Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Tech Prep and how can it benefit me?
   You can get a head start on your education by earning college credit for courses you take in high school. West Valley College has been working closely with high schools and ROP's to help students move smoothly and easily from high school to higher education and higher earnings. If you are already preparing for a career in Computer Applications, Internet Services, Digital Media, or Court Reporting by completing high school or ROP career classes, you may be eligible for Tech Prep at West Valley College.

    

2. How are Tech Prep courses different from other courses?
   Instructors in the Tech Prep program are dedicated to providing instruction in differing formats and giving students a practical approach to learning. Many of the courses have been integrated with coursework in math, English, and the sciences.

    

3. How do I find out if a course I am taking is part of this program?
   Ask your teacher/counselor if any of the classes you are taking are part of the Tech Prep program at West Valley College. These people can provide you with information on how to earn college credit for these classes. If your counselor does not know, please have them contact the Tech Prep Director at West Valley.

    

4. When I transfer to West Valley College, do I automatically get credit for the course I've taken?
   If you declare a major in the same area of the articulated course, you may receive credit. You need to take 12 additional units in your first semester at West Valley before being eligible for college credit for the courses taken in high school.

    

5. For how long are the courses taken while I was in high school available for credit at the college?
   If you enroll in the college within 12 months of high school graduation, your high school courses will count for credit at West Valley.

    

6. How do I get this credit?
   After you have taken your 12 units and declared your major, you should contact your college counselor who can help you with the process. At that time, you should take the signed Application for Articulated College Credit form to the Admissions and Records Office at West Valley. (Check the Get Started Articulation Process page.)

    

7. Who you gonna call (at the college)?
   Karina Dundurs, Tech Prep Director, (741-2111)
   Michael Byers, Counselor, (741- 2604)
   Ginny Aragon, Counselor (741-2196)
   Michael Herauf, Articulation Officer, (741-2607)
   

    

  Return to Tech Prep Home.

Revised April 18, 2004