Westwood College Guidebook. go.westwood.edu

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1 Westwood College Guidebook go.westwood.edu 1

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3 Welcome to Westwood! Thank you for considering Westwood College. As a high school student, we know you have many options to consider after graduation and we hope you will take the time to get to know us. From our 14 distinct campuses to our hands-on curriculum, Westwood College s approach to education is designed to assist you in your success. Westwood College is an accredited* Westwood College Mission Statement institution of higher learning that is committed to providing you support throughout your education and a jump-start on your career. At Westwood, you won t wait to take the classes that interest you. Westwood College is dedicated to preparing students with the knowledge, skills and training needed for meaningful employment. Through education, we create opportunities, change lives and impact futures. Our degree programs allow you to begin career-focused classes in your first two terms. And, our programs are designed to help you earn your associate degree in as little as 17 months. With classes available day, night, as well as online options, we make it easy to create the schedule that fits your life. VALUE STATEMENTS: With a hands-on, active approach to learning, Westwood College 1. We are dedicated to preparing students for meaningful employment offers a unique, career-focused curriculum in growing fields. Our courses are taught by faculty with experience in the fields they 2. We provide a quality education and learning environment 3. We embody integrity in everything we do 4. We believe in partnership with employers, students, graduates and our communities 5. We have pride in our students and are passionate about their success 6. We respect diversity and believe all people should have the opportunity to get an education and find meaningful employment 7. We believe in continuous improvement and exploring new ideas More than 37,000 students have graduated from teach so you graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to start your career. At Westwood College, you ll begin preparing for career success from the day you apply and we ll be here to help you every step of the way. You ll be assigned a Success Team SM who will guide you through the enrollment process and continue to work with you until you ve graduated and started a career in your field of study. You have the power to change your life; we ll be here to help along the way. You're ready for more! For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at westwood.edu/disclosures. * Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Subject to students meeting admissions placement requirements. Student Guidebook / WELCOME TO WESTWOOD Westwood College. 3

4 Why Westwood? Westwood College prepares students for meaningful employment. You're ready for more! Over 37,000 graduates. Our instructors are experienced professionals in their fields who will mentor you and teach you what you need to know to succeed in your career. Our small class sizes allow you to get to know your instructors and classmates. You ll receive hands-on training in your career field starting in the first two terms.* We offer tutoring at no additional cost when you need help. Stay current in your field as marketplace needs evolve with our tuition-free alumni retraining available in your field of study. Talk to your admissions representative today to schedule your consultation. Student Guidebook / WHY WESTWOOD? 4 go.westwood.edu *Subject to students meeting admissions placement requirements. Participating in the Westwood alumni re-training program is tuition-free for qualified graduates. Additional costs such as lab fees, books, and supplies are the responsibility of the student. Retraining is limited to the program or area of emphasis from which the student graduated and is subject to space availability.

5 As little as 17 months for an associate degree! Westwood College allows you the choice and flexibility to make college work for you. First, you can earn your associate degree in as little as 17 months. You can then use the momentum of earning your first Westwood College degree to propel you into a new career or continue on to finish your bachelor s degree. The choice is yours. By following the Westwood degree paths, you ll receive the encouragement and support you need to make a better life for yourself one step at a time. Which program will launch you into your career? School of Business Business Administration (A) Business Administration (B) Major in: Healthcare Management Management Marketing Management Construction Management (A and B) Hospitality Administration (A) School of Design Computer Aided Design/Architectural Drafting (A) Graphic Design (A) Graphic Design (B) Major in: Visual Communications School of Industrial Services School of Justice Criminal Justice (A) Criminal Justice (B) Major in: Administration Paralegal (A) School of Technology Information Technology (A) Information Technology (B) Major in: Network Management Information and Network Technologies (A) Information and Network Technologies (B) Major in: Network Management School of Healthcare Dental Assisting (A) Health Information Technology (A) Healthcare Office Administration (A) Medical Assisting (D and A) Medical Insurance Coding and Billing (A) School of Automotive Technology Automotive Technology (A) D=Diploma A=Associate B=Bachelor's Student Guidebook / PROGRAMS *Not all programs are available at all campuses. Please check with your admissions representative about the programs available near you. 5

