Dual Enrollment Running Start is a dual enrollment

Dual Enrollment Ø Running Start is a “dual enrollment” program, similar to programs in 47 other states. Ø Students earn high school and college credits simultaneously. Ø One 5 -credit college course is generally equal to one year of the high school level course. Ø Students meet with their school counselor to choose courses that are equivalent to their high school graduation requirements.

What is Running Start? Ø “Learning by Choice” bill passed by the State Legislature in 1990, creating the Running Start option. Ø Students may attend college campus full or part time. If they are part time, they take high school classes as well. Ø School district pays the tuition.

Eligibility Ø Students must meet the program application deadlines: Ø May 13 th deadline – Application and Agreement Form MUST be submitted to Bellevue College Ø Students must have a high school gpa of 3. 0 or take an assessment to place into English 101. Ø Sophomores will start the application process in the spring prior to the start of Junior Year. Ø Running Start is not offered during summer quarter.

Is Running Start right for you? Ø Are you excited about academic challenges? Ø Do you consider yourself more mature than most high school students? Ø Are you comfortable with diverse situations? Ø Can you be assertive and ask for help on a large college campus? Ø Have you done well in previous academic work? Ø Are high school activities important to you?

BENEFITS of Participating in Running Start Ø Free college tuition! Ø Advanced course work and academic challenge Ø Variety in course selection (foreign languages, sciences, astronomy with a real planetarium, etc) Ø Flexible schedule (can take up to 15 credits) Ø Develop independence Ø A new social environment Ø College credits that are easily transferable to public Washington State Colleges

Challenges of Running Start Ø Transfer credit issues- can be a problem at private schools and universities in other states. Many private schools and out of state schools will not guarantee the acceptance of all credits. Ø Many selective admission colleges prefer students to take IB or AP Course work Ø Books, fees and transportation costs- can be a few hundred dollars per quarter Ø Fast pace and time demands of college studies

Challenges of Running Start Ø Must meet high school graduation requirements- some lack of flexibility and choices. Ø A new social environment and age diversity Ø Harm to your college and high school transcript by doing poorly Ø Conflicting vacations/breaks (ie. Spring) Ø Sports/Practices

Running Start Academic Policy Ø BC requires all students to achieve a 2. 00 GPA (“C” average) or be placed on academic probation Ø Approximately 10 -12% of all Running Start students earn below a 2. 00 GPA in any given quarter Ø If your GPA for one quarter is below a 2. 00, you will be placed on academic probation. Ø Running Start students who achieve below a 2. 00 GPA for ANY TWO QUARTERS will become ineligible to participate in the program.

Student Costs $$$ Ø Tuition for each credit beyond that authorized on the Enrollment Verification Form. Ø Tuition for any below college level class (classes numbered under 100), such as Math 075 -099. Ø Student and class fees. Ø Textbooks. Ø Parking/transportation

Next Steps Ø Step 1: Apply to Bellevue College Ø Step 2: Create your BC email account Ø Step 3: Demonstrate English 101 placement (cumulative high school gpa of 3. 0 or ACCUPLACER assessment) Ø Step 4: Complete orientation online class

Next Steps Ø Step 5: Submit the Enrollment Verification Form: Make an appointment to meet with your High School Counselor Ø Step 6: Sign up for the Mandatory Orientation/Registration