Running Start Students: University Application Strategies

how do running start students apply for university

Running Start is a program that allows 11th and 12th-grade students to take college courses at Washington's 34 community and technical colleges. Students can simultaneously enroll in high school and college classes, earning credit for both. Running Start students do not pay tuition but are responsible for mandatory fees, books, and transportation. College credits completed in Running Start will transfer to most colleges and universities, and students can apply to universities as freshmen.

Characteristics Values
Running Start students Academically qualified students in grades 11-12
Application process Submit an LCC Admissions Application and a Running Start Application
Enrollment Must enroll through a local public high school
Tuition Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition
Credits Earn both high school and college credits
Transfer of credits Credits transfer to most colleges and universities
Application requirements Official high school transcript, letter of recommendation
Admission Considered a freshman for financial aid purposes

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Application process for Running Start students

Running Start is a 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, which they can then apply to a four-year degree.

If you are applying for the autumn quarter of the year you graduate from high school, you must apply as a freshman. Running Start students and students with other dual enrollment credits should apply with the freshman admission application. Be sure to select the box “I took this course at a college and/or I received college credit for this course” to indicate that the course is part of Running Start.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 15 credits across various Areas of Inquiry (AOI), including Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Arts & Humanities. Running Start students pursuing admission to the University of Washington Bothell must apply using the Common Application. While official transcripts are not required at the time of application submission, once admitted, UW Bothell requires that you submit an official transcript from each school/institution where you have attempted credits.

If you are applying to Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), you only need to send official transcripts from your high school. However, to transfer your Running Start credits to PLU, you will need to submit an official college transcript before enrolling as a student. PLU requires one letter of recommendation, preferably from a high school teacher who has taught you a core academic class or one of your Running Start professors.

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High school and college credits

Running Start is a program that allows qualified students in grades 11 and 12 to take college courses while completing their high school degrees. Students in the program can take college courses online or on campus, earning both high school and college credits. These credits can then be applied to a four-year degree, accelerating their progress through the education system.

Students in the Running Start program do not pay tuition fees, but they are responsible for mandatory fees, books, and transportation costs. The average credit load is 11 credits per quarter, with a maximum of 15 credits per quarter covered by the program. To receive college credit, students must complete the course requirements, and these credits are typically transferable to most colleges and universities.

When applying to universities, Running Start students should submit their official high school transcripts, which will include their Running Start classes and grades. Additionally, they may be required to submit official college transcripts for credit evaluation and class standing determination. It is important to note that universities may have specific requirements for transferring credits, such as a minimum grade requirement or the need for an associate degree.

For example, at the University of Washington, Running Start students should apply as freshmen and indicate their participation in the program on their application. Similarly, at Pacific Lutheran University, Running Start students are considered freshmen for financial aid purposes and are eligible for admission to various programs, including Nursing. When applying to universities, it is advisable to seek guidance from admissions counselors and refer to the specific requirements of the institution.

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Transferring Running Start credits

Running Start is a program that allows 11th and 12th-grade students to take college courses at Washington's 34 community and technical colleges. Students can take these courses online or on campus, and they receive both high school and college credits for them.

Students who have taken part in Running Start and wish to apply to the University of Washington (UW) should do so with a freshman admission application. On this application, students should indicate that they took college-level courses through the Running Start program.

Credits earned through Running Start will usually transfer to most colleges and universities, although the specific policies vary depending on the institution. For example, the UW has a statewide policy on inter-college transfers and subscribes to the Direct Transfer Agreement. This means that transfer students from Washington community colleges who complete approved associate degree programs will be considered to have satisfied the College's general education and proficiency requirements. However, there are notable restrictions on transfer credits, and the admissions office reserves the right to accept or reject credits earned at other institutions.

It is important to carefully plan the transfer of Running Start credits to a university. Students should consult the relevant community college and university websites and seek advice from their high school counselor and the LCC Running Start office.

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Application requirements

Running Start is a program that allows 11th and 12th-grade students to take college courses at Washington's 34 community and technical colleges. Students can also take courses online. Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition fees, but they are responsible for mandatory fees, books, and transportation.

