Navigating Running Start at Bellevue College: A Comprehensive Guide for High School Students

Running Start (RS) is a dual credit program in Washington State that enables high school juniors and seniors to simultaneously earn high school and college credits by taking courses at community and technical colleges. Bellevue College (BC) offers a Running Start program, providing students with a head start on their college education. This article outlines the requirements, processes, and essential information for high school students interested in participating in the Running Start program at Bellevue College.

What is Running Start?

Running Start is designed to provide opportunities for 11th and 12th grade students to attend higher education institutions and earn both high school and college/university credits. It's a dual credit program that allows students to complete their high school diploma while making progress towards a college degree.

Key Benefits of Running Start

Earning Dual Credit: Students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, accelerating their academic journey.
Tuition-Free Enrollment: Running Start students do not pay tuition fees, as long as they remain within the credit limits approved by their high school.
Access to College Resources: Running Start students have access to college resources, such as libraries, academic advising, and student support services.
College Experience: The program offers a college learning environment, fostering independence and academic maturity.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Running Start is available for high school juniors and seniors. Bellevue College has an open enrollment policy and does not have a GPA requirement for admissions into the college or the Running Start program. However, specific programs at Bellevue College may have other specific admission requirements.

Application Process

Inform Your High School Counselor: Communicate with your high school counselor about your interest in participating in Running Start.
Apply to Bellevue College: New Running Start students should begin by applying to Bellevue College.
Complete the Enrollment Verification Form (EVF): Current Running Start students need to submit a new Enrollment Verification Form for each quarter they are in the program (Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters). The purpose of this form is to track the number of credits you are taking between the high school and Bellevue College. The EVF can be submitted online.
Placement: Determine if placement is required for the classes you intend to take. Check the course description in ctcLink to determine placement requirements.
Attend Orientation: The New Student Orientation (NSO) answers many questions about starting out as a new-to-college student.

Important Dates and Deadlines

RS Summer 2026 Deadline: The Running Start Summer 2026 deadline is tentatively June 10, 2026. Check the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Financial Aid Priority Deadline: The priority deadline for completing the financial aid application is often several months before the start of the quarter. Missing the deadline may require self-payment of tuition and fees initially, with potential reimbursement later. Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific financial aid deadlines.
Tuition Due Dates: Be mindful of tuition due dates, which are posted on the Academic Calendar. Each time you enroll in a class (or are enrolled into a class from a waitlist), you will incur a balance on your account.

Financial Aid and Fee Waivers

While Running Start students do not pay tuition, they are responsible for any fees due to the college by the tuition due deadline located on the Academic Calendar. Some students may qualify for a fee waiver.

Fee Waiver Eligibility: Some students may qualify for a fee waiver. You can request the fee waiver when you submit your Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) by completing the Free and Reduced Lunch Status section on the EVF.Note: Consumable supplies, textbooks, and other materials retained by the student are not within the definition of fees and therefore not subject to the mandatory low-income waiver provisions.
Fee Waiver Coverage: As of Winter 2021 quarter, the Fee Waiver does not cover Tuition charges from Running Start students enrolling in credits over what the high school approved.

Academic Requirements and Expectations

Minimum Grade Requirement: Earn at least a 2.0 each quarter you take classes at the college.
First-Year Seminar (FYS): New Bellevue College students whose primary intent is earning the AAS-DTA, or equivalent degree are required to take a First-Year Seminar (FYS 101 or, STEM 101 and STEM 102) course(s) in their first two quarters at Bellevue College effective Summer 2021.
Attendance: Some instructors include class attendance as part of your final grade.

Important Considerations

FERPA Regulations: Parents/Guardians need to understand that student specific information cannot be shared due to FERPA. The college does not give parents and guardians access to your records or information, without your written consent.
College Environment: The college maintains an adult learning environment, which includes sharing diverse and opposing viewpoints. If asked, instructors may not agree to replace an assignment, even if the assignment conflicts with your beliefs. You may wish to check the course syllabus carefully, and talk to the instructor at the start of the quarter if it appears there may be a conflict with the class materials and assignments.
Residency Status: If your initial Bellevue College application had inconsistencies with residency for tuition purposes (which determines whether you pay “in-state” or “out-of-state” tuition rates), you might not have noticed while you were in the Running Start program, since your tuition was mostly covered. Once you have left Running Start, you might have a higher tuition rate if your residency status is not correct.
Communication: If you are taking classes at both Interlake and BC, it is your responsibility to coordinate your BC schedule so that you do not miss Interlake classes.

Additional Steps for Private and Homeschool Students

Private and homeschool students must take additional steps to participate in Running Start. Student is required to enroll as a Non-Attending student at the high school in your service area or your school district office. Bellevue College will send grades only to the high school or district office where student’s enrollment is documented.

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COVID-19 Information

Offices and Housing remain open; most classes are moving online. More info about COVID-19 resources. Due to COVID - 19 Bellevue College is now accepting electronic signature from the student.

Advising Services

For students and/or parents/guardians with questions about the RS program, need assistance with the RS admission, or first-quarter class registration are welcome to book an appointment. At this time, due to COVID-19 and social-distancing measures, advising is offered via phone calls or video meetings.

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