Students who will be juniors or seniors in September are eligible to apply for Running Start. Under this statewide program, classes at community colleges may be counted for both college and high school credit simultaneously. Some private colleges and universities will not accept credits earned through this program as college credits. There is no tuition for the classes, although students are expected to purchase their own books and pay some fees. Students are responsible for transportation and lunches.
Running Start students at EvCC may register for one, two, or three 5.0 credit college level classes each quarter. Each 5.0 credit class will usually count as one year of high school graduation requirement or elective, subject to decisions by school district superintendents. Students may register for classes that are less than 5.0 credits.
Students who begin Running Start classes as a senior are eligible for one year of college work while students who begin as a junior are eligible for two years of college work.
Classes taken at the community college must substitute for part of the student’s normal school day. For schedule planning, each college class substitutes for two high school periods. Running Start students are eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities at both the college and high school, but in competitive sports only at the high school
Current admission requirements for the Running Start Program at EvCC expect that the student demonstrate ability to succeed in college-level courses, usually with a cumulative 2.5 GPA and placement at college entry level in writing. Students should also be aware that each academic class at the college may necessitate one to two hours extra daily study time. Any failed class remains permanently on the college record and could jeopardize high school graduation. It is best that students begin Running Start in the fall quarter and continue the same enrollment pattern (full-time or part-time) through the year to avoid conflicts arising from semester-quarter differences between EvCC and high school.
To enroll in Running Start at EvCC, students must apply by April 1 for the fall quarter; October 15 for the winter quarter and January 15 for the spring quarter. Applicants will be notified of acceptance within 30 days. For more information, contact your high school counselor, or call Everett Community College at 388-9211 or 388-9222.