FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What exactly is College Tech Prep?
A. College Tech Prep is two-year college prep programs and career-technical training. It combines academic courses in communications, math, and science with advanced training in the latest technologies.

Q. Who should apply to College Tech Prep?
A. Sophomore (10th grade) students who are interested in an applied (hands-on) learning experience.

• Grade level college prep math, science and English courses passed with a "C" or better in both 9th and 10th grades
  
• Not more than ten (10) days absence during the three semesters of 9th and 10th grades without medical verification or counselor's explanation
  
• Obtain counselor's recommendation

Q. Where is College Tech Prep taught?
A. Students spend half day at their home school taking academic courses and the other half day at a central College Tech Prep site taking hands-on, laboratory-based courses. The various sites include local businesses, YSU, Austintown Fitch High School, Chaney High School, Choffin Career and Technical Center, and Mahoning County Career and Technical Center.

Q. Does College Tech Prep lead to a college degree?
A. College Tech Prep combines specialized technical training and college prep academics leading directly without duplication of coursework to an associate (two-year) or bachelor's (four-year) degree.

Q. What College Tech Prep programs are offered?
A. Business Technology
Biotechnology (2004)
Construction Technology (2004)
Engineering Technology
Health Technology
Information Technology:

• Information Services and Support
• Networking
• Interactive Media

Q. What, exactly are my options in College Tech Prep?
A. Two-year associate degree
Four-year baccalaureate degree
Entering the workforce immediately after graduation. You can even finance your college education with a good job using your College Tech Prep advanced technical skills.

Q. Is space in College Tech Prep limited?
A. Yes, there are only 20-25 seats in each College Tech Prep section. Students from all high schools in Mahoning County are eligible to apply for the College Tech Prep programs.

Q. Can I stay in extracurricular activities at my home school or work?
A. College Tech Prep students are encouraged to continue to participate at their local high school in all extra-curricular activities. Many of the College Tech Prep students work or participate in an internship opportunity at a local business or YSU.

Q. How do I enroll in College Tech Prep?
A. See your high school guidance counselor or contact Mahoning Area Consortium (MAC) Tech Prep, at 330-941-2331 at YSU. We're located in Tod Hall, room 301. You can also download and complete the College Tech Prep application under "To Apply". Submit the completed application to your high school guidance counselor who will forward it to us.

Q. When should I apply for the College Tech Prep program?
A. You may apply for the College Tech Prep program in January of your sophomore year in high school. We will accept qualified students until programs and/or sites are filled. See guidance counselor for more details.

Q. May I visit a specific College Tech Prep program?
A. Yes, contact your guidance counselor for dates and times.

Q. Can I earn college credit while in high school?
A. Yes, students who perform well can earn up to 14 semester hours at YSU free. The credit is awarded after students complete one semester at YSU. This saves you money and time!