6 School of Business Graduate Profile Name: Araceli Sanchez Degree Program: Business Administration: Major in Marketing Management Job: Program Manager of Operations, Unisys Corporation Why Westwood? My favorite thing about Westwood was the experienced instructors and the teaching quality. Their work experience really helped us get real-world experience. Student Guidebook / SCHOOL OF BUSINESS A degree in business can take you almost anywhere. The Westwood College School of Business can help take you where you want to go. Westwood Success Stories Member. To view the entire collection of stories visit westwoodsuccess.com 6

7 where school and business come together Business Administration Employers need qualified candidates who have a broad understanding of business. This program will provide the fundamentals. Business Administration: Major in Healthcare Management Bachelor s degree Healthcare focuses on helping people achieve optimum health. And it s one of the biggest industries in the United States. If the business is managed well, the healthcare providers can spend more time focused on providing care. Business Administration: Major in Management Bachelor s degree If you can manage a business, a lot of doors can open up for you. This program teaches students fundamental business principles, leadership and practical management techniques. Business Administration: Major in Marketing Management Bachelor s degree The marketing and sales departments of any company connect with customers and bring in revenue. This program provides students with general business skills as well as specialized training in marketing and sales. Construction Management Associate and Bachelor's degrees This program instructs students in three main areas: construction science, construction management and business. career fields* Business administration Construction management Health services management Sales *Please refer to westwood.edu/disclosures for important information about this program, including salary information, job titles and employers of our graduates, as well as information about median loan debt and potential occupations from the Department of Education. Hospitality Administration Our hospitality program provides the educational background and handson experience necessary to launch a management career in this vital and diverse industry. go.westwood.edu Student Guidebook / SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 7

8 School of Design School of Design Graduate Profile Name: Rosie Gramajo Degree Program: Graphic Design (formerly Graphic Design and Multimedia) Job: Licensed Art Director What was your favorite thing about Westwood? One of my favorite things about Westwood was how fast-paced it was. I was able to go to school and get on my career path faster than I could have at a traditional college. Student Guidebook / SCHOOL OF DESIGN If you have an eye for design, take a close look at the Westwood College School of Design. Our design programs give you the skills and tools you need to launch your career as a designer. Westwood Success Stories Member. To view the entire collection of stories visit westwoodsuccess.com 8

9 a program designed just for you Computer Aided Design/Architectural Drafting This program teaches students to use the latest industry-relevant computer-aided design software to design and draft architectural projects. Students receive a foundation in math, communications skills and career management. Graphic Design Graphic design combines artistic, technical and communications skills. This program teaches students to create effective designs that communicate visually in both print and multimedia. career fields* Architectural drafting Graphic design Visual communications Graphic Design: Major in Visual Communications Bachelor s degree Today, more and more communications are visual, and visual communications means technology. This program teaches students the design and technical skills such as the creation of layouts needed to create visual communications in the business world. *Please refer to westwood.edu/disclosures for important information about this program, including salary information, job titles and employers of our graduates, as well as information about median loan debt and potential occupations from the Department of Education. * Graduates without experience in the field will likely start in entry-level positions. Position titles and responsibilities may vary by hiring company. Subject to students meeting admissions placement requirements. go.westwood.edu Student Guidebook / SCHOOL OF DESIGN 9

10 School of Healthcare Graduate Profile Name: Casey Harris Degree Program: Medical Assisting Job: Service Coordinator What were you doing before Westwood? Before Westwood, I was working and attending another college. I decided to transfer to Westwood because the classes were smaller and more intimate. Nothing compares to the real-world, hands-on experience I received while at Westwood. Dental Assisting This program is designed to provide students with the skills to work as a chair-side dental assistant in general dental offices or clinics. Student Guidebook / SCHOOL OF HEALTHCARE 10 Westwood Success Stories Member. To view the entire collection of stories visit westwoodsuccess.com career fields* Dental assisting Medical assisting Health information Medical records *Please refer to westwood.edu/disclosures for important information about this program, including salary information, job titles and employers of our graduates, as well as information about median loan debt and potential occupations from the Department of Education. Health Information Technology This program emphasizes the use of a variety of health information systems, adherence to regulatory guidelines, application of reimbursement coding, and the management of health records. Healthcare Office Administration This program equips students with the skills necessary to manage medical office operations alongside doctors and patients. Medical Assisting Diploma and Associate's degrees This program prepares students to handle a wide range of front and back office functions in a medical facility. Medical Insurance Coding and Billing This program includes preparation in processing insurance claims in accordance with professional, legal, and insurance industry standards. *Graduates without experience in the field will likely start in entrylevel positions. Position titles and responsibilities may vary by hiring company.

