CCHE Proposal Could Alter Metro Admissions Process

A state proposal to require college-bound high school students to take a tougher course load could alter the admissions process beginning in 2008 for prospective Metro State students 19 years and under.

Under the proposal being considered by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, Colorado high school students who want to go college would be required to take at least 15 classes, including four years of English, three years of math (first-year algebra and higher), three years of science (at least two years that are lab-based), three years of social sciences and two academic electives.

According to Director of Admissions Bill Hathaway-Clark, Metro State currently does not count the number of high school classes taken. Rather, the college accepts students 19 and younger based on an index score of 76, with CCHE regulations allowing 20 percent of students accepted to have an index score lower than 76.

"If this proposal passes, we'll need to change the way we process applications, " Hathaway-Clark said, adding that it's likely the current application processing time of 24 to 48 hours would increase. "We really support the commission in implementing these requirements. It can only improve students' chances for success."

The CCHE proposal won't affect students 20 years and older, who need only a high school diploma or a GED to enroll at Metro State.