciding factor in choosing your college.  If the cost is high, then you need to be able to get scholarships and financial aid.
• Student Population - are you looking for a diverse population or a more homogeneous student body?
• Majors and Requirement:  If you know what field you are going into, it is very important to make sure the college you choose is going to give you the best education in that area.  If you are undecided, make sure you choose a school that provides plenty of options.
• Athletics- are you an athlete and do you want to play on your college team?  Are you a sports nut and want that to be part of your collegiate experience. Check your school out and see what it offers.
• Activities and Special Programs - What is available outside of your major? Some colleges have special programs such as an emphasis on study abroad programs, some have great theatre and arts programs or an excellent school newspaper. Take the time to think about what experiences you want to have.

Have fun making your decision.  Go to college fairs, visit campuses when you take family vacations, go to the college visitations at THS.

There are also a number of websites that will help you explore your options.

Cappex - helps your prepare, plan, apply, and decide

Careers and Colleges 

https://www.collegeboard.com/

College Data - this is your on-line college advisory.  This has information regarding finding the right college, detailed colleges profiles, and much more.

Community Colleges offer many opportunities for students. Two-year colleges offer Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programs that enable students to complete their first two years of college before transferring to a four-year college/university. Students also have the option of obtaining an Associate of Technical Arts degree or certificate in numerous professional-technical areas. If a student is unsure as to what they want to do with their future, it is a great place to start. Community college can also help keep the cost of a four-year college education down. The ACT and SAT are not required for Community College admission. There is a placement test required prior to registration. Learn more about the ACCUPLACER test at SPSCC: https://spscc.edu/services-support/assessment-center

Benefits of attending a community college:

• smaller class size
• lower tuition
• a transferable degree to a four-year institution
• variety of courses and majors
• degrees/certificates in areas of high demand technical careers
• flexible schedules

South Puget Sound Community College, Pierce College, and Centralia College are the three colleges closest to the Lacey/Olympia area.

Helpful sites for exploring community colleges:

• Big Future, Small Price Tag: Find your program via the many Washington state Community Colleges & Technical Schools.
• Cappex: information that will help you prepare, plan, apply, and decide which college is best for you.
• Becoming a Student: explore career options, and find a Washington state community or technical college based on your goals, interests, and location.

Technical Colleges

Apprenticeship

Not sure what an apprentice is? Check out this short video: CLICK HERE

• Building and construction - carpenter, plumber, electrician, iron worker  etc.
• Manufacturing and Machine - machinist, industrial millwright, diesel etc.
• Service and support - cosmetologist, firefighter, paraeducator etc.

• Minimum age is 18 (there are some exceptions)
• Mechanical and aptitude test
• High School Diploma or GED
• Meet health requirements of the particular job
• Work experience
• Drug free - able to pass drug testing
• Valid WA state drivers license

• Labor and Industries:https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public/#/
• Washington State Building and Construction Trades: http://www.wabuildingtrades.org/
• Apprenticeship Programs by Occupation lookup page: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public/