college information
How to choose a college/university
As you are aware, there are many different colleges and universities to choose from. You can choose from public or private, in state or out of state, rural or big city... the options seem endless! To help you get started on this search, as part of your PEP your Junior year you use CIS to see which schools have certain degrees that match up with your career goals. Taking what you learned a step further, you can also use CIS to complete a school sort which will give you eight different criteria to sort through and find schools of interest. Then, once the program finds you a list of schools that match your criteria you can compare the schools to each other and conduct further research on these schools.
How to access CIS School Sort:
As you are aware, there are many different colleges and universities to choose from. You can choose from public or private, in state or out of state, rural or big city... the options seem endless! To help you get started on this search, as part of your PEP your Junior year you use CIS to see which schools have certain degrees that match up with your career goals. Taking what you learned a step further, you can also use CIS to complete a school sort which will give you eight different criteria to sort through and find schools of interest. Then, once the program finds you a list of schools that match your criteria you can compare the schools to each other and conduct further research on these schools.
How to access CIS School Sort:
Hover over "Education" tab
Under the "Find an Education" subheading click "School Sort" Follow the instructions to find schools, that match your criteria |
Things to keep in mind when choosing a college:
- Out of state schools will have higher tuition, but some schools participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) which gives out of state students the in-state tuition price!
- Whenever possible, visit the campus of a school you are interested in. Touring the school, meeting with some students, and asking questions with give you a more insight as to how the school aligns with you and your interests.
- If a school does not participate in the WUE, look into studying for two years at a local community college to earn in-state status and then transfer to that school.
- Listen to the announcements to hear what schools are visiting West and sign up in the College Visit binder in the Counseling Center. Talking to admissions counselors is a great way to get your questions answered.
- Visit school websites and look at certain degree programs, clubs, student life, and request information be sent to you. The request information button is usually on the home page or admissions page.
- Be a smart consumer and do your research on the college expense, financial aid, how many graduates have jobs after graduation, and more by reviewing the College Scorecard statistics.
- Discuss your options with your parents, mentors, friends, counselors, teachers, etc. there are people who would love to help you. Also, if you would like a personalized mentor, remember to sign up to be an ASPIRE student!
Community Colleges
There are no application deadlines for community colleges, but many applications for financial aid/scholarships will still have deadlines so be sure to do your research. While you're researching, check to see if your school has a have dual degree partnership with local public universities; this means you can attend a university at the community college price! Click on the community college name to visit their website for more information on locations, programs, degrees, and more! (*Notes institutions with student housing)
There are no application deadlines for community colleges, but many applications for financial aid/scholarships will still have deadlines so be sure to do your research. While you're researching, check to see if your school has a have dual degree partnership with local public universities; this means you can attend a university at the community college price! Click on the community college name to visit their website for more information on locations, programs, degrees, and more! (*Notes institutions with student housing)
Public Universities
Applications received by the priority deadlines receive priority for admissions AND scholarships so it is recommended you apply by these dates if you can. For more information either click on the university name to visit the website or contact the area admissions counselor.
Applications received by the priority deadlines receive priority for admissions AND scholarships so it is recommended you apply by these dates if you can. For more information either click on the university name to visit the website or contact the area admissions counselor.
Admissions Counselor: Gina Galaviz ([email protected])
Application deadline: September 1, 2016 |
Admissions Counselor: Janeth Macias ([email protected])
Priority deadline: November 1, 2016 (recommend by March 15, 2016 for scholarships) |
Admissions Counselor: Michael Jansen ([email protected])
Early decision deadline: November 1, 2016 (regular deadline February 1, 2016) |
Admissions Counselor: Tania Sanchez ([email protected])
Priority deadline: December 1, 2015 (accepts applications all year) |
Admissions Counselor: Andrew Clum ([email protected])
Priority deadline: February 15, 2016 (accepts applications all year) |
Admissions Counselor: Luis Renteria ([email protected])
Early action: November 1, 2015 (regular application due January 15, 2016) |
Admissions Counselor: David Compton ([email protected])
Priority deadline: February 27, 2016 (accepts applications all year) |
Private Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities
Most private colleges and universities use the Common Application to apply for admissions. Be sure to check the site and speak to an admissions counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver! Another thing to keep in mind, some colleges have "Early Decision" and some have "Early Action." The difference between these two is that "Early Action" is binding (you will withdraw all other applications and enroll in that school) and "Early Decision" is non-binding (you can still choose later on to attend a different school). Remember to do your research and ask questions!
Most private colleges and universities use the Common Application to apply for admissions. Be sure to check the site and speak to an admissions counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver! Another thing to keep in mind, some colleges have "Early Decision" and some have "Early Action." The difference between these two is that "Early Action" is binding (you will withdraw all other applications and enroll in that school) and "Early Decision" is non-binding (you can still choose later on to attend a different school). Remember to do your research and ask questions!
Admissions Counselor: Jenni Vause ([email protected])
Application deadline: May 1, 2016 |
Admission Counselor: [email protected]
Application deadline: August 1, 2016 |
Admissions Counselor: Rachel Gerig ([email protected])
Early action deadline: November 15, 2015 (regular deadline February 1, 2016) |
Admissions counselor: David Jenkins ([email protected])
Early action/decision deadline: November 1, 2015 (regular deadline January 15, 2016) |
Admissions counselor: Matthew Hodges ([email protected])
Early action deadline: November 15, 2016 (regular deadline February 15, 2016) |
Admissions counselor: Jacquie Begemann ([email protected])
Priority deadline: March 1, 2016 (accepts applications all year) |
Admissions Counselor: [email protected]
Application deadline: August 15, 2016 |
Admissions Counselor: Kassia Galick ([email protected])
Priority deadline: January 15, 2016 (accepts applications all year) |
Admissions Counselor: Jennifer Eaves-Velez ([email protected])
Priority deadline: January 15, 2016 (accepts applications all year) |
Admissions counselor: Paapa hMensa ([email protected])
Early decision deadline: November 15, 2016 (regular deadline January 15, 2016) |
Admissions Counselor: Casandra Esparza ([email protected])
Priority deadline: December 1, 2015 (regular deadline: January 15, 2015) |
Admissions Counselor: Mariana Toscano ([email protected])
Priority deadline: January 31, 2016 (accepts applications all year) |
Admissions Counselor: Sue Corner ([email protected])
Early decision deadline: November 15, 2016 (regular deadline: January 15, 2016) |