Admissions Process

OLS student in camp and gown celebrates at graduation with a big smile and hands in the air

If you are ready to apply for the Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College (OLSBC) program, complete the following steps.

Please note: Students enter the program in the fall quarter of each academic year.

graphic: STEP ONE in green circle

Attend an OLS Information Session

Learn more about the OLSBC program and see if it’s the right fit for you. Register for our Information Session where you will hear from OLSBC students and staff what life is like as an OLSBC student.


graphic: Step two in green circle

Submit Your Application


Application materials required for your application to be considered:

  • Student-completed application with the non-refundable $60 application fee (payable online or by mailing a check)
  • Two references submitted through our Recommendation Form
    References cannot be submitted by family members
  • Educational Documentation (e.g., most recent IEP and school evaluation). Submit documents to ols@bellevuecollege.edu.
    Evaluation documents must provide an IQ score of 70 or above, and academic levels in reading, writing, and math at a fourth grade level or higher.
  • High School Transcripts (and college transcripts if applicable). Submit documents to ols@bellevuecollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Priority Admissions:*
Feb 1

Regular Admissions:
April 1

Final Admissions:
July 1


*Benefits of applying by Priority Admissions Deadline:

  • Space is limited in our program. You are less likely to be waitlisted for the program if you apply by Feb 1.
  • You will be assessed for admission by early March, giving you time to figure out details regarding tuition, transportation and housing, if applicable.
  • Financial Aid applications for fall are due June 1, and often more information is required. Applying early gives you enough time to complete the application before the due date.

graphic: Step Three in green circle

Apply for Bellevue College Admissions*

When completing the application, select “Professional Technical” as your Program, and “Occupational & Life Skills AA” as your seeking degree.

Admissions applications may take up to a week to process and will generate the required SID to apply for Bellevue College Financial Aid.

*Acceptance into Bellevue College does not guarantee admission to the OLS Program. The Bellevue College admission fee will be applied to your tuition in your first fall quarter. 


graphic: step four

Apply for Financial Aid

Optional but highly recommended for all students

Although it is not required, we recommend applying for Financial Aid before you are accepted into the OLSBC program. Financial Aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and applying early can help you maximize the amount of aid you may qualify for. If you wait until you’re accepted to apply, you could miss out on Financial Aid.

Visit our Financial Aid Page for more information.


graphic: step five

In-Person Assessments

Applicants who meet the above requirements will be invited to an in-person assessment to measure a variety of baseline skills that are essential to being successful in the program.

Prospective students may assess a maximum of three times, by invitation only.


Frequently Asked Questions

Up to 36 students are admitted for each fall quarter. Because space is limited, we recommend applying early. However, we will consider admitting a third cohort of students if the waitlist accommodates it.

Yes. Because only a limited number of students are admitted each year, the chances of being put on a waitlist are less likely if you apply by the Priority Admissions Deadline. Students who take advantage of the Priority Admissions Deadline and meet the requirements will be assessed and admitted into the program by early March. This gives students and families time to figure out details regarding tuition, transportation and housing, if applicable.

Also, Financial Aid applications for fall are due June 1, and often more information is required. Applying early gives you enough time to complete the application before the due date.

Yes. Please contact Bellevue College Student Housing for information on living on campus. You can also visit our Community Resources page to find groups that may be able to assist in finding housing options in the area.

Financial Aid and scholarships are available to OLS Bellevue College students. Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.

Students who are not accepted into the program after their initial assessment may be invited to seek support on specific skillsets as recommended by OLSBC and return for a future assessment. These prospective students are allowed to assess up to a maximum of three times, by invitation only.

Last Updated February 29, 2024