11 School of Automotive Technology Denver North Campus only Automotive Technology With a degree in automotive technology, you can turn a hobby into a career. You ll work with your hands and learn to fix the vehicles we rely upon every day. The program trains students to be entry-level automotive technicians. Criminal Justice In this program you will learn policing, criminology, corrections and constitutional law. Criminal Justice: Major in Administration Bachelor s degree This program covers topics such as criminology, criminal procedure, criminal investigation, juvenile justice, victimology and ethics. Paralegal A Westwood paralegal degree will prepare you for a fast-paced career in the field of law. Law isn t only practiced by lawyers. Much of what goes into the legal process is conducted by paralegals. career fields* Motor vehicle maintenance Motor vehicle repair *Please refer to westwood.edu/disclosures for important information about this program, including salary information, job titles and employers of our graduates, as well as information about median loan debt and potential occupations from the Department of Education. School of Justice career fields* Corrections Criminal investigations Juvenile justice Paralegal *Please refer to westwood.edu/disclosures for important information about this program, including salary information, job titles and employers of our graduates, as well as information about median loan debt and potential occupations from the Department of Education. *Graduates without experience in the field will likely start in entry-level positions. Position titles and responsibilities may vary by hiring company. State and local restrictions may apply. Additional training may be required. Student Guidebook / SCHOOL OF JUSTICE SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL SERVICES go.westwood.edu

12 School of Technology Graduate Profile: Name: Christopher Curtis Degree Program: Information Technology (formerly Computer Network Engineering) Job: Senior IP Field Specialist What's one piece of advice you would give to new students? I have been all over the world and have seen third world countries firsthand. Many of the people I ve met in those countries have a positive attitude on where they are headed in life. You may think school is hard, but someone always has it harder. Student Guidebook / SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY Employment in Computer and IT professions are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 Occupational Outlook Handbook Westwood Success Stories Member. To view the entire collection of stories visit westwoodsuccess.com 12

13 because IT makes the world run Information Technology This program provides the skills required to design, install, configure and maintain network and technology infrastructures. You will be prepared to enter a variety of career fields and earn industryrelevant certifications.* Information and Network Technologies This program is designed to provide students with the skills required to design, install, configure, and maintain network and technology infrastructures. Information and Network Technologies: Major in Network Management Bachelor s degree With a degree in network management, you ll manage and supervise the computers, operating systems and networks that every business relies upon. Westwood is a Cisco Networking Academy, giving you the opportunity to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).* career fields* Computer repair Information technology Network support *Please refer to westwood.edu/disclosures for important information about this program, including salary information, job titles and employers of our graduates, as well as information about median loan debt and potential occupations from the Department of Education. Westwood is proud to be a Cisco Networking Academy. Our networking students graduate with the experience and skills needed to get Cisco certified. * Student Guidebook / SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY *Westwood does not certify graduates in this field. Westwood prepares graduates for certification. Graduates wishing to attain certification must take and pass any applicable tests/exams. 13

