Savanna Hoffman
Running Start is a dual credit enrollment program that allows high school students in grades 11 and 12 to take college courses and earn college credits while completing their high school education. This program is available in several states across the US, including Washington, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Montana, and Illinois. Students in the Running Start program can experience a college environment, take courses on campus or online, and receive both high school and college credits for their completed courses. This accelerates their progress and can lead to significant cost savings for their families. When applying to universities as a Running Start student, it is important to plan your academic path early, meet prerequisites, and be mindful of application dates and deadlines. Official transcripts are typically not required at the time of application, but they will be necessary once admitted to the university. Running Start students applying to universities may need to apply as first-year students or transfer applicants, depending on their graduation status and the timing of their application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Apply as a first-year student/freshman applicant in the autumn quarter of the year of graduation from high school. |
| Application Type | Common Application |
| Application Requirements | No official transcripts required at the time of application submission. However, an unofficial transcript copy is helpful to complete the coursework grid. |
| Application Dates | Be mindful of application dates and deadlines. |
| Academic Planning | Begin as early as possible to ensure college credits are maximized. |
| Academic Requirements | Complete at least 15 credits in each Area of Inquiry (AOI), including Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Arts & Humanities. |
| Transferable Credits | A Direct Transfer Agreement ensures that most transfer credits fulfill general education requirements for an undergraduate degree. |
| Course Enrollment | Enter Running Start classes in the high school coursework grid, including anticipated coursework credit for 12th grade. |
| Course Format | Choose from hundreds of online or on-campus college courses. |
| Course Credits | Earn both high school and college credits for these courses, accelerating progress through the education system. |
| Course Fees | Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition. They are responsible for mandatory fees, books, transportation, and other class supplies. |
| Prerequisites | While not required, focusing on prerequisites is encouraged. |
| Additional Considerations | Running Start students may be considered for freshman scholarships if they do not enroll in another degree-seeking program after high school. |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
Running Start is a dual credit enrollment program in Washington, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Montana, and Illinois. It allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses, either online or on campus, while completing high school. Running Start students can complete a significant number of their first two years of college credits early, and they pay for fewer community college credits before moving on to four-year institutions.
If you are applying for the autumn quarter of the year you graduate from high school, you must apply as a first-year student. Once enrolled as a student, your college credit may qualify you for sophomore or junior standing. If you start or continue college after leaving high school (excluding the summer term immediately following high school), apply as a transfer applicant.
Running Start students should apply with the freshman admission application. Running Start, UW in the High School, or other dual enrollment classes should be entered in the high school coursework section (9th–11th Grade Coursework and/or 12th Grade Coursework, as applicable). 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.
While focusing on prerequisites is encouraged, students can also work on general education requirements, otherwise known as Areas of Inquiry (AOI). Students are required to complete at least 15 credits in each AOI, which include Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Arts & Humanities. If you plan on taking a significant number of Running Start courses, a Direct Transfer Agreement can be useful. These agreements ensure that most of your transfer credits fulfill the general education requirements expected for an undergraduate degree.
Although official transcripts are not required at the time of application submission, it can be helpful to have an unofficial transcript copy to complete the coursework grid. Once admitted, you will need to submit an official transcript from each school/institution where you have attempted credits. Running Start credits are transferred once official and final transcripts are received.
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Deadlines and academic planning
When it comes to deadlines, it's important to be mindful of the application dates and deadlines specified by your desired university. For example, the University of Washington (UW) and its Bothell campus (UW Bothell) have specific instructions for Running Start students. If you plan to enroll in the autumn quarter immediately after graduating from high school, you should apply as a first-year student or freshman applicant. In this case, your college credits may later qualify you for sophomore or junior standing. However, if you start or continue college after leaving high school (excluding the immediate summer term), you would apply as a transfer applicant using the transfer application.
Running Start students should also be mindful of deadlines related to transcripts and coursework grids. While official transcripts are typically not required at the time of application submission, having an unofficial transcript copy can be helpful for completing the coursework grid. UW Bothell, for instance, requires that admitted students submit official transcripts from each school or institution where credits were attempted. For Running Start students, this includes both high school and college transcripts, and credits are transferred upon receiving the final official transcripts.
In terms of academic planning, it is recommended that Running Start applicants begin their planning process as early as possible. This involves working closely with high school and college advisers to maximise the benefits of their college credits. Universities like UW Bothell have prerequisite courses for competitive majors, and it's beneficial to be aware of these requirements in advance. Additionally, utilising tools and resources provided by the university can help Running Start students make informed decisions about their intended majors and graduation requirements.
Furthermore, Running Start students should be aware of the requirements for their desired bachelor's degree or major. For instance, at the University of Washington, students are required to complete at least 15 credits in Areas of Inquiry (AOI), encompassing Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Arts & Humanities. A Direct Transfer Agreement can be advantageous for students planning to take multiple Running Start courses, as it ensures that transfer credits fulfil general education requirements for an undergraduate degree. Understanding how credits transfer and course equivalencies can also aid in academic planning and ensuring a smooth transition to university.
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Credit transfer and course equivalencies
When applying to universities as a Running Start student, it is important to understand the credit transfer process and course equivalencies. Credit transfers can help you receive credit for college-level courses completed during high school, allowing you to save time and money on your degree. Here is some information about credit transfers and course equivalencies for Running Start students:
University of Washington (UW)
The University of Washington has specific guidelines for credit transfers and course equivalencies for Running Start students. They accept transfer credits from institutions fully accredited by their regional accrediting association, provided that the credits are earned through university-level undergraduate courses relevant to the student's degree program at UW. The UW also subscribes to the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA), which allows students to use transfer courses toward their UW Areas of Inquiry requirements. Running Start students should enter their college-level courses in the high school coursework section of their application and indicate that they received college credit for these courses. UW also provides an Equivalency Guide to help students understand how their credits will transfer and what courses they should take to fulfil UW requirements.
