Preparing for college is a very important process for many students at W.F. West. Choosing what classes to take, what colleges to apply to, how to finance a college career, and establishing study habits can be a very time consuming and arduous task.

"Going to college means dedicating yourself more to getting the grade and learning the material. You are required to go to high school, but it's a choice to be in college and if you're going to succeed in college, you need to have the grades, ambition, and motivation to get there," said junior Jesse Goins, a Running Start student.

Parents play a big part in helping a student decide how to prepare for college and usually end up helping pay a good part of the tuition. "My parents talk to me about college every time I get a report card or anytime I dedicate myself to doing well in a sport," said sophomore Carissa Ames.

"Taking the college preparation curriculum that we have available and doing well in those classes is one of the best things you can do in your preparation for going to college," said W.F. West Councilor Denny Daniels. "The college preparation curriculum is much more demanding. It exceeds graduation requirements and will help you set down the kind of study habits that you'll need to keep up with the quick pace of college classes."

The college preparation curriculum contains schedules packed with a number of advanced classes as well as the classes required for graduation.

Taking the various intelligence and comprehension tests will also increase your opportunity of being accepted into the college of your choice. Tests inculde the PLAN, PSAT, CTBS, ACT and SAT. Studying for these tests could prove to be a wise investment of time.

"I think studying for the SAT test is probably one of the best ways to get ready for college. It proves you can dedicate yourself to the success of an endeavor and accomplish the goals that you've set for yourself," said junior Brad Core.

Some feel that receiving a four year degree will not be necessary in the next decade. "As technology advances, the importance of a technical degree will increase. It only takes one to two years to get a technical degree," said W.F. West history teacher Mike Shaeffer. "However, many people are financially successful without a degree. For instance, Bill Gates. He never completed college, but he's the richest man in the world."