Running Start is unique because it takes place on a college campus (except when a student is enrolled in college courses online). Ideally, students will enroll beginning with the fall term to maximize eligibility. Depending upon the college and high school’s process, enrollment for the fall quarter/semester can begin as early as February of the same calendar year. Interested sophomores and juniors should begin asking for information by January of the same year in which they want to enroll in Running Start.
Interested students should start by meeting with their high school counselor and/or attending any kind of Running Start information event. The high school counselor or advisor will help the student determine:
- If Running Start fits with the student’s interests, skill level, and High School and Beyond Plan,
- What courses the student can take that will meet high school graduation requirements,
- What the college eligibility, orientation, and registration processes entail, and
- What, if any, resources may be available to help with the costs of fees, books, supplies, and transportation.
At any time, interested students may also go to the college’s website, type Running Start into the search box, and explore what the college’s eligibility, orientation, and enrollment processes entail.