An Open Door to Education
“Open door” means the colleges offer classes and student services for people at all levels of education. The colleges accept you where you are and help you get to where you want to be.
It does not mean any student can take any class he chooses. And it does not mean our college-level classes are easier than at a university.
A placement test will help you know which classes you are ready to take. (Students who have completed some college coursework or who have taken a placement test at another school should contact the admissions office.)
So, you might be ready for basic math and pre-college English. Or you might be ready for advanced calculus and Shakespeare.
Because of our open door, you do not have to compete with others to be accepted. The community and technical colleges do not require SAT or ACT scores or essays.
Be aware that each college has a slightly different admissions process. Some charge a fee; others do not. Some want everyone to fill out an application; others do not.
Before you apply, contact the college of your choice to make sure you are using the right form.
Special Programs Admissions
Being accepted into the college does not always mean you are accepted into the specific program or classes of your choice.
Certain programs have different admissions requirements, additional steps or forms: Running Start, International Students, high school programs, healthcare programs such as nursing, corrections/law enforcement.
Apply Online
Most Washington community and technical colleges accept the state online application. A few do not: Bellevue Community College, Bellingham Technical College, Columbia Basin College, Seattle Vocational Institute.
The online application is not for everyone. Before you apply online, check with the college of your choice if you are:
- Attending while still in high school
- A non-immigrant, international student (in the U.S. on a student visa)
- Taking adult basic education, GED high school completion courses
- Interested in healthcare programs like CNA, LPN, RN
- Taking English as a second language (ESL) classes
- Taking non-credit courses
- Eligible for worker retraining funds
APPLY ONLINE NOW