
Running Start is a program offered by several colleges and universities in Washington State that allows academically qualified students in grades 11 and 12 to take college courses online or on campus. Running Start students can earn college credits while still in high school, which can accelerate their progress toward a college degree. When applying to universities, Running Start students are typically considered first-year students or freshmen, even if their college credits may qualify them for sophomore or junior standing once enrolled. For example, at the University of Washington (UW), Running Start students are advised to apply as freshmen, while at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), Running Start students are considered first-year students with advanced standing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Running Start students | Academically qualified students in grades 11-12 |
| Who take college courses online or on campus | |
| Do not pay tuition | |
| Are responsible for mandatory fees, books, and transportation | |
| Receive both high school and college credit for classes | |
| Can apply for freshman scholarships | |
| Can transfer credits to count toward class standing | |
| Can apply for direct admission to nursing at PLU | |
| Can graduate on an accelerated timeline | |
| Can apply for direct-to-major admissions in engineering at UW |
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What You'll Learn
- Running Start students are considered first-year students
- Running Start students can apply for freshman scholarships
- Running Start students can get a head start on college prerequisites
- Running Start students receive both high school and college credits
- Running Start students at UW College of Engineering can graduate early

Running Start students are considered first-year students
Running Start is a program that allows academically qualified students in grades 11 and 12 to take college courses online or on campus. The program is offered by many colleges and universities in Washington, including the University of Washington (UW) and Pacific Lutheran University (PLU).
However, once enrolled as a student, the college credits earned through the Running Start program may qualify students for sophomore or junior standing. For instance, at PLU, Running Start students who earn an AA-DTA (Associate of Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement) or AS-T (Associate of Science – Transfer) degree will be granted junior class standing. Similarly, at UW, Running Start students can use their college credits to apply to majors early and potentially graduate in three years instead of four.
It is important to note that Running Start students may be considered for freshman scholarships, but only if they do not enrol in another degree-seeking program after high school and before enrolling in the university. Additionally, Running Start students pursuing nursing at PLU are eligible to apply for Direct Admission but must complete all nursing prerequisite courses at PLU. Overall, the Running Start program provides students with a head start on college prerequisites and the opportunity to explore areas of interest before starting university.
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Running Start students can apply for freshman scholarships
Running Start is a program that allows academically qualified students in grades 11 and 12 to take college courses online or on campus. Many Washington colleges and universities offer this program, including the University of Washington (UW) and Pacific Lutheran University (PLU).
If you are a Running Start student applying to UW, you are considered a freshman applicant. Your college credits may qualify you for sophomore or junior standing once you enroll. You may be considered for freshman scholarships as long as you do not enroll in another degree-seeking program after high school and before enrolling at UW.
If you are a Running Start student applying to PLU, you are considered a first-year student with advanced standing and must apply as a first-year student. You will be eligible for higher-level freshmen academic scholarships, which are awarded for four years. You will also be considered a freshman for financial aid purposes, granting you eligibility for up to four years if needed.
Additionally, as a Running Start student applying to PLU's Nursing program, you are eligible to apply for Direct Admission to Nursing. However, you will need to complete all Nursing prerequisite courses at PLU.
In summary, Running Start students can apply for freshman scholarships at both UW and PLU. The specific scholarship opportunities and requirements may vary, so be sure to review the admissions information for your desired university carefully.
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Running Start students can get a head start on college prerequisites
Running Start is a program that allows academically qualified students in grades 11 and 12 to take college courses online or on campus. It is offered by many colleges and universities in Washington State, including the University of Washington (UW) and Pacific Lutheran University (PLU).
For example, at PLU, Running Start students can apply for Direct Admission to Nursing but must complete all Nursing prerequisite courses at the university. Similarly, at UW, Running Start students can explore areas of interest and get a head start on prerequisites for their intended majors. This is particularly beneficial for students interested in the College of Engineering, as they can come into the university with credits that may offer an accelerated timeline for graduation.
Running Start students applying to UW must submit their Running Start courses in the high school coursework section of their application. They are considered first-year students and may be eligible for freshman scholarships. Once enrolled, their college credits may qualify them for sophomore or junior standing.
Similarly, at PLU, Running Start students are considered first-year students with advanced standing and must apply as such. However, their college-level credits can be transferred, and they may start at PLU with a higher academic status, potentially completing their degree in just two years.
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Running Start students receive both high school and college credits
Running Start is a program that allows students in grades 11 and 12 to take college courses and earn both high school and college credits. The program is offered at Washington's 34 community and technical colleges, as well as Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Northwest Indian College, and Washington State University. Running Start students do not pay tuition, but they may need to pay college fees, buy books, and provide their own transportation.
The ability to earn both high school and college credits through Running Start can accelerate a student's progress. For example, if a student earns an Associate of Arts (AA) degree through Running Start, they may be granted junior academic status at their university and could potentially complete their degree in just two years.
When applying to universities, Running Start students are typically considered freshman applicants. However, once enrolled, the college credits they have earned may qualify them for sophomore or junior standing. For example, at the University of Washington (UW), Running Start students should apply with the freshman admission application. Their credits may then be used to satisfy major and graduation requirements.
It is important to note that the transfer of credits may vary depending on the university and the specific courses taken. For instance, at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), Running Start students must submit an official college transcript to transfer their credits. Additionally, while PLU considers Running Start students as first-year students, they are eligible for higher-level freshman academic scholarships.
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Running Start students at UW College of Engineering can graduate early
Running Start is a Washington state program that allows 11th and 12th-grade students to take college courses at Washington's 34 community and technical colleges. Students earn both high school and college credits for these courses. Running Start students at the University of Washington (UW) College of Engineering can apply to an engineering major early, rather than waiting for the placement process, if they are close to completing the requirements for their desired major(s). This is possible due to the number of credits a student can complete through the Running Start program, which can offer an accelerated timeline for graduation.
Students who are admitted directly to the College of Engineering start their studies as Engineering Undeclared Students (ENGRUDs). ENGRUDs get to explore different engineering disciplines and interests in their first year before requesting placement into a major. Students who go through the placement process and complete all requirements are guaranteed placement into an engineering major.
Running Start students at UW College of Engineering can also graduate early by transferring their college-level credits. Students who have completed two years at a community college before transferring to UW may only need to attend UW for one year. Similarly, students who have earned an AA-DTA (Associate of Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement) or AS-T (Associate of Science – Transfer) degree through Running Start will be granted junior class standing and could potentially complete their degree in just two years.
However, it is important to note that Running Start students are considered freshman applicants when applying to UW College of Engineering. Once enrolled as a student, their college credits may qualify them for sophomore or junior standing.
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Frequently asked questions
Running Start students should apply to the University of Washington with the freshman admission application. Running Start credits are a great resource for students as they can make planning classes easier and offer broader academic opportunities.
The University of Washington does not require official transcripts at the time of application submission. However, it is helpful to have an unofficial transcript copy to complete the coursework grid. Once admitted, you will need to submit official transcripts from your high school and college.
Running Start students pursuing admission to the University of Washington Bothell in the autumn quarter of the year after they graduate from high school must apply as first-year students.
Yes, Running Start students will be considered for higher-level freshmen academic scholarships.



