14 Career Success Plan At Westwood College, we are passionate about your success. We believe every individual has the potential to achieve success and find a better future. You're ready for more, and we ll help guide you every step of the way. Here s how: Your Westwood Education Our career-focused curriculum goes beyond textbooks and theories, giving you the preparation required to earn your degree and succeed in today s competitive career environment. Our credentialed faculty of experienced professionals brings industry trends and practices to life in the classroom. Small class sizes mean you get the hands-on experience and one-on-one attention critical to your success. This practical, experiencebased approach to education ensures that, by graduation, you ll be prepared for success to find meaningful employment. Student Guidebook / CAREER SUCCESS PLAN 14 Your Westwood Success Team SM We take your success as seriously as you do. We ve learned from our students and graduates that finding success takes the support of many. You will have the unwavering support of your own dedicated Westwood Success Team. These faculty and staff members will help you apply for money to pay for college,* offer general problem solving and coaching, provide career advice and encouragement and set you up with no-cost tutoring if you need extra academic help. No question or concern is too big or too small for your Success Team. Day One Success Class SM Start on the right track and attend our Day One Success Class a powerful and unique orientation seminar. The Day One Success Class is a hands-on, interactive session where you ll learn and practice techniques that help guarantee success, such as the Six Keys to Success. Plus, it s a terrific opportunity to meet fellow incoming students and faculty members in your program. There s no better way to begin your exciting journey to graduation and a new career. Ask your student support advisor for details. We ll see you there! Ongoing Graduate Support Our commitment to you begins as soon as you enroll at Westwood College, and lasts long after you graduate. With our graduate support program, you ll have access to our Career Services team of experts and resources even after you graduate. We know your career goals and responsibilities will likely change as you grow in your field. And to make sure your skills stay current, we offer tuition-free alumni retraining. You can come back and take classes in your field of study and area of emphasis any time to sharpen your skills Westwood Employment Pledge SM Our commitment to help you succeed is the Westwood Employment Pledge. We re so confident that you ll receive the right skills to launch your career and get your first job that if you haven t found employment after six months of graduation, we ll help pay your bills. Visit westwoodpledge.com for details. *Available to those who qualify. Participating in the Westwood alumni re-training program is tuition-free for qualified graduates. Additional costs such as lab fees, books, and supplies are the responsibility of the student. Retraining is limited to the program or area of emphasis from which the student graduated and is subject to space availability.

15 Getting Started Ready to enroll at Westwood College? Here s our five-step Quick Start SM process: 1. Meet with your admissions representative A trained, knowledgeable Westwood representative will set up a time to meet with you and answer questions you might have. At this meeting, you may also complete the initial enrollment paperwork. 2. Complete the student financing process Westwood s experienced student finance specialists are standing by, ready to help you understand your options for paying for college. The process has several steps, but don t worry, our experts will help you with each step along the way. 3. Meet with our Success Team In addition to the student finance specialists, our Success Team consists of academic advisors and others who will ensure that you get off to a good start at Westwood College. 4. Register for classes Westwood s staff helps you register for classes and obtain your student ID. Then, with printed schedules in hand and your Westwood ID in your pocket, you are ready to attend Day One Success Class just before your term begins. 5. Attend classes, including Day One Success Class Day One Success Class prepares you for success in college by teaching you six keys to success. In addition, you ll have the opportunity to meet Westwood instructors, administrators and support staff. That s it! After completing these five steps, you will be on your way to becoming a Westwood College student. Student Guidebook / GETTING STARTED Visit go.westwood.edu or call for more information. 15

16 Paying for College the investment of a lifetime Going to college is a smart investment. Most families need financial assistance to pay for college, and Westwood has experienced student finance specialists who will explain your options and help you through the process. There are three main sources of money that may be available to help your family pay for college. Student Guidebook / PAYING FOR COLLEGE Scholarships and Grants* money that does not need to be paid back A scholarship is money you apply for and may receive based on financial need or merit. Scholarships do not have to be paid back. There are scholarships designed for almost every type of student. But, the key is to take the time to research and find the scholarships that best suit you and then apply. A grant is money you apply for and, if you receive it, does not have to be paid back. Federal and state governments fund most student grants, which are usually based on financial need, student status and academic requirements. Other funding that does not have to be repaid includes tuition reimbursement offered by some employers. 2. Your Money money paid out of your pocket from savings or earnings Maybe you have money set aside in a savings account, or you plan to have a part-time job while attending school to help pay for college. These funds can be part of the financial equation to make paying for college a reality. 3. Borrowed Money money that you pay back with interest The federal government lends money to help students and parents pay for education.* Apply for federal loans, such as the Stafford loan and parent PLUS loans first, because they typically have low interest rates. If more money is needed after scholarships, grants, your own money and federal loans, private loans may be required. Bank loans are credit-based and usually have a higher interest rate than federal loans. You will apply for private loans through your own, or your family's, bank or credit union. If you are unable to get a private or bank loan, there still might be a financial gap to cover. You may be eligible to finance the gap with the Westwood APEX institutional finance program.* Some loans require students to start paying their loan back while they are in school. Other types of loans do not require payments until after you graduate or leave Westwood College. *Available to those who qualify. Subject to refund based on academic performance and class attendance. TIP Remember to borrow only what you need. Some federal loans and all bank loans begin charging interest at the time the loan is made. Making a monthly payment during school will reduce your finance charges after graduation and instill good consumer habits of making regular monthly payments.

