I'm interested in visiting the campus. How do I schedule a campus tour?
To find out about Recruitment events and/or schedule a campus tour, visit our events page.
Can I start any program in any semester?
No. Some programs only begin in either the fall or spring semester. Visit the "Program Availability" page to find out more about your intended program of study.
Do I need to apply to a program?
Yes, if you intend to complete an associate degree or technical diploma program at WCTC. Submit an application for admissions. You may print one out or you can complete the application online.
What is required to complete the application process?
You will need to submit a completed application form, $30 application fee, official high school transcripts, official college transcripts (if you have previous college coursework), and complete the COMPASS Assessment. Some WCTC programs have additional admission requirements. Call the WCTC Admissions Office at 262.691.5200 for more information.
Is the application fee refundable?
No. The $30 application fee is a one-time, non-refundable processing fee. The fee can be paid in-person (check, money order, cash, charge), by credit card over the phone, or through the mail with a check or money order.
What if I have paid the application fee to WCTC previously?
The $30 Admission Fee is a one-time fee. If you have previously paid the fee to WCTC, you do not need to pay again.
I previously paid a $30 application fee to another Wisconsin Technical College. Do I need to pay the fee again?
Yes, an application fee needs to be paid to each technical college to which you apply.
What are "official" transcripts?
Official transcripts are issued directly to WCTC from the high school or college. Official transcripts are sent in sealed envelopes and contain official signatures/seals of the high school or college. To request official transcripts, you will need to contact your high school and previous college(s). There is usually a form you will need to complete and sign. Also, there is usually a fee for issuing official transcripts. Check with your high school or previous college directly to learn more about requesting official transcripts. Additionally, it can take several weeks to have official transcripts issued. It is recommended that you request official transcripts as soon as you start the admissions process.
I graduated from high school over 10 years ago. Do you still need my high school transcript?
This depends on the program. For many programs, it is not required to submit transcripts if you have been out of high school for more than ten years. However, there are some programs that require high school transcripts regardless of age. To find out if you will need to submit official high school transcripts, call the Admissions Office at 262.691.5200. To request transcripts, contact your high school and have them send an official transcript directly to WCTC. (If your name has changed since graduation, be sure to remind your school to write your new name on your transcript.)
Can I get my transcripts returned to me once they are sent to WCTC?
No. Once you submit documents to WCTC, they become the property of WCTC and they cannot be returned to you. If you would like copies of transcripts for personal use, you can contact your high school and/or previous college and request copies to be issued directly to you (Note: your high school/previous college may charge a fee for this request).
Do I need to take an entrance assessment to be admitted to WCTC?
Yes. If you have not taken an entrance assessment in the past five years, (ACT, Accuplacer, COMPASS or Asset), you will need to take the entrance assessment in order to be admitted to WCTC.
How do I sign up to take the COMPASS Assessment?
You can sign up online or call 262.695.6215.
How can I prepare for the COMPASS Assessment?
You can visit the Assessment Center online . These pages will give you information on what you will be tested on and how you can prepare for it as well as information on basic skills preparation opportunities.
What circumstances would allow for a waiver of the entrance assessment?
If you have completed a similar assessment (ACT, Accuplacer, Asset, etc.) in the past five years, you may be eligible for a waiver, depending on the scores of the previous assessment. Also, you may be eligible for a waiver if you have previously completed college level course work in Reading, Writing and Math with a grade of "C" or higher. Official college transcripts for all formerly attended colleges will need to be submitted to the WCTC Admissions Office prior to a review for a potential assessment waiver. Call the WCTC Admissions Office at 262.691.5200 for more details regarding an assessment waiver.
Is there an application deadline?
Yes, application deadlines are set for both spring and fall semester. Additionally, not all programs/courses are offered each semester. Visit the "Program Availability" page to learn more about your intended program of study. In order to complete your admission file in a timely manner and to get registered for courses, you are encouraged to submit your application and begin the admissions process as early as possible.
What is the earliest that I can submit my application for my intended start term?
- District Applicants (Waukesha County Residents)
- Fall = October 1st
- Spring = April 1st
- Out-of-District Applicants (Non-Waukesha County Residents)
- Fall = January 1st
- Spring = May 1st
Application Periods*
*See application deadlines for information on application period end dates.
How do I know if I have been admitted to my program of choice?
Once you have completed all admissions requirements, you will receive a letter indicating you have been admitted. (Please allow 5 - 10 days after completion of requirements for processing and mail.)
I have already taken courses at another college. Will they transfer to my program at WCTC?
Contact your previous college(s) and have them send official copies of your transcript to the WCTC Admissions Office. Complete the Transfer of Credit request form and submit the form to the Admissions Office. Credit transfer review may take several weeks to complete. You are encouraged to send your official transcripts to WCTC as soon as possible. For more information about the Credit Transfer process, call 262.691.5279.
If I am admitted to my program does that mean I am also registered for courses?
No. Admission is separate from registration. Students are encouraged to register as soon as possible on or after the New Student Registration date to ensure the best possible selection of courses. Note: Admission to a program does not guarantee that seats will be available in required courses.
If I am registered for courses does that mean I am admitted to a program?
No. Admission is separate from registration. To be admitted to a program, you must complete the admission process for your intended program of study.
When can I register for classes?
Once you have been admitted to your program, you will receive information regarding registration information approximately 4 weeks prior to New Student Registration. Registration dates are also posted on the college calendar.
Can I take classes if I am not admitted to a program?
Yes. If you are not admitted to a program and would like to take a class, you are considered "non-degree seeking" and will be allowed to register with the general public. If you register for courses as a "non-degree seeking" student, you can only register for courses for which you meet the pre-requisites and for courses that are not "program restricted". Also, non-degree seeking students are not eligible to apply for financial aid and they cannot participate in "continuing student" priority registration.
How do I apply as an international applicant?
WCTC welcomes international students. You will find step by step application instructions at wctc.edu/admissions, click on International Applicant. To learn more about the process and/or receive answers to more detailed questions, please contact Kathleen Kazda, Admissions & Assessment Manager, at 262.691.5464 or kkazda@wctc.edu.