About Running Start   

Running Start

Welcome to the Running Start program at South Seattle Community College! Running Start is an exciting option that allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll tuition-free in college courses, depending on how many courses students take at their high school. Credits earned at South Seattle Community College are transferable to most 4-year colleges and universities, and can satisfy high school graduation requirements.

Steps to Become a Running Start Student:

• Make sure you qualify. You must be either a junior or senior in high school to take Running Start classes (class standing is determined by the high school). The amount of tuition-free courses you are eligible to take will depend on how many classes you are taking at your high school.  Students not enrolled in a public high school (private school students or home schooled students for example) can participate in Running Start by associating with a public high school.

• Take the COMPASS test.  This assessment of your reading, writing and mathematics ability will help us to place you in appropriate courses.  Be sure to prepare for the test: http://www.beforeyoutest.org/.  You will get your scores when you finish testing. If you receive free or reduced price lunch at the high school, you may be eligible to take the COMPASS test at no charge. Have your high school complete the Book Loan form and bring it with you when you test.

• Take your scores to your high school counselor; they will complete the Running Start Enrollment Verification form advising you of how many Running Start credits you are allowed to take. You can take more than you are allowed, but you will have to pay for those classes.

• Call 206-934-5387 and make an appointment to see a Running Start advisor. Bring your Enrollment Verification form to your advising appointment; the form must be signed by the high school counselor, you, and your parent or guardian.  You cannot register without a signed form and a new form is required every quarter. The advisor will help you enroll and get you started. Timing is important, if you miss deadlines you might not be able to get the courses you want or register at all.  Please see deadlines below.

• If you have questions or need more information, please call Jesse Knappenberger, Running Start Manager, at 206-934-5207 or Lynn Christiansen, Running Start Program Coordinator at 206-934-6478. We will be happy to assist you!

Important deadlines!

Please be aware that the community college schedule will be different than your high school schedule.

• Spring quarter registration is now open, call 206-934-5807 to schedule an appoint with a Running Start advisor
• April 2, 2012: Spring quarter classes begin.
• Summer quarter: Running Start does not cover the cost of tuition during summer quarter.
• May 7, 2012: Fall 2012 Running Start enrollment begins. Please be sure to take the COMPASS test before scheduling an appointment.
• September 24, 2012: Fall quarter classes begin

Resources for Running Start Students and their parents

• Learning by Choice Law
• Comprehensive Running Start Question and Answer guide (PDF 356KB).
  This document addresses most aspects of becoming a Running Start Student.

• Starting fall of 2011, the Washington State Legislature will limit the combined high school and college credits the State will fund for each student. Students who choose to enroll above the 1.2 FTE will pay per-credit college tuition for every credit in excess of the combined limit.
  http://www.k12.wa.us/BulletinsMemos/bulletins2011/B047-11.pdf

• Strengths and limitations of participating in Running Start (PDF 242KB). encourages students and their parents to carefully consider all their options. Running Start is a fantastic opportunity, but college academics are much different than high school and it is important that the student be academically, emotionally, and socially prepared for college.