Admission Policies

Lake Area Tech requires all interested students to:

1. Complete an application form.

 2. Submit a transcript of high school record or GED certificate. (All transcripts need to be sent from the issuing institution directly to LATC). If an applicant has attended other post-secondary schools or colleges, official transcripts should also be sent. High school seniors may apply any time during their senior year, but applications from juniors will not be processed.

 3. All applicants need to submit ACT scores or schedule an appointment at LATC to take an entrance test. Existing test scores need to have been taken within the last seven years. These test scores, along with the transcripts, will assist the admission officer in determining if the applicant has the necessary ability to succeed in their program of choice. Some LATC programs require additional testing and an interview.

4. Once you are accepted, you will be required to pay a non-refundable $100 enrollment fee.

When the office of Admissions receives an application for admission from a potential student which contains a high school transcript or diploma, the document must be validated. If the validity of a document(s) submitted, by the student or on behalf of the student by an institution, is in question, the evaluator of the application must follow the Diploma and Transcript Validation Process. After completing the Diploma and Transcript Validation Process, the application evaluator will be able to assess the validity of any documentation provided by the student.

Diploma and Transcript Validation Process

1. Review the document(s) (diploma and/or transcripts) provided by student or on behalf of the student by an institution
2. Contact the school or individual listed on the document
3. Request direct written communication (preferably in the form of an official transcript) from the school validating graduation of the student in question

We recommend applying early to ensure your best chance of being admitted into the program of your choice.

Watertown School District 14-4 provides equal opportunity in its employment regulations, educational, and activity programs. It is the policy of the District not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, status in regard to public assistance, age, ancestry, or disability. The Board’s policy on nondiscrimination will extend to students, staff, the general public and individuals with whom it does business.

Persons with inquiries regarding implementation and compliance of Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 may contact the special services director. Those in need of accommodations should notify their instructor and make appropriate arrangements with Lake Area Tech’s Office of Disability Services at 882-5284, Ext. 399. Persons with inquiries regarding implementation and compliance regarding Title IX may contact the superintendent at 200 9th St. NE, Watertown, SD 57201, 605-882-6316. Additional inquiries may be directed to the Regional Director, Dept. of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 1961 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80294.

Any former student who was in good standing will be re-admitted if a suitable class schedule can be arranged for the applicant. All other applicants will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Remediation is available in math (MATH 090), writing (EN 090) and reading (RDG 090) for students whose scores are within one grade level of the program standards. Individual programs may have additional restrictions and requirements.

Criminal background checks are performed on most health program students before clinical rotations begin. Please visit with your advisor about any possible concerns with licensure. Our Law Enforcement program also requires a background check. The background check is performed at the student’s expense.