17 We ll help make this work for you Preparation for Success Award and High School Scholarships The years of hard work at high school are about to pay off with the joy of graduating and earning your high school diploma. Here at Westwood College, we understand that enrolling in college is a big commitment, so we ve developed some programs intended to recognize motivated high school seniors like you and to encourage your pursuit of career-focused higher education in the field of your choice. Both the award and the scholarships will contribute directly to the tuition for the program selected by the recipient. Preparation for Success Award Awarded to all California 2016 high school graduate* applicants to Westwood who complete the admissions requirements in the terms and conditions within 30 days of application. The award is $1,000 toward an associate degree or $500 toward a diploma program. High School Scholarship Programs There are two high school scholarship categories: President s Scholarship The award amount includes full tuition, fees and books. One President's Scholarship is awarded each year. Dean's Scholarships The award amount is $5,000 for an associate degree program and $2,500 for a diploma program. There are five scholarships awarded. Speak to an admissions representative to learn more about the eligibility requirements and to pick up an application.. Be a responsible borrower College is a good investment, and paying back the loans you receive to pay for college is key to a good credit score and a successful financial future. Remember: Borrow only what you need to attend school. If you don t understand something, call your lender or visit with a Westwood student finance specialist. Make regularly scheduled payments. If you can't repay your loan, don't ignore the problem! Contact your lender or Student Loan Solutions, a team of experts who can help you put a repayment plan together that works for your financial situation. Contact them at or studentloansolutions.org. Open all your mail and read everything pertaining to your student loans. Keep all your loan documents in a file. Make a budget and stick to it. Your education will be worth a few sacrifices along the way. *GEDs do not qualify. President s and Dean's Scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive both awards or the Preparation for Success Award. go.westwood.edu Student Guidebook / PAYING FOR COLLEGE 17

18 Your Westwood Success TeamSM Your Success Team will support you from the day you enroll until well after you ve begun your career. As a Westwood student, you will be assigned a group of Success Team members who will be there to help you throughout your time at Westwood. We encourage you to utilize this team whenever you need to. No question or concern is too big or too small. We are here to help. Student Guidebook / SUCCESS TEAM Even before you arrive at Westwood, members of your Success Team are working to make your transition as smooth as possible. We can arrange campus tours for prospective students and their families. To schedule a private tour at the Westwood location nearest you, please call your Westwood admissions representative. Westwood College provides tuition-free retraining to all graduates in their field of study.* * Participating in the Westwood alumni re-training program is tuition-free for qualified graduates. Additional costs such as lab fees, books, and supplies are the responsibility of the student. Retraining is limited to the program or area of emphasis from which the student graduated and is subject to space availability. At Westwood, your Success Team will include: Admissions Your admissions representative will give you a comprehensive overview of Westwood College and assist you in the enrollment process. He or she will also: Communicate with all other members of your Success Team Provide answers to your questions and concerns during the admissions process Help set appointments with other Success Team members Monitor your progress to ensure that you re on track with your goals Student Finance Your student finance specialist will provide you with step-bystep assistance as you work through your financing process. He or she will: Help you understand how to pay for college using: Scholarships and grant money Your money Borrowed money Guide you through the process of applying for grants and loans Support you every academic year (three terms) to help you keep your funding for college on track Offer guidance and information on how to improve your credit score 18

