College Readiness

For many students, a two or four-year college will help them achieve their career goals. Planning for college starts long before high school graduation. Beyond paying attention to academics, the path to college involves taking the right high school courses, exploring your career interests, visiting colleges, and applying to colleges that are a good fit. Here you will find resources and information to help students and families.

college student

College Entrance Exams: SAT & ACT

All students who want to take college entrance exams should have that opportunity. To ensure ALL students have equitable access, the district schedules in-school time for students to complete exams and pays for exam fees.

College Entrance Exams

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Advanced Programs

Advanced program courses include Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College in the High School courses, and Running Start. 

Advanced Programs

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Dual Credit Courses

Dual credit courses allow students the opportunity to earn high-school and college credit. Students may earn dual credit through Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, College in the High School courses, CTE Dual Credit (all high school CTE courses are eligible) and Running Start.

Dual Credit Courses

University partner

College and University Partners

Tacoma Public Schools has agreements with nine schools to clearly outline admission criteria. For students and families, this gives a roadmap and peace of mind knowing what steps they can take now to ensure college admission.

College and University Partners

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Applying for College

All colleges have an application. Typically, you can submit a vocational, technical, two-year or four-year college and university application online and sometimes in-person or by mail. There is a common application that is used by hundreds of colleges in the U.S., this application is convenient because you can send it to multiple eligible schools. There is also a shared application for many community and technical colleges in Washington.

Applying for College

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Paying for College

Paying for college shouldn't be a barrier to pursuing education after high school. Find resources to help students apply for scholarships, federal and state financial aid and more.

Paying for College