More than one-third of all high school graduates will be required to enroll in pre-college courses once they enter college, costing them time and money.
Students need a way to get ready for college-level work before high school graduation.
Developed by high school and college educators, Bridge to College Courses in English language arts and math give students the skills and knowledge to succeed in college-level work. For qualified students, these engaging, hands-on courses offer the opportunity to automatically enroll in college-level courses in math or English at any one of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges and Eastern Washington University, providing an alternative to taking a placement test at college entry.
Bridge to College courses can ensure that you are ready for college-level courses the day you start college. Avoid pre-college courses that cost you extra time and money and don’t count toward graduation.
Bridge to College Course in High School
Who should take a Bridge to College course?
The Bridge courses are designed to serve students who score below “college-ready” on the high school Smarter Balanced assessment, are interested in attending college, and need some extra support to be prepared to take college level math and English courses. As you think about your plans for high school and beyond you might find the visual summary below helpful in considering whether a Bridge to College course would be a good fit for you. For help planning your pathway make sure you consult your guidance counselor!
BtC Transition Courses Infographic 12-2019
How can a student take a Bridge to College transition course?
Over 200 high schools across the state offer a Bridge to College Course. Contact a school guidance counselor to find out if your school offers the courses or check the list on this web site.
What do Bridge to College Courses prepare students for?
The English Language Arts course develops students’ skills in critical reading, academic writing, speaking and listening, research, inquiry and language. The math course assumes that students are seniors taking the course after taking Algebra II; it builds on a range of skills students learn throughout high school, including Algebra I, geometry and Algebra II, focusing on helping students prepare for college level math.
Using the Bridge to College Course in College
Who can use a Bridge to College Course to avoid pre-college courses in college?
High school students who earn a B or better in the Bridge courses and then begin college the year following graduation, will be placed directly into a college-level math (not on a calculus or STEM pathway) or English composition course at one of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges and Eastern Washington University. These students will not have to take a placement test or enroll in pre-college courses. They will be placed at the same level as students who scored at level 3 on the Smarter Balanced Assessment.
How can a student make sure they can use their Bridge to College grade to access the Placement Agreement when they register for college classes?
- Have a copy of your high school transcript ready to show a college admissions counselor once you have been admitted to any participating Washington college (see above).
- If you don’t have a copy of your transcript, contact your school’s guidance office to see if the information could be provided directly to the college, or if available, download and/or print the information.
Who can I contact for questions about using the Bridge to College course in college?
Please contact Bill Moore (360-704-4346, bmoore@sbctc.edu), Director of K-12 partnerships at the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.