Frequently Asked Questions

Academic Programs

What types of programs does Washington State have?

Washington State offers over 50 associate degree and certification programs of study. We offer transfer programs for students who want to start at Washington State and continue their education at a 4-year college or university, associate degree programs for students who wish to receive a 2-year degree and venture into the world of work, and certificate of completion programs that enhance a student’s skill set.

Our broad range of programs includes the academic areas of :

Business Technologies
Engineering and Industrial Technologies
Health Sciences
Public Services

For a complete listing of degree and certificate programs, please visit the academics section of the Washington State web site or download the current course catalog.

I’m not sure what I would like to study. Are there any tools to help me?

While being undecided about what major you want to study gives some students the flexibility to try out a few academic areas before settling on a major, some students like to have a little bit of guidance. At Washington State, we suggest that students use the FOCUS assessment. The FOCUS assessment allows you to explore careers and see what kind of training you will need to be successful in each career.

I’m a high school student and would like to take college classes while in high school. Is that possible?

Currently, Washington State offers two options for high school students who wish to get college credit while in high school. These options include the Early Enrollment Program (EEP) and Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO).

Admissions

How do I apply for admission?

You can apply online or download and print a paper application and send it to the admissions office.

How do I schedule an appointment with an admissions representative or take a tour of the campus?

Contact the admissions office at 740-568-1900 or admissions@wscc.edu and we’d be glad to help you make an appointment.

Do I need to take the ACT or SAT in order to apply to Washington State?

Washington State is an open enrollment institution and does not require ACT/SAT scores for general admission to the college. However, our health science programs have different requirements, which may include ACT or SAT scores. Please contact the admissions office at 740-568-1900 or admissions@wscc.edu to have a health science program packet sent to you.

COMPASS Placement Assessment

What is the COMPASS placement test?

The COMPASS is an online placement assessment that tests your English, math, and reading skills. It will assist the academic advisor in helping you create a class schedule that meets your educational needs.

Am I required to take the COMPASS placement test?

All students who are new to Washington State Community College should take the COMPASS placement test. All students who are applying to any of the health sciences programs at Washington State are required to take the assessment.

If you are a student who is transferring in credit from another college or university, you may not be required to take the COMPASS. Please call 740-568-1930 for additional information or to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.

Where do I go to take the COMPASS placement test?

The COMPASS placement test is done in the Student Services lab. Please call 740-568-1930 or stop by the Student Services desk to schedule an appointment.

Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid?

The first step in applying for financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. The FAFSA is an online form that you complete based on tax information. You’ll need to put in Washington State’s school code, 010453, which allows your information to be sent to Washington State. Once the financial aid has your information, they’ll be able to determine what type of aid you may be eligible for. If you have any questions regarding financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 740-568-1908.

Transfer

I’ve attended another college or university. Will any of my credits transfer to Washington State?

In order to determine if any of your credits from another college or university will transfer in as credit at Washington State, you’ll need to send in your transcript(s) from all colleges and/or universities you’ve attended. Our Records Office will evaluate your transcripts to determine what credit, if any, will be given.

Can I transfer from Washington State to another college or university?

Of course! Our students have great success when transferring from Washington State to another college or university to complete their 4-year degree. For more information regarding transferring, please visit the transfer section of the Washington State web site.

I’m currently attending another institution and would like to take classes that will transfer to the other institution. Can I do that at Washington State?

Yes. In this situation, you would enroll at Washington State as a transient student. To apply, transient students must supply the registrar with a statement from the dean or registrar of the institution regularly attended describing the student’s current status, along with a recommendation to accept Washington State.

Returning Students

I previously attended Washington State and want to return. What do I need to do?

Unless you wish to enter a health sciences program, you should not need to fill out another Washington State general admission application. Due to program requirements, students who wish to enter any of the health sciences programs must have a Washington State general admission application on file. You will need to apply for financial aid using the FAFSA form. You’ll need to meet with an academic advisor to create your schedule and register for classes. The Records Office provides downloadable forms for students who need to change their name or address.

Academic Advising

How do I know who my academic advisor is?

If this is your first quarter at Washington State, you’ll meet with a first time academic advisor in the Student Services Office after you complete the COMPASS placement assessment. Beyond your first quarter, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor based on which major you have selected. If you have any questions regarding your academic advisor, please see the department chair or dean of your chosen academic area or stop by the Student Services Office.

If you are returning to Washington State, please call the Student Services Office to set up an appointment with an academic advisor. The advisor will help you select courses based on your educational goals and placement assessment results.

Can I audit a class?

Students can choose to audit a class, which means that they will not receive credit for the class. Also, classes that are audited can not be counted towards graduation requirements and are not included in the computation of the cumulative grade point average.

Other Helpful Information

How do I get to Washington State?

Directions to Washington State can be found on our web site.

I need to get a student ID. Where do I need to go to get that?

To get your student ID, please stop by the Student Services Office. Please bring a copy of your class schedule and another form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license.

Do I need to get a parking pass? If so, where do I need to go to get that?

Parking passes may be purchased at the Business Office. Any student who wishes to park his/her car on the Washington State campus must purchase a parking pass.

I want to change my major. How do I do that?

The Records Office provides a change of major form for students who wish to declare, change, or add a major. You can download and print the form or pick one up from the Records Office.

Besides classes, what else is there to do on campus?

Even though Washington State is a commuter campus, there is still plenty to do on campus. Student activities, ranging from musical and cultural events to pool tournaments and the annual spring picnic, provide plenty of opportunities for students to enjoy some fun. The Evergreen Arts & Humanities Series provides quality programs year-round that feature local, national, and international performers.

Is childcare provided on-site?

The Evergreen Child Development Center is located on the campus of Washington State. It serves students, employees, and the community with quality child development services

I’m experiencing technical difficulties/issues with my Washington State e-mail and/or WebAdvisor. How do I fix this?

While technology can provide an efficient means of communication, sometimes technical issues require some assistance. The Help Desk is available to provide assistance with technical questions. Contact the Help Desk at 740-568-1949 or by visiting the AS253 Computer Lab in the Arts & Sciences Center.

Is there a student handbook at Washington State?

The student handbook is available online for download or in hard copy format at the Student Services Office.