A: Any high school junior or senior under 21 enrolled in a public school in
Washington State. Full details are on the Eligibility page.
Q: What tests do I have to take before I can apply?
A: NSCC offers weekly math and English placement tests. They are designed to assess your current English and math skills and assign appropriate level course placements. To participate in Running Start you must place at the English or math course level required for your program; usually ENGL& 101 or MATH 102 unless you are interested in a professional/technical program that may have a different English and/or Math requirement.
Q: What do I need to turn in by the application deadline?
A: A completed and signed Running Start pre-enrollment form, a copy of your
test scores, an NSCC
application, and a signed contract.
Q: How do I arrange to take the assessment tests?
A: Check out the Testing Calendar to
determine drop-in placement testing times. The fee for placement
testing is waived for Running Start students one time only with presentation
of a valid Washington public high school photo ID.
Q: How do I interpret my test results?
A: Look at the bottom of the printout under course placements. If
it says ENGL&101 or MATH102 or higher you are eligible
for Running Start. If you are interested in a particular professional/technical
program, check with the Running Start Advisor to determine program eligibility.
Q: What happens if I place into ENGL&101, but not MATH102 (or MATH102, but not ENGL&101)?
A: You will still be eligible to participate in Running Start, but the
classes available for you to take will be limited.
Q: How do I choose my classes?
A: Make an appointment with your high school counselor to find out what
classes you need to take to graduate from high school. Ask if your high
school has already established a list of Running Start course equivalencies.
Then look through the Seattle Community Colleges District
catalog or the
NSCC
quarterly course schedule to find classes that look
interesting to you, will fulfill your graduation requirements, and don't
require prerequisites that you haven't
met.
Q: How many classes should I take?
A: You may register for a maximum of 18 credits. 15 credits, typically three
academic classes, is considered a full course load. If you will be taking
classes at your high school, you'll want to take fewer than 15 credits at
NSCC.
Q: Is my Running Start application my registration form?
A: No. Your pre-enrollment form provides registration information. This form is a
way for your high school to let us know which classes they have approved.
You will receive registration information in the mail after we've received
all of your application materials and will meet with a Running Start advisor to register for your classes.
Q: Why is it important to list alternate classes on my Running Start pre-enrollment form?
A: As a new student it is often difficult to get all your first-choice
classes, so you'll need to have several alternates on hand in case the
classes you most want to take are already filled. As a Running Start
student you will not be able to register for classes not listed on your
Running Start pre-enrollment form.
Q: What if I can't list any alternates, i.e. there are very specific classes I must take this quarter in order to graduate?
A: Because we can't guarantee your registration in particular classes,
you should make alternate plans in case the classes you need are full.
Talk to your high school counselor about other ways to meet your graduation
requirements if you can't do so through Running Start.
Q: Will the grades and credits I earn through Running Start go on my high school or my college transcript?
A: Both. Running Start classes will be recorded on your high school transcript
and also on your permanent NSCC
transcript.
Q: What costs am I responsible for?
A: Tuition is free for Running Start students
for a maximum of 18 credits in college level courses (courses numbered
100 or higher). Tuition is paid by the student's school district. Running
Start will cover tuition for up to 18 credits of college-level coursework.
Pre-College level courses (below 100 level) and credits taken in excess of
18 must be paid for by the Running Start student. The student is responsible
for the cost of books, transportation, and the cost of their
NSCC Photo
ID card. Books may be purchased
from the NSCC
Bookstore and cost on average between $50 and $100 per class. Students who
are eligible for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program at their high school may be
able to borrow their textbooks for the quarter.
Q: Can I still take part in my high school's activities, sports and classes?
A: Yes. You are still a student of your high school, even if all your
classes are here at
NSCC. Talk to your
high school counselor about specifics regarding eligibility for sport teams,
etc.
Q: I am currently in a private school / am not in school / am homeschooling; can I still participate in Running Start?
A: Yes, but you must first enroll in a public school.
Q: Once I apply and am accepted into the Running Start Program, am I automatically in the program until I graduate?
A: No. You must submit a completed, signed Running Start pre-enrollment
form prior to every quarter you wish to participate in the program. There
is no need to retest or submit another
NSCC application.
Q: Does my eligibility for Running Start terminate as soon as I have met my high school graduation requirements?
A: No. You are eligible for Running Start until the end of your senior
year, even if you fulfill your graduation requirements before the end
of the year.
Q: Can I take classes in the summer through Running Start?
A: No. As a Running Start student you are limited to fall, winter, and spring
quarter registration. You can take classes summer quarter, but you must
pay for them yourself.
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