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The Top 8 Things I Need to Do
Once you have narrowed down your college choices, there are a few things you need to do to get started. Note: Not everyone will need to take all of these steps, or take them in this order—and there may be others, depending on your life circumstances.
Students walking

1. Finance Your Education

The community and technical colleges can help eligible students find ways to pay for college. Ask to talk with someone in student services. The process of applying for Federal Financial Aid, scholarships, loans—or even old-fashioned saving money for college—can take some time. Start early and plan ahead.

2. Visit the College

Visiting a college campus is the best way to know if it’s right for you.

3. Apply for Admissions

Applying for admissions is easy. Just follow the enrollment steps at the college of your choice. Some degree programs, such as Dental Hygiene, have specific entrance requirements and/or waiting lists.

Also, some students—like Running Start or International Students on a student visa—are required to fill out different applications.

4. Take the Placement Test

A placement test will help you decide which classes you are ready to take. You might be ready for basic math. You might be ready for advanced calculus. We accept you where you are and help you get where you want to be.

5. Meet with Your Advisor

An academic advisor or counselor will help you to plan your education, schedule your classes and maximize the time and money you spend on your education.

6. Register for Classes

After you choose your classes, there are several convenient ways for students to register: online, in person or by mail.

7. Pay Your Tuition

In most cases, the closer it is to the start of the academic quarter, the sooner your tuition is due. Many of Washington’s community and technical colleges now offer tuition payment plans, so you can spread your tuition over several payments.

8. Attend Orientation

New student orientation is essential to start your college experience. Every orientation format is different; for example: online, held during group advising, the weekend before classes, during the first week of classes, by specific program or major. No matter the format, new student orientation covers the services, policies and activities you need to know to succeed.