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College Transition

College transition is not always easy.  Although at least 70% of high school students plan to attend college, the college dropout rates are high.  A significant number of college students drop out after the first year.  Are you ready for college?  What type of degree are you seeking? and why?  How are you paying for college?  Besides earning college credits while in high school, what do you need to know in order to make wise decisions for your future?

• The Education Resources Institute (TERI) publishes two workbooks - Get Ready for College & Making College Affordable to help high school students plan for college.
• Two-year vs. four-year colleges (educationalindex.net) and advanced degrees (collegezone.com)
• Community colleges offer two distinct types of associate degrees: immediate workforce preparation vs. academic transfer. 
• Not all college degrees lead to satisfying jobs.  If making decent money after college is important to you, you should know about the high skills, high wages fields and Tomorrow's Jobs.
• If you are short on cash and also do not want to spend a long time in school, the high paying jobs for associate degrees may be what you are looking for.
• Look into the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) earlier so you do not miss out on the financial aid deadline.
• 10 Skills Needed for Success in College
• Online resources to improve your study skills

Attending CBC

Before graduating from high school or after high school, if you decide to attend Columbia Basin College, the following links should point you to the right direction.

• New Student Checklist.  You are encouraged to visit CBC campus.
  • Apply for admission (form).  Learn what resources are available to help you finance your college education.
  • Call the Assessment Center to make an appointment to take the COMPASS test (sample questions).  You may also stop by the Assessment Center to pick up a study guide.
  • After the test, schedule an appointment with one of the counselors or educational advisors to select classes.
• CBC's Online Advising & Educational Planning tools help you explore on your own.
• Attend the FYI (First Year Introduction) to get a good start to your college experience.
• List of Tech Prep articulated courses and where they lead (to an associate degree or a certificate)
• CBC Professional and Technical Programs booklet (4th edition)

Credit Transfer

Tech Prep credits are intended for college professional and technical programs. The credits may or may not transfer to a four-year school or outside of Washington state. Students are advised to consult with those institutions concerning specific credit transfer and admission requirements. 

• How to request an official transcript (the order form must be submitted in the written form).
• Credit transfer guides to universities and colleges within Washington state:
  
  • Washington State University: transfer information, transfer FAQ
  • University of Washington: transfer credit policies, course equivalency guide
  • Central Washington University: transfer student information
  • Eastern Washington University: transfer guide
  • Western Washington University: transfer course equivalency guide
  • Evergreen State College: transfer guides for WA community colleges
  • Heritage University: transferable course list for CBC
  • University of Puget Sound: transfer course equivalencies for WA community colleges
  • Pacific Luthern University: transfer equivalency guides
  • Seattle Pacific University: transfer course equivalency guide
  • Whitman College: transfer of college/university credits
  • Others