Answers to frequently asked questions from parents
Q. What’s a career-focused college?
Q. Is your school accredited?
Q. When would my student start school?
Q. When will my student be in class?
Q. Will my student be taking general education classes, too?
Q. What is a typical class size at Westwood College?
Q. Why does my student need a college degree?
Q. My student struggled in high school. How will he ever make it through college?
Q. Does my student need to take ACT or SAT exams to apply to Westwood?
Q. What if my student needs extra help with basic academic courses?
Q. What’s a career-focused college?
A. A career-focused college is a college that focuses more strongly on career training and less on general education. We believe it is our job to prepare your student for a career. Yes, general education courses are also an important part of our degree programs, but the hands-on career training Westwood students receive is what makes them successful upon graduation.
Q. Is your school accredited?
A. Yes, Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) or the Accrediting
Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), depending on the campus, to award associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, diplomas and
certificates. Westwood College is also a candidate for regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools.
Q. When would my student start school?
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.
Q. When will my student be in class?
A. Typically, day-section classes are held between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. When night classes are offered, they are scheduled between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 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. Will my student be taking general education classes, too?
A. Yes, all degree programs at Westwood include required classes in topics such as writing, political science, psychology, mathematics and others. These kinds of classes ensure that your student receives not only excellent career-focused instruction but also a well-rounded education. Small class sizes and instructor attention ensure that your student will succeed in these interesting and important classes.
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. The number of students in a classroom or
laboratory is typically 15 students or less.
Q. Why does my student need a college degree?
A. Because a college degree will benefit your student for a lifetime! First, having an associate or bachelor’s degree is a basic requirement for more and
more jobs. Many job opportunities are closed to those without degrees. Second, people with degrees typically make much more money throughout their lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with bachelor’s degrees earn, on average, almost $20,000 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 community. In short, college is the gateway to a better future!
Q. My student struggled in high school. How will he ever make it through college?
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 students. We feel it is our job 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 my student need to take ACT or SAT exams to apply to Westwood?
A. While we will review ACT or SAT scores if your student has already taken these tests, it is not necessary for your student to take either exam to attend Westwood. Westwood uses an entrance assessment called Accuplacer. This computerized test helps us assess your student’s proficiency in reading,
English and math. Ask your admissions representative for details about when and where your student can take the Accuplacer assessment.
Q. What if my student needs extra help with basic academic courses?
A. Westwood offers college prep courses for just that reason. Students take an Accuplacer exam that helps us determine who needs extra help. Those who score in a certain range on the Accuplacer exam take our foundational courses in reading comprehension, writing fundamentals and/or algebra. As always, we are here to help your student succeed.
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High school parent preview book
If you would like to have all of the above information in an easily printable format, download our parent preview book PDF. If you live in Dallas, Fort Worth or Houston, please download the following versions: Parent Preview Book Dallas/Fort Worth or Parent Preview Book Houston.