Post-Graduation Education Options
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Four Year Colleges & Universities
Four Year Colleges and Universities
Washington State is home to six 4 year colleges and universities. Three of these colleges have branch campuses as well. There are numerous private, independent colleges. The Washington Student Achievement Council website provides a comprehensive list of these colleges and will link you to their websites and a lot of other valuable information.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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Student Population - are you looking for a diverse population or a more homogeneous student body?
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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.
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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.
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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
College Data - this is your on-line college advisory. This has information regarding finding the right college, detailed colleges profiles, and much more.
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Community Colleges
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.
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Technical Colleges
Technical Colleges
Technical colleges provide training for workplace skills. A technical college will give students the skills and knowledge needed for employment upon completion of their program. Technical colleges offer Associate of Technical Arts degrees and certificates programs. Programs offered vary by school and students should check out the offerings at each institution. Certificate programs generally take 6 to 12 months and degrees generally two years.Check out the links below for information at local technical colleges:Statewide information on technical colleges: http://www.sbctc.ctc.edu/Check out a College: http://checkoutacollege.com/Bates Technical College: https://www.batestech.edu/Clover Park Technical: http://www.cptc.edu/ - Clover Park hosts an open house each spring for juniors and seniors. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to check out the offerings at a technical college. Clover Park Technical Career Conference is May 8th. Sign up in the Career Center. Transportation and lunch are provided. -
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship
Not sure what an apprentice is? Check out this short video: CLICK HERE
Earn while you learn! Apprenticeships are career training opportunities that combine classroom training with on-the-job training under the direction of a journey-level craft person or trade professional. As an apprentice you pay no tuition. There are three broad career pathways:-
Building and construction - carpenter, plumber, electrician, iron worker etc.
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Manufacturing and Machine - machinist, industrial millwright, diesel etc.
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Service and support - cosmetologist, firefighter, paraeducator etc.
Who can be an apprentice?-
Minimum age is 18 (there are some exceptions)
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Mechanical and aptitude test
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High School Diploma or GED
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Meet health requirements of the particular job
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Work experience
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Drug free - able to pass drug testing
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Valid WA state drivers license
As baby boomers start to retire, these jobs are becoming high demand careers. Start exploring the possibilities now. Getting an apprenticeships is very competitive. Find out what you need to do, be persistent, and work hard.Check out the following helpful links:-
Labor and Industries:https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public/#/
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Washington State Building and Construction Trades: http://www.wabuildingtrades.org/
- Apprenticeship Programs by Occupation lookup page: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public/
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I'm graduating - Now What?
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Deciding what you want to do after high school can be exciting, scary, confusing, and, for some, a clear-cut decision. Wherever you find yourself, make sure to take advantage of the resources available to you. Talk to your parents, friends, teachers, counselors, use the Counseling/Career Center resources, and the vast number of websites that are available. The Career Center has many college catalogs and career exploration books. It is never too soon to explore careers and the options that are available after high school. Use the information in this section to help you make what will be one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Good luck and don't forget to ask for help.
College search site suggestions:
- Career Planner: Explore college programs, research careers, take an aptitude test, and much more.
- College Navigator: Find the right college for you.