RUNNING START

What is Running Start? Program for 11 th and 12 th grade students to take college classes with most or all tuition paid Students earn college credit while meeting high school graduation requirements 1 st priority for RS students is to meet high school graduation requirements Eligibility for six quarters (Fall, Winter, and Spring of junior and senior school year) Results in savings on college tuition

Eligibility Requirements  All applicants take Accuplacer/LOEP test  Reading, writing and math skills are assessed  You must meet Pre-Requisites for College Level class you intend to take.  If you place into ENGL 101 you are eligible to take a broad range of college level classes.  If you assess below ENGL 101 you also will be eligible to take classes, but class offerings are more limited..

What classes will I take?

ASSESS INTO BRDG/EAP

What does Running Start Cost? Most courses numbered 100 and higher will have most or all of the tuition paid by RS The student pays for: Accuplacer/assessment fee - $35, one time fee (unless retest needed) Textbooks and supplies - about $150 per class, per quarter Fees – about $200-$300 per quarter for full-time students Transportation costs – gas, insurance if you use your own car. (EdPass to access CT) Excess credit (more than 15 credits) All college costs are subject to change

Is Running Start For You? Some advantages Some possible concerns  Class choice  Early start to college  Students of all ages  Tuition-free courses  Maturity level/Socialization  Transportation  Student expenses  Time management

College Life Running Start students have the same responsibilities as other adult students.  Follow each course syllabus Attendance, assignments and deadlines are the same for all students.  Classes are Fast-paced High School: 10 months = College: 11 weeks  Class Time Commitment One 5.0 credit course = 15+ hours per week Two 5.0 credit courses = 30+ hours per week A 5.0 credit on-line class will require 20+ hours per week The Running Start staff will offer guidance through the process, but ultimately success in college depends on the student.

Grades and Records  Grades for Running Start paid classes are sent to high school registrars  Grades become a permanent part of the student’s high school transcript and college transcript  Running Start students must earn a 2.0 grade point average and finish all classes they are enrolled in each quarter

Parental Access  No information will be released (including tuition and fees) without the student’s written permission.  Records information will be disclosed to parents if a written consent by the student is received or if the parents establish the student’s dependency as defined by the Internal Revenue Service by completing an affidavit available at the Enrollment Services Office in Lynnwood Hall, first floor.  Families may discuss the Running Start student’s final quarter grades with their high school counselor.  Instructors are not required to have conversations about academic progress with anyone other than the student. College instructors are not available to speak with parents. Edmonds CC follows the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) concerning student privacy rights and access to student

Success Tips  Attendance matters… go to class!  Don’t be afraid to ask for help  Talk to your instructor and visit the Learning Support Center  Connect with others on campus  Schedule uninterrupted study time  Don’t procrastinate

How Do I Sign Up? FOLLOW STEPS ON HANDOUT

The Steps are also online at the Running Start Website

APPLICATION DATES FOR FALL 2015 PREFERABLE TO GET DONE BY END OF SCHOOL YEAR (Registration begins May 26)

Am I ready for Running Start? Are you a focused, independent student? Do you want to take even more responsibility for your education? Will you miss the “high school experience?” Can you arrange transportation? There is none provided by the school district. Can you handle the expenses?

Full-time or part time? 5 credits at the college is the same as 1.0 credit at EWHS. Think about the classes you want to take at each and make a plan that works for the entire year. Calculated on a quarterly basis. High School ClassesMaximum RS credits

What classes will I take?

How do IB and RS compare? You can have a demanding schedule through RS or build one at EWHS with Honors and IB or a combination. RS transcripts all college credit each quarter. Credit is automatic when you pass your classes. IB is an internationally-known program that might be better if you apply to ivy league colleges. IB credit is based on scores you receive from Higher Level tests. Two very different classroom experiences.

Good news or bad? Remember the potential impact of RS classes on your GPA: If you get an A in a 5 credit RS quarter-long class – that is like getting an A both first and second semester at EWHS. But if you get a D in the same RS class – that will hurt your GPA because it is the same as getting a D both semesters of a year-long class at EWHS. EdCC will place students on probationary status if they don’t maintain a 2.0 GPA – repeat offenders can no longer take RS.

Running Start Process at EWHS  Once accepted, students need to make an appointment to meet with their counselor each quarter to plan out their classes and complete paperwork. Appointments are made with the Counseling Secretary and can last up to 30 minutes.  Running Start students must register for as if they are taking all classes at EWHS. We will adjust schedules later.

Other Information…  A list of approved Running Start courses is on our Counseling website.  Sometimes conflicts arise in schedules---schedule your classes around what your top priorities are.  Students can choose to attend full time or part time--- it is up to you!  It is still possible to do sports AND Running Start.  Per ASB policy, you can’t take full-time Running Start classes and be an ASB officer. You can do part-time.

Student Panel