19 we take your success as seriously as you do Education The Education department will provide you with the courses you need to become proficient in your field and start your career. It will: Prepare you through hands-on class assignments that give you the knowledge and skills you need in your field Keep you up to date with news and trends about what is happening in your field now Provide direction to keep you moving forward to graduation Offer career advice and encouragement to prepare you for success Student Support Your student support representative is your go-to resource once you arrive at Westwood. They will guide and support you as you work toward your degree. He or she will: Offer general problem solving and coaching Help address various issues such as class attendance, or financial or personal concerns Provide support with local resources such as housing services, transportation, day care, counseling and more Work with you to set up no-cost tutoring Listen to feedback on your experience at Westwood Connect you to academic resources, including the campus learning commons Connect you to student activities, school clubs and on- and offcampus activities Connect you to on- and offcampus dining options Respond to your general questions and requests Career Services Career Services consists of advisors who will provide you with the skills and tips you need to find a job in your field of study starting long before graduation. Your advisor will work with you to develop your résumé and practice your interview skills. Your advisor will also: Help you find suitable work-study, or full- or part-time employment to support yourself while in school Help you understand how your coursework, internships, volunteering and part-time jobs all work together to build a strong résumé Assist with job and internship leads Offer access to company databases and other online tools Alert you to upcoming job openings and interview dates, when possible Connect you to clubs and professional associations in your field of study Assist you with putting together and finishing your portfolio (if applicable) Offer career advice and encouragement If you dream about a rewarding career, Westwood College s Career Services is here to help you achieve your goals. Student Guidebook / SUCCESS TEAM 19

20 Student Achievement and Graduation Dean s List Students maintaining a 3.5 grade point average or above for a term will be placed on the Dean s List. Student Guidebook / ACHIEVEMENT AND GRADUATION Alpha Beta Kappa Alpha Beta Kappa is a national honor society in the arts, sciences, trades, business, technical and general studies. The purpose of the society is to reward students for superior academic and laboratory training, personal integrity and leadership skills. Students are elected to Alpha Beta Kappa by their instructors. We encourage every student to strive for nomination, because membership in Alpha Beta Kappa is a lifelong honor. Graduating with honors Students achieving a 3.75 cumulative grade point average upon completion of their programs will graduate with honors. Graduation ceremonies College graduation is a significant accomplishment, and we are honored to recognize all Westwood graduates. Cap-and-gown graduation ceremonies are held for all programs for all Westwood College campuses. 20

21 Employers of Westwood Graduates (partial list) California Anaheim Police Department County of Los Angeles Department of Homeland Security Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Coroner's Department Media Nation Orange County Sheriff's Department Sunrise Medical Center Colorado Arapahoe County Children's Hospital Comfort Dental Caterpillar Logistics Correctional Management Denver Pediatrics HSS Security Network Systems IT Company, Inc. Quest Diagnostics Rocky Mountain Offender Management System University Hospital Georgia Atlanta VA Medical Center Biolab, Inc. Concepts Software Services DeKalb County Emory Healthcare Georgia World Congress Center Medical Technologies of Georgia State Board of Pardons and Parole United Services Group Illinois Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Behavior Frontiers Chicago Tech Academy Emery Medical Center Home Life Healthcare Illinois Sports Medicine Metro One Security S&S Freight Logistics U.S. Department of Homeland Security Western State Fire Protection Virginia Aston Technologies Computer Sciences Corporation Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Department of Health & Human Services Grunley Construction Medstar Washington Hospital Center National Spine and Pain Center Securitas Security Services Tradesmen International Ward & Ward Mental Health Woodland Construction Westwood College must track the initial employers of its graduates for regulatory and accreditation purposes. This list contains employers of Westwood College graduates from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 and is not intended to represent an endorsement of Westwood College by the listed employers. For a complete list of employers and associated job titles go to and view the employment disclosure PDF. go.westwood.edu Student Guidebook / EMPLOYERS 21

22 FAQs Frequently Asked Questions Q. What s a career-focused college? A. A career-focused college concentrates on teaching students the skills needed to prepare them to be successful in the workplace. We believe it is our job to prepare students for a career. The hands-on career education prepares Westwood students for meaningful employment Student Guidebook / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 22 go.westwood.edu Answers to frequently asked questions about Westwood College Students and parents often have many questions about college. We re here to answer them! If you don t find the answers you need on these pages, just call your admissions representative or visit our website specifically for high school students at: go.westwood.edu. Q. Do Westwood students take general education classes, too? A. Yes, in addition to the majority of core classes in your field of study, most degree programs at Westwood include classes in topics such as writing, political science, psychology, mathematics and others. These kinds of classes ensure that students receive not only excellent career-focused instruction but also a well-rounded education. Small class sizes and instructor attention help students succeed in these interesting and important classes. Q. Is your school accredited? A. Yes, Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award associate degrees, bachelor s degrees, diplomas and certificates. Q. When does school start? A. There are five terms at Westwood College: January, March, May, August and October. Students entering Westwood immediately after high school usually start in May or August.