University of Washington Bothell (UW Bothell)
UW Bothell follows a similar process to the main UW campus. Running Start students applying to UW Bothell must submit official transcripts from both their high school and college to transfer their credits. They should also enter their Running Start classes in the high school coursework grid, including anticipated coursework credit for the 12th grade. UW Bothell encourages early academic planning to ensure students can make the most of their college credits and meet the prerequisites for competitive majors.
Washington State University (WSU)
WSU considers Running Start students as first-year students if they have not completed any college-level coursework after graduating high school. WSU offers a transfer course search tool to help students understand how their college credits match up with WSU equivalencies and determine the prerequisites for their major. WSU also has a Transfer Center that provides appointments and guidance to ensure a smooth transition to WSU for transfer students.
University of Connecticut (UConn)
UConn evaluates transfer credits based on the information available at the time of evaluation, and revisions may occur as new information becomes available. Asynchronous foreign language courses are not eligible for transfer credit, and laboratory science courses must include both lecture and laboratory sections in the same semester to receive equivalent credit.
University of Southern California (USC)
USC has specific guidelines for transfer credits, including a maximum of 16 units for college courses taken during high school. These courses must be taught by college faculty on a college campus and must not be applied to the student's high school diploma. While they can fulfil General Education requirements, they typically cannot fulfil writing, foreign language, or laboratory science requirements. USC provides resources to help transfer students understand which courses have been accepted for transfer credit in the past.
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Scholarships and financial aid
As a Running Start student, you may be concerned about the cost of continuing your education at a four-year university. Fortunately, there are many options available to help fund your education, including scholarships and financial aid. Here are some important things to keep in mind as you navigate the financial aspects of applying to university:
- Scholarships: Start your search for scholarships early, as many have deadlines throughout the autumn and winter of your final year in Running Start. Look for scholarships that align with your interests, achievements, and background. Local scholarships offered by community organizations and businesses can be particularly competitive, as they often have fewer applicants than national scholarships. Don't overlook smaller scholarship amounts, as these can add up and make a significant difference in funding your education. Visit the scholarship websites of the universities you're interested in, as they often have scholarships specifically for transfer students or Running Start students.
- Financial Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after it becomes available on October 1st. The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, and loans. Each university may have additional financial aid forms, so be sure to check their websites for more information. In addition to the FAFSA, Washington state residents should complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) to be considered for state financial aid programs. Some universities may also require you to submit tax returns or other financial documents, so have these readily available.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships specifically for Running Start or transfer students. These scholarships often recognize academic achievement and may require a separate application or essay. Check the scholarship webpages of the universities you're interested in to identify these opportunities. Sometimes, simply applying for admission by the priority deadline automatically considers you for certain scholarships, so be sure to meet those deadlines.
- Running Start-Specific Scholarships: There are also scholarships specifically targeted towards Running Start students. For example, the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship supports low- and middle-income students pursuing STEM-related fields. The Washington State Running Start Transfer Award is another scholarship that supports Running Start students transferring to a four-year college or university in Washington state. Check with your Running Start program or college advisor, as they often have up-to-date information on local and regional scholarships.
- Transfer Agreements and Pathways: Some universities have transfer agreements or pathways specifically designed for Running Start students, which can include guaranteed admission and scholarships. These agreements often outline the specific courses you should take while in the Running Start program to ensure a smooth transfer of credits. Be sure to research if your intended university has any such agreements in place with your community college.
- Campus Resources: Once you've applied and been accepted to a university, connect with their financial aid office to discuss any additional funding opportunities or work-study programs they may offer. They can also help guide you through the financial aid process and answer any questions you may have about paying for your education. Remember, it's always worth asking about additional scholarship or financial aid opportunities, as sometimes universities have funds available that go unclaimed due to lack of applicants.
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Dual enrollment and course selection
Running Start is a program that allows high school juniors and seniors to take college-level courses without paying tuition. Students receive both high school and college credits for these courses, accelerating their progress through the education system.
Running Start students and students with other dual enrollment credits should apply with a freshman admission application. Running Start, UW in the High School, or other dual enrollment classes should be entered in the high school coursework section. 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.
While focusing on prerequisites is encouraged, students can also work on general education requirements, otherwise known as Areas of Inquiry (AOI). Students are required to complete at least 15 credits in each AOI, including Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Arts & Humanities. A Direct Transfer Agreement is useful if you plan on taking a significant number of Running Start courses. These agreements ensure that most of your transfer credits fulfill the general education requirements for an undergraduate degree.
It is recommended that applicants, especially those with a significant number of college credits, begin their academic planning early to maximize their college credit. Grades earned will impact admission to the University of Washington (UW) and the applicant's intended major. Students admitted through a freshman application must declare a major by the time they have completed five academic quarters and earned 105 credits.
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. Running Start classes should be entered in the high school coursework grid, and applicants should select the box “Dual enrollment with high school” to indicate that the course is part of Running Start.
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Frequently asked questions
Running Start is a dual credit enrollment program in Washington, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Montana, and Illinois. It allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses while completing high school. Students can take classes on campus or online and receive both high school and college credits.
If you are applying for the autumn quarter of the year you graduate from high school, you should apply as a freshman. If you start or continue college after leaving high school (excluding the summer term immediately following high school), apply as a transfer applicant. Be sure to include your Running Start classes in the high school coursework section of your application.
Running Start allows students to earn college credits while still in high school, which can accelerate their progress and reduce the cost of a university education. Students can also experience a real college environment and choose from a wide variety of classes.
