Applying to Running Start
The Running Start program is an opportunity for juniors and seniors to take college courses while still in high school. If you are interested in participating in Running Start next year, please view the video below and attend an informational session at Bellevue College, Renton Tech, Central WA University or Lake Washington Tech .
Applying For Running Start Instructions
Click on the college below to see the step-by-step instructions on applying for Running Start.
Bellevue College
It is important to make sure that Running Start is the right program for you. Before starting the application process below, all students must watch the Running Start video at the top of this page. You can also access this slide deck from the video in the link above.
Bellevue College Running Start: Start Applying
Step 1:
Attend a Bellevue College Running Start Information Session.
Step 2:
Complete Bellevue College's Running Start application on their website.
- Bellevue College Application
- For all questions about your BC application, please contact runningstartnewstudent@bellevuecollege.edu
NOTE: On the Bellevue College website, start a new application page under FIRST YEAR not RUNNING START
If you already have a Bellevue College account from a College in the High School course, you do not need to re-do the application. Please make sure you submit the Running Start Intent form.
All RS students must complete the Running Start Intent Form. This step alerts the RS Office of your intent to join the RS program. This important step ensures our staff will send the admissions step regarding Running Start. Use the button below to start this form.
Use this button to access the RS Intent Form
STEP 3:
Check your email for instructions from the college and complete all outlined enrollment steps, including placement, by designated deadlines.
NOTE: Make sure to check your junk mail.
STEP 4:
English and Math Placement
- After you have a BC email and student ID # (upon application completion), visit BC's website and follow the instructions for placement.
- English 101 Placement: use your high school transcript if your cumulative grade point average (GPA) is at least a 3.0. Students with a GPA below 3.0, must take the Accuplacer test.
- Math 107 Placement: B or better in Algebra 2.
NOTE: Bellevue College does not accept transcripts through Parchment directly. You will need to go to Parchment and download a PDF to upload. Instructions for Parchment are located on the Counseling Website under Transcript Requests.
STEP 5:
Get an idea of the classes you wish to take using the following:
STEP 6:
Review the MSHS Running Start Participation Agreement Video and read & sign the MSHS Running Start Agreement
NOTE: Review the Running Start Program Eligibility Requirements & Scope to confirm that you meet the criteria to participate in the program.
STEP 7:
Sign up here for an appointment with your counselor to complete your EVF form. Parent/Guardian will be included.
Prepare the following documents for your meeting:
- MSHS Running Start Agreement - initialed and signed by student & parent
- Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) - top portion completed
- Proof of English & Math placement (i.e. email from Bellevue College confirming placement in English 101 and Math 098)
- A list or idea about courses you would like to take during Fall Quarter
STEP 8:
Submitting your EVF
Once your EVF is completed with your counselor, submit it to the Bellevue College EVF Submission Portal
Central Washington University
It is important to make sure that Running Start is the right program for you. Before starting the application process below, all students must watch the Running Start video at the top of this page. You can also access this slide deck from the video in the link above.
Central Washington University – Sammamish Running Start: Start Applying
Step 1:
Attend a Central Washington University Running Start Information session
Step 2:
Apply: Complete Central Washington University's Running Start application on their website.
If you have questions, please contact Chelsea Braun at chelsea.braun@cwu.edu or 425-392-2110.
Step 3:
If you need to schedule an in-person placement testing for Accuplacer Math, please contact cwu_sammamish@cwu.edu.
More information on English Academic Writing Self-Assessment or Accuplacer and ALEKS Math tests, and payment, please see Testing Services.
Step 4:
Get an idea of courses. *No PE and Central Washington University Course Equivalency Guide
Step 5:
Review the MSHS Running Start Participation Agreement Video and read & sign the MSHS Running Start Agreement
Step 6:
Create an appointment with your counselor to complete your EVF form.
Prepare the following documents for your meeting:
- MSHS Running Start Agreement - initialed and signed by student & parent
- Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) - top portion completed
- Proof of English & Math placement
- A list or idea about courses you would like to take during Fall Quarter
Step 7
Submit your EVF
Step 8:
Pick courses!
Lake WA Technical College
It is important to make sure that Running Start is the right program for you. Before starting the application process below, all students must watch the Running Start video at the top of this page. You can also access this slide deck from the video in the link above.
Lake Washington Tech Running Start: Start Applying
Step 1:
Attend a Lake Washington Tech Information session.
Step 2:
Complete Lake Washington Tech's Running Start application on their website.
Lake Washington Tech Application
- Select Lake Washington Inst. of Tech
- Under "I will be enrolling as a...", select Running Start.
Step 3:
Placement testing will be at Lake Washington Tech and you will email documentation. Please see Lake WA Tech website for more instructions.
Step 4:
Get enrolled:
If it is determined that you are eligible for the Running Start program, you will receive a link to complete the Running Start Agreement and additional forms to enroll.
Step 5:
Get an idea of courses and look at the Lake Washington Tech Equivalency Guide.
Step 6:
Review the MSHS Running Start Participation Agreement Video and read & sign the MSHS Running Start Agreement *THIS is different from the Lake Washington Tech RS agreement!
Step 7:
Create an appointment with your counselor….
Prepare the following documents for your meeting:
- MSHS Running Start Agreement - initialed and signed by student & parent
- Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) - top portion completed
- Proof of English & Math placement
- A list or idea about courses you would like to take during Fall Quarter
Step 8:
Meet with a Running Start Advisor
Renton Technical College
It is important to make sure that Running Start is the right program for you. Before starting the application process below, all students must watch the Running Start video at the top of this page. You can also access this slide deck from the video in the link above.
Renton Technical College Running Start: Start Applying
Step 1:
Attend an optional Running Start Information session or head to the website for the PDF overview.
Step 2:
Apply and follow steps 1-4 on their website.
Step 3:
Get an idea of courses and view the Renton Tech Equivalency Guide. *NO PE/Health class options so if you need these, make sure to build a clear plan with your counselor!
Step 4:
Review the MSHS Running Start Participation Agreement Video and read & sign the MSHS Running Start Agreement
Step 6:
Create an appointment with your counselor….
Prepare the following documents for your meeting:
- MSHS Running Start Agreement - initialed and signed by student & parent
- Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) - top portion completed
- Proof of English & Math placement
- A list or idea about courses you would like to take during Fall Quarter
Step 7:
Email your completed EVF and your unofficial transcript to Chelsea Good (cgood@rtc.edu)
Your counselor can give you a copy of your unofficial transcript during your EVF meeting.