Getting Started

Start here for a new career. We're glad you're here and we're ready to help you get started. Over 800 students graduate from Bates each year and with over 50 programs offering both short-term certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree options, you're sure to find the right program that will help you reinvent yourself.

Steps to Getting Started

  • Step 1: Apply for Admission to Bates Technical College

    • Complete the online application.
    • Upon acceptance, you will receive an email that includes your next steps. Bates does not require official high school transcripts as part of the adult enrollment process.
    • Activate your ctcLink account. You will receive an acceptance email with your ctcLink ID and the link to activate your account. For more information and instructions, visit https://www.batestech.edu/ctclink/
    • If you are interested in applying to Bates Technical High School, please go to high school page for more information.

     

    Admissions Policy

    To be eligible to receive Title IV funds, the regulations require that institutions admit as regular students only persons who have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the state in which the school is located, or are dually enrolled in the college and a secondary school.  Students who are beyond the age of compulsory attendance within that state and has completed one of the ability-to-benefit (ATB) alternatives and is either currently enrolled in an eligible career pathway program or first enrolled in an eligible postsecondary program prior to July 1, 2012 may use ATB If your policy allows.

  • Step 2: Attend an Information Session

    This is your opportunity to get all the information you need in one place for becoming a successful student while at Bates Technical College, no matter what you choose as your career pathway.

    Choose to attend in person or via Zoom!  

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  • Step 3: Apply for financial aid, learn about ways to pay

    • You will need your FSA ID and previous year’s tax return or W2s handy to answer the income questions. Bates Technical College’s school code is 012259.
    • Visit the Workforce Education Services page to learn about some of the special funding programs such as Worker Retraining funding, Opportunity Grant and other programs you may qualify for.
    • Bates Technical College Foundation scholarships can provide financial assistance for educational expenses. Submit an application here.

    Need more help?

    • For one-on-one support completing the FAFSA/WASFA application, the EOC (Education Opportunity Center) with MDC, offers assistance in applying for financial aid. You can contact an EOC Advisor at Sbriggs@mdc-hope.org or (253)318-4945. Students can complete an Educational Opportunity Center Enrollment Form to see if they are eligible for assistance.
    • Otterbot is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text “Hi Otter” to 360-928-7281 to help Washington students navigate financial aid for college and career education.
    • For general Financial Aid questions and help completing the FAFSA, visit our Financial Aid page to see our hours of operation.

    For additional question about the financial aid, email financialaid@batestech.edu.

  • Step 4: Establish College Placement

    There are two basic ways to complete Math and English placement requirements. You can complete Option A: upload documents for previous test scores or unofficial transcripts, or you can complete Option B: complete a self-guided placement process for a current assessment of your skills. Choose one option.

    Option A

    • Upload your documents into your ctcLink portal for previous tests scores (Accuplacer, Smarter Balance, ACT or SAT), unofficial high school or college transcripts, GED certificate in preparation for your mandatory advising appointment. Accuplacer, Smarter Balance, unofficial high school transcripts, and GED certificates are valid within the last 2 years only. Pending review of your high school transcript, further assessment in math and English may be necessary as described in Option B.

    Option B

    Depending upon your academic background, you may need to complete a self-guided placement process for Math and/or English for a current assessment of your skills. Note: Each of these resources is designed to assess current skills and will include opportunities to review and refresh your skills.

    Once you complete these processes, your results will be forwarded to you and your career advisor who will assist in placing you at the correct level in your required general education courses to receive your degree or credential.

    Official college transcripts: This two-part process requires you to submit an official transcript from your previous institutions to have applicable earned credit applied to your career program. See our Transfer Student page for more information including completion of the Credit Evaluation Form.

  • Step 5: Register for Classes

      • Once you have completed the above steps, you are ready to register for classes. All new students are required to meet with a career advisor to register for classes their first quarter. Call 253.680.7002 to schedule your appointment.
      •  Please bring your assessment scores or transcripts to this appointment.
      • Students are required to complete the online Covid-19 Attestation prior to the first day of the quarter, otherwise you will be dropped from class. You will need to log into your ctcLink account and navigate to the Immunization Attestation tile.

    Military Service Personnel and eligible dependents:  Eligible service members who intend to utilize Tuition Assistance (TA) must receive approval from an Educational Services Officer (ESO) or Counselor within the Military Services prior to enrolling for courses at Bates Technical College.

  • Step 6: Attend New Student Orientation

    • Register to attend a New Student Orientation. Get your parking pass and student ID. Learn about student resources at the college.
  • Learn how to get started (English, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean)
  • Learn how to get started (Spanish)
  • Explore our career pathways

Student Perspective

Start here for a new career. We're glad you're here and we're ready to help you get started.