I'm interested in going to Western Dakota Technical College after high school. Does anyone know what the admission process is like, and what I should focus on to improve my chances of getting in?
Sure, I can help with that! Western Dakota Technical College (WDT) is an open enrollment institution which means as long as you're a high school graduate, or have a GED, you're eligible to apply - there isn't a competitive admissions process.
To get started, you'll need to fill out an online application on their website. After submitting your application, you should then provide WDT with a copy of your high school transcript, or if you've obtained a GED, a copy of your GED certificate.
Your next step would be to take a placement exam which will be used to determine whether you need any remedial coursework. If you've already taken the SAT or ACT, your scores can be used instead of the placement test. However, remember, submitting these scores is not mandatory, but they can help in the placement for your courses.
Once the above steps are completed, you'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you're eligible for federal financial aid. While filling out the FAFSA isn't technically a requirement for enrollment, it's a necessary step if you wish to apply for financial aid.
Finally, you'll attend a new student orientation and register for classes. The orientation is a great opportunity to learn more about the school, meet your peers, and get prepared for the start of your college journey.
As far as how to improve your chances of getting in, as an open enrollment institution, the main requirement is to be proactive about meeting these steps. Stay organized, keep track of the forms you need to submit, and make sure not to miss any deadlines. Doing these things will help ensure a smooth application process.
As with any college application process, I also suggest you focus on maximizing your high school performance to gain a diverse skill set that will help you succeed in college coursework. Even though your GPA isn't factored into the admission decision, strong performance in high school can prepare you well for the rigor of college classes. Similarly, get involved with some extracurricular activities if you're able to – they can provide great real-world skills that will be useful to you in your college journey.
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