Is Running Start for you?

You should give careful consideration to the appropriateness of this program before electing to participate. Running Start is the beginning of your college career, and you will be treated like a "regular" college student. Not everyone is ready for this program. Consult with high school and college officials, family and other informed individuals before deciding.

It is important to know that the college record as well as the high school transcript will go with you when you apply at any other school.

Running Start classes place an increased demand on students, so it is important that you and your parent(s) monitor the class load. A rule of thumb is that Running Start students should decrease their high school load by one-third for each college class taken.

 Program Strengths

• Students can get a "running start" on completing a college degree by taking general education requirements and prerequisites to a college major or technical/professional program.
• Students can take courses not offered at their high school.
• Students can experience college while still in high school. This experience can make the transition from high school to college easier and help clarify educational goals.
• Students may still engage in any high school extracurricular activities while taking college classes, if time permits.
• Students who find the traditional high school is not fitting their needs often flourish in a different educational environment.
• Students who have transferred between high schools and have incurred credit difficulties find that Running Start can help them meet graduation requirements on time.
• Financially, this is the best scholarship that a student can earn. Consider the worth of each college class completed.

Program Limitations

• Students who are academically ready may not be ready for college in other ways. Maturity is the key ingredient needed for success in Running Start. Initiative, independence and organization are other necessary ingredients. You need to have a plan for using Running Start.
• High schools and colleges operate on different schedules and calendars. College classes will meet during high school vacations. The student is responsible to the college commitment even though his/her personal or high school schedule is in conflict.
• Students pay all costs except tuition. The student must pay books, computer fee, campus parking, gas, supplies and other related costs.
• The high school is the authority on graduation requirements. You must work closely with your high school counselor to avoid problems with graduation from your high school. The college classes you want to take might not apply to high school graduation.
• You are starting a college transcript when you take your first college class. It will stay with you throughout your college career. If you perform poorly, you may jeopardize future college plans.
• Students who are prospective candidates for the National Merit Scholarship must take the qualifying tests while they still are taking the majority of their courses on the high school campus. After qualification, the student may attend the college exclusively and still be eligible.