Admission Criteria for Most Colleges and Universities

Most colleges and universities consider the applicant’s total record, including such factors as scholastic achievement, recommendations of high school principal or counselor, recommendations of faculty members, rank in class, extra-curricular activities, and scores on any nationally administered tests associated with college entrance (SAT or ACT).

Scholastic achievement requirements are generally as follows:

1. In addition to courses required for graduation from Lake Stevens High School, four year colleges in Washington State also require Algebra 3-4, two years of the same world language and two to three years of a lab science.

2. College-bound students will need a math-based quantitative course during their senior year.  Check with your counselor to determine which courses will meet this requirement.

3. Admission to community colleges in the State of Washington is possible upon satisfactory completion of high school with a diploma.

4. For individual college requirements, consult the appropriate college website, Career Information Specialist, and/or counselor for assistance.

TESTING PROGRAM - COLLEGE ADMISSION

Many colleges and universities now made standardized state or national tests optional. Scores are sent to the college by the testing agency. All are optional, and it must remain the student’s individual responsibility to sign up for those tests in which he/she is interested. (Fees are determined by test agencies.)The following tests are available:

SOPHOMORE & JUNIORS may take:

• The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in the fall for a fee. The PSAT provides familiarization with the procedures involved in the SAT.  The National Merit Scholarship program awards scholarships based on PSAT results for high school juniors.  Other scholarships may use PSAT results as prerequisites for qualification.

• Some students may wish to take the SAT during the spring testing opportunities, particularly those considering application to one of the military academies.

SENIORS OR JUNIORS may take:

• The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is now optional with most public colleges/universities throughout the country as well as many private schools in the state of Washington. The College Entrance Examination Board tests may be taken in October, November, December, January, March, May and/or June.  You can sign up for the SAT test at https://www.collegeboard.org   Be sure to check with individual colleges/universities if they "require" testing as part of the application process. 

• The American College Test (ACT) may be substituted for the SAT. This test is specifically required by a few colleges/universities for admission. The American College Testing program may be taken in October, December, February, April and/or June.  You can sign up for the ACT at https://www.act.org/

Complete information concerning these testing programs are available in the Counseling or Career Center at the high school. All students who are college-bound should take advantage of this service.

Lake Stevens High School CEEB CODE IS 480585