Move Further and Faster to a Better Career and Future!

Pre-College Office is Serving Students Remotely!

For the health and safety of our community, all college offices have moved services online through January 1. We are closed to in-person meetings.

Advisors are available by phone, GoogleMeet or email. Please call 425.640.1593 to make an appointment or connect with your advisor directly.

Zoom Virtual Chat: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Connect to Pre-College Front Desk

I-BEST Advisors are serving students remotely during this time, and taking appointments by phone or video chat. To schedule your appointment with I-BEST, please call 425.640.1593 or book online at: ibestedcc.youcanbook.me.

What is I-BEST? How Does It Work?

I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) combines extra English and Math support with professional-technical job skill training and college-level classes. I-BEST helps students start their college-level classes sooner and prepare for in-demand careers, or University transfer. I-BEST advisors help students with academic planning, financial aid, and other resources for success.

I-BEST was designed to help transition students further and faster into their certificate or degree completions, with goals of obtaining an in-demand job at a higher wage.

WA State Board I-BEST website
2015 Seattle Times Article on I-BEST

The I-BEST Program also offers students individualized case management support in areas of:

• Academic planning and quarterly registration
• Short-term certificates or longer-term degree opportunities
• Financial aid advising, scholarship applications, and guidance in funding sources
• Support in ongoing decision-making and navigating campus resources

In as little as three months, you can earn a certificate of completion to get a jump-start on a new career in professional-technical degree pathways:

• Allied Health Care
• Business Management
• Engineering Technology - Material Science
• Basic Medical Office

Academic I-BEST for Transfer Degree Students

Earn transfer degree credits in both an English "Bucket" class, AND a core distribution/elective class at the same time. Options vary each quarter, but may include:

• BUS&101: Introduction to Business
• CMST&220: Public Speaking
• more subject areas coming soon!

Without I-BEST, these courses require English 101 Placements. However, I-BEST uses a multi-level English Bucket class, which allows students to take these classes earlier, and possibly earn credit for up to English 101 at the same time! Students interested and/or already on-track to complete a variety of two-year degrees, transferring to a Bachelor's Degree Program, or PreNursing students may benefit from Academic I-BEST courses, moving further and faster into their transfer credit coursework.

I-BEST Student Eligibility:

• Attend an I-BEST/College Prep Intake session
• CASAS Placement Testing (completed during intake session)
  • Eligible CASAS "GOALS" Reading Score of 227+ (updated from previous CASAS "Life&Work" scores of 220+. Score levels are equivalent.)
  • CASAS Math requirements vary by program.
• ESL Level 5+ placement or higher for Prof-Tech I-BEST
• ENGLP 90 (English Prep) placement from Accuplacer Testing for Academic I-BEST
• Explore options for financial aid, scholarships, and funding

Meet Edmonds College students and watch the State Board Video as they talk about their experiences in the I-BEST program:

Find Out More/Enroll for I-BEST Programs:

• Call us at 425.640.1593 to sign up for an I-BEST / College Prep Intake Session
• Email ibest@edcc.edu or
• Drop by the Pre-College Division office in Mukilteo Hall, room 403 to sign up in person
• Vocational Counselors and community partners with detailed questions can call 425.640.1628 and speak with Nicole Rios-Gunn, I-BEST Advising manager. Or email nicole.rios-gunn@edcc.edu