Running Start Information

1. Running Start Information Created by the Mount Si High School Counseling Department

2. What is Running Start An opportunity for juniors and seniors to take college courses while still in high school

3. How much does it cost? Tuition is free. Books, supplies, transportation, and lab fees are the student’s responsibility.

4. Where do I go to school? • You can have a blended schedule where you take some classes at Mount Si and some at the community college or take all of your courses at the community college • Schools in our area include Bellevue College, Green River Community College and Lake Washington Technical College

5. What are the pros and cons of running start?

6. Pros • There is a wider variety of classes offered. • Students who find that the traditional high school is not fitting their needs can flourish in a different setting. • You can earn up to two years of college credits FREE. • If you know exactly what you want to do in life. Running Start can give you a great head start. • One three-month college class (5 credits) equals 1 year long or 1 credit of high school classes. • You have an opportunity to take classes that apply to your chosen degree/career.

7. Cons • Taking MSHS AP classes looks good on college applications. • Not all Running Start credits may transfer to four-year colleges. • Transportation is your responsibility. • You might miss out on high school experiences • Running Start requires you to be independent and responsible • College requires more work in less time, with less support from teachers. Some students who are academically ready may find the independence and the speed of college classes overwhelming; they may benefit by remaining in high school classes.

8. Cons • Community colleges operates on the quarter system. Mount Si operates on a semester system. Holidays and vacation periods may be different. Students are expected to attend classes at the college even though their high school is not in session. • Student is in charge of meeting deadlines at the high school and for running start independently

9. Mount Si Credits

10. Community College Schedule

11. College VS High SchoolPersonal Freedom

12. College VS High School Classes

13. College VS High School Studying

14. College VS High School Teachers

15. College VS High School Tests

16. College VS High School Grades

17. Want to know more about Running Start? Fall 2013 Student/Parent Information Sessions For More Information, Contact: Bellevue College High School Programs Phone: 425-564-2026 E-mail: hsprograms@bellevuecollege.edu Web Site: http://depts.bellevuecollege.edu/hsprograms

18. Fall 2013 Deadlines

19. How to enroll at BCStep 1of 5 Step 1: Submit Running Start Application

20. How to enroll at BC Step 2 of 5 Step 2: Take Assessment • Once you have received your Bellevue College Student I.D. Number via Email. • Check the Assessment Office Testing Calendar for open testing days and times. • Students must take the Compass Assessment Placement • Please notify the High School Programs office upon completion of the test. Placement into English 101 is required for the Running Start Program. • The testing fee is $21.50 • A sample assessment can be found here Bring the following items to the test: • Picture ID. You will not be allowed to test without it. • BC Student ID Number. Emailed to you by the HS Programs staff • Bring check or money order in the amount of $21.50

21. How to enroll at BCStep 3of 5 Step 3: Receive your Pre-Registration Packet Upon completion of the steps above, the pre-registration packet will be e-mailed to you. It will include the following: • An orientation date and time • The enrollment verification form • Bellevue College campus map • A class schedule can be accessed at http://bellevuecollege.edu/classes/

22. How to enroll at BCStep 4 of 5 Step 4: • Make an appointment with your High School Counselor • Complete Running Start Enrollment Verification Form with your high school counselor • Plan your class schedule and have the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form signed by high school counselor. • Be sure that the course load between Bellevue College and your High School don’t exceed the course load limit. • Carefully read, complete, and sign the form with all participating parties (student, HS counselor, parent/guardian, and Running Start Coordinator). • Bring your Enrollment Verification Form to Mandatory Running Start New Student Orientation

23. How to enroll at BCStep 5 of 5 Step 5: Attend Mandatory New Student Orientation Running Start New Student Orientation times will vary, based upon application priority. Note: Please don’t forget to bring your Enrollment Verification Form. Without it you won’t be able to register for classes.

24. Graduation Requirements • While you may be full time at Running Start, you still have to meet the graduation requirements of Mount Si • Bellevue College offers equivalent courses to fulfill your graduation requirements

25. Credits Mount Si VS Bellevue College • Full time Mount Si students can obtain up to six credits per year. • Each semester course is worth 0.5 credits • There are two semesters in each year and full time means a six class schedule • Full time running start students can obtain nine credit per year • Each quarter course is worth one high school credit • There are three quarters in which running start runs each year and full time means a total of three classes

26. Bellevue College Transfer Degree Worksheet • http://bellevuecollege.edu/worksheets/pdfs/transfer/AAS_DTA.pdf