It is just as important to find the right fit for two-year schools as it is for four-year ones. The process below is the same as it would be if you were looking to attend a four year college or university
Use College Board's Big Future search tool to narrow down your college search
Your my.cherrycreekschools.org account will also let you use Naviance's college search engine
Explore the Common Application this allows you to fill out one application for many different schools
Talk to your Endeavor counselor to identify college visits to participate in
*The timelines below are a guide for May graduates. If you're a December graduate your timeline may shift backward a few months, but the steps are the same.
Narrow down your search using the tools above
Make a list of the schools, application fees, deadlines, test requirements, and contact information for each college
If required by the schools, take the ACT or SAT (typically in the Fall before graduation or earlier)
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), this form becomes available on October 1st every year
Apply for private scholarships as well (see 'Paying for College' at the top of this website)
Prepare your application materials, each school has a different deadline and some are as early as November
Ask a counselor or teacher for letters of recommendation
Ask your counselor or front office staff for help sending your transcripts to your colleges
Continue tracking application due dates and finalize your applications
Keep applying for private scholarships - millions of dollars go unclaimed every year!
Keep active in school, some schools will double check your senior year grades even if you're already accepted
Colleges typically make decisions in March and April and will send you a financial aid offer at that time
Inform colleges of whether or not you plan to attend (even if your plan is to not attend)
Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is a partnership between 13 Colorado Community Colleges. CCCS includes local schools like Arapahoe Community College, Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, and Red Rocks Community College.
CCCS's website helps to compare and contrast these schools, their programs, costs, and even apply.
Technical, Trade, and Vocational colleges all provide industry specific degrees, training, and certifications. Trade school graduates can pursue careers as occupational therapy assistants, mechanics, respiratory therapists, electricians, and paralegals. Many of these in-demand fields offer above-average salaries and strong projected job growth.
Trade schools in the Denver area include:
Arapahoe Community College
Community College of Aurora
Front Range Community College
Community College of Denver
Colorado Mountain College (Glenwood Springs)
Emily Griffith Technical College
Pickens Technical College