Running Start
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Running Start Program?
Running Start is a program which allows eligible juniors and seniors in public Washington state high schools the opportunity to earn both college credit and high school credit at the same time.
- Who qualifies for Running Start?
- Students under 21 years of age who are enrolled as a junior or senior in a public Washington state high school, who have not earned a diploma, and who have placed in English 101 and/ or Math 116/122 on the Compass Test.
- Seniors who did not access Running Start during their junior or senior year of high school and who did not graduate from high school may begin Running Start in their fifth year. 5th year seniors may take only the classes that are required for high school graduation.
- Are the students expected to pay tuition?
No. Tuition is covered for up to 18 college-level credit courses per quarter. (College-level courses are courses above the 100 level. i.e. English 101 or Math 116)
- How are college credits awarded for high school classes?
In general 5 college credits are equivalent to 1 high school credit. The high school determines how much credit is given.
- Can a Running Start student attend college full-time?
Students may enroll in a combination of college and high school classes or attend full-time at the college. It is important for students to plan their schedule wisely leaving sufficient time for home work, transportation time, and other activities.
- What are some advantages of the Running Start Program?
- Students save time and money.
- Students earn tuition-free college credits.
- A student who attends RS full time for two years could be a college junior by high school graduation.
- Public Washington State colleges have agreed to accept college credits earned from Running Start.
- Students have the opportunity to experience college-life.
- Students have access to many resources on the college campus. i.e. Career Library, Transfer Advising Center, Tutoring Center, etc.
- Study is accelaerated and students find it exhilarating to be in a classroom with students from diverse backgrounds, age levels, and perspectives.
- There is a broad selection of classes available through Running Start.
- Running Start Counselors and Advisors are available to assist students.
- What are some of the challenges of the Running Start Program?
- Certain selective colleges will not accept college credits for which high school credit was given.
- Some colleges will not give credit for a class that was available at the high school, i.e., English Composition, U.S. History.
- Students may not qualify for some scholarships at four-year institutions.
- Schedule coordination and transportation may be difficult for students with courses at the high school and college.
- Schedule Planning may be difficult because the college is on a quarter system and most high schools are on a semester system. Breaks may not coincide.
- Grades for Spring Quarter may not be available in time for high school graduation.
- Students pay for books and transportation and a one-time student ID card fee. Books can be expensive.
- The pace of classes is much faster than in high school. Courses that take a year to complete in high school must be completed in 11 weeks.