If you are applying to the University of Washington (UW), you should apply with the freshman admission application. You should enter your Running Start, UW in the High School, or other dual enrollment classes in the high school coursework section. Make sure to select the box "I took this course at a college and/or I received college credit for this course" to indicate that the course is part of Running Start.

If you are applying to the University of Washington Bothell (UW Bothell), you should apply as a first-year student using the Common Application. You should enter your Running Start classes in the high school coursework grid, including anticipated coursework credit for 12th grade. Select the box "Dual enrollment with high school" to indicate that the course is part of Running Start.

If you are applying to Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), you only need to send official transcripts from your high school—your Running Start classes and grades will be included in that transcript. You do not need to send transcripts from your Running Start college as part of your application. However, to transfer your credits to PLU, you will need to submit an official college transcript before enrolling as a student. You will also need to submit one letter of recommendation. While the Common Application asks for a high school counselor recommendation, PLU recommends that you also include a recommendation from either a high school teacher who has taught you a core academic class or one of your Running Start professors.

If you are applying to Lower Columbia College (LCC), you must submit an LCC Admissions Application and a Running Start Application. You must enroll through a local public high school and have junior or senior standing, though you do not need to attend classes at the public high school. You must live in the State of Washington.

Transferring Credits

College credits completed in Running Start will transfer to most colleges and universities. If you are transferring credits to PLU, courses must be from an accredited Washington community college, and only 100-level or above courses will transfer credit. Grades in Running Start courses must be a C- or higher. If you earn an AA-DTA (Associate of Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement) or AS-T (Associate of Science – Transfer) degree through Running Start, you’ll automatically be granted junior class standing. If you do not earn an AA-DTA or AS-T, your Running Start courses will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.

If you are transferring credits to UW Bothell, you will need to submit an official transcript from each school/institution where you have attempted credits, including both your high school and college transcripts.

Additional Considerations

Some universities will require SAT or ACT scores, even if you earn an associate's degree from a community college. If you are applying to PLU's Nursing program, you are eligible to apply for Direct Admission to Nursing, but you will have to complete all Nursing prerequisite courses at PLU.

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Running Start student benefits

Running Start is a program that allows academically qualified students in grades 11 and 12 to take college courses for free while earning both high school and college credits. The program is available to students in Washington State and is offered by many colleges and universities in the state, including the University of Washington.

There are several benefits for students who participate in the Running Start program:

Cost savings

The most significant benefit of the Running Start program is the cost savings for students and their families. While there are some nominal fees, tuition for the program is free, and the high school pays for up to 15 credits per quarter. This can result in significant savings on college tuition, with students graduating high school with an associate degree and two free years of college.

Academic preparation

The University of Washington's Admissions office states that Running Start provides "excellent preparation for university study." The program allows students to familiarize themselves with the rigor of college-level coursework and increased personal responsibility within a safe environment. Students also have access to college-level support services and counseling, which can help them learn how to succeed in higher education.

Flexible schedule

Running Start students can choose from a full range of courses, including evening and online options, allowing them to work their schedule around other commitments such as work, family, and extracurricular activities.

Diverse learning environment

Running Start students are introduced to more diversity than they may find in a typical high school classroom, exposing them to a wide range of experiences, opportunities, paths, and worldviews.

Extracurricular activities

Running Start students can still participate in any high school extracurricular activities, as long as it is consistent with Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) rules of eligibility. They can also participate in clubs and events at their college or university.

Frequently asked questions

Running Start is a 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, accelerating their progress through the education system.

Running Start students are required to submit their high school transcripts and official college transcripts. They may also be required to submit a letter of recommendation. Students should apply as first-year students and select the option to indicate that the course was part of Running Start.

Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition fees. The college credits completed in Running Start will transfer to most colleges and universities, saving the student time, effort, and money.

Running Start students may choose from a full range of courses as long as they are college-level (numbered 100 or higher) and meet the qualifying criteria. Some universities may require SAT or ACT scores, even with an associate's degree.

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