23 Q. What is the class schedule like? A. Typically, day session classes are scheduled between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. When night classes are offered, they are scheduled between 5:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., two to five nights a week. Recent high school graduates usually take day classes. Each class is 50 minutes long, followed by a 10-minute break before the next class begins. Q. What is a typical class size at Westwood College? A. Westwood strives to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio, especially in laboratory or workshop settings. Q. Why is a college degree important? A. A college degree is a benefit that lasts a lifetime! First, having an associate or bachelor s degree is quickly becoming a basic requirement for more and more jobs. Many job opportunities are simply closed to those without degrees. Second, people with degrees typically make more money throughout their lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with bachelor s degrees earn, on average, almost $22,000 more per year than someone with only a high school diploma. And finally, attending college helps students grow and mature. College courses expand their knowledge and skills, help them understand concepts and theories, and increase their understanding of the world and their communities. In short, college can be the gateway to a better future! A College Degree Pays Off Education Achieved Less than a high school diploma $25,376 High school graduate, no college $34,736 Associate degree $41,184 Bachelor s degree $57,252 Annual Income* Q. If high school was a struggle, is college even an option? A. Westwood College is an ideal environment for students who need extra support and attention. Our small campuses and class sizes allow our instructors and staff to get to know students personally. In some ways, Westwood becomes a second family for many students. We feel it is our role not only to teach students the course material, but also to help them succeed outside of class. On-campus services such as tutoring, help in finding part-time jobs and housing assistance help students cope with both life and school. Q. Does Westwood require ACT or SAT scores to apply? A. While we will review ACT or SAT scores if these tests have already been taken, it is not necessary to take either exam to attend Westwood. Westwood uses an entrance evaluation to help us assess college success as well as proficiency in English and math. Ask your admissions representative for details about when and where the assessment is available. Q. Is extra help available for basic academic courses? A. Westwood offers foundational courses for anyone who needs them. Students take an assessment that helps us determine who could benefit from extra help. Those who score in a certain range take our foundational courses in reading comprehension, writing fundamentals and/or pre-algebra. Our goal is to help students succeed. * Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 and projected 2022 Current Population Survey Student Guidebook / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 23

24 Westwood College Campus Locations California Anaheim 1551 South Douglass Rd. Anaheim, CA Inland Empire 20 West 7th St. Upland, CA South Bay South Vermont St. Suite 100 Torrance, CA Los Angeles 3250 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA Colorado Aurora 350 Blackhawk St. Aurora, CO Denver North 7350 North Broadway Denver, CO Georgia Atlanta 231 Peachtree St. NE Suite 100 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Northlake 2309 Parklake Dr. NE Suite 175 Atlanta, GA Illinois DuPage 7155 Janes Ave. Woodridge, IL Chicago Loop 1 North State St. Suite 1000 Chicago, IL O Hare Airport 8501 West Higgins Rd. Suite 100 Chicago, IL River Oaks 80 River Oaks Dr. Suite D-49 Calumet City, IL Virginia Annandale 7619 Little River Turnpike Suite 500 Annandale, VA Arlington Ballston 4420 Fairfax Dr. Arlington, VA WF /15 24 Westwood College Annandale (Annandale, VA) and Westwood College Arlington Ballston (Arlington, VA), have been certified to operate in Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Westwood College River Oaks is authorized by the Indiana Board for Proprietary Education, 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 670, Indianapolis, IN All Westwood College institutions are nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Westwood College Online is approved to award associate, bachelor s and master s degrees by the Colorado Department of Higher Education. All Westwood College Online degrees are conferred in accordance with Colorado statutes. The Colorado Department of Higher Education regulates Westwood College - Online and all students enrolling in Westwood College Online are enrolled under the Colorado Department of Higher Education s requirements. All students, regardless of their state of origin, will receive the same protections as Colorado state residents. Westwood College Online will respond to all requests initiated by prospective students for information about online programs. Online programs are not available to residents of all states. Call or visit for available locations. Westwood College Online is not regulated under Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code. Not all programs available at all institutions. For important program disclosure information, including salary information, job titles and employers of our graduates, as well as information about median loan debt and potential occupations from the Department of Education, visit westwood.edu/disclosures Alta Colleges, Inc.. go.westwood.edu