1. Running Start Information
Columbia High School

2. Presentation Will Cover
What is Running Start
How to Apply
Program Benefits & Limitations
Program Costs
Common Issues

3. What is Running Start?
A Dual Credit program available to qualified Juniors and Seniors: courses meet both high school and college requirements.
Opportunity to earn college credit, tuition free, while enrolled in high school.
Students receive dual credit (both high school and college) for successful completion of coursework. An official transcript will be maintained at each institution.

4. Who Does Running Start? Eligible high school juniors and seniors
Eligibility determined by placement from taking the Accuplacer test for reading, writing and math -OR- high school Smarter Balanced English Language Arts and Math scores.

5. Why Choose Running Start?
Earn up to 2 years of college tuition free
Complete advanced level courses
Study subjects not offered at the high school
Get a head start on earning college credits
Transition to a more self-motivated, independent style of learning
Complete professional prerequisites

6. Example
Columbia High School requires 11th grade student to take U.S. History
A Running Start student may take “History of the United States” at CGCC and receive both high school and college credit for this course.
A 4 credit course is 0.8 credits on the high school transcript; a 5 credit course is 1.0 credits on the high school transcript.
1 college credit= 0.2 high school credit

7. Classroom-Based & Online Courses
Columbia High School students may apply to take course through:
Columbia Gorge Community College (The Dalles and Hood River)
Any community college in Washington State

8. Considerations
The schedule of a Running Start student varies from person to person and depends on:
Internet access
Transportation that is the responsibility of the student
Athletics participation
Course availability each quarter
Courses are offered at the college or online
Some students choose to be a full-time RS student and others choose to take just a few classes

9. How Do I Apply?
Register to take the college required assessment, if applicable, at any of the colleges. Some colleges charge an assessment fee.
Check to see if your scores qualify you to take college level classes at your chosen college.
Set up a meeting with an advisor at your chosen college.

10. College Contacts for RS
Columbia Gorge CC
Mike Taphouse
Clark College
(360)

11. Program Limitations
Courses are at the college level. One HS class that lasts two trimester (24 weeks) will be covered in 10 weeks.
Transportation to travel to the college is the responsibility of the student.
Tuition -free if combined credit limit: CHS + RS= state maximum allowed FTE (full-time enrolment).
Tuition cost above this FTE is self-pay.
Students must pay for fees, books and supplies.

12. Program Costs
College entrance assessment and/or application fee, if applicable (depending on the college chosen).
Transportation
Quarterly fees, supply fees, books, etc.

13. Points to Consider Before Committing
Stress. Stress. Stress. Some students, even when told what to expect, had no idea what they were getting into.
Students who fail Running Start courses, or are put on academic probation, have to return to CHS and fit their classes in. This can lead to students not being able to get into a four-year university and be much less competitive for scholarships due to a poor cumulative grade point average and academic record.
In a few instances, students weren’t able to graduate with their CHS class due to failing required courses their senior year.

14. Points to Consider Before Committing, Cont.
Lack of communication with college professors versus our teachers at CHS.
We cannot guarantee that the credits will transfer to the student’s selected four-year university.
Running Start students often miss out on the opportunity to take Advanced Placement classes at our high school that transfer to a high percentage of universities and colleges nationwide (please look this up on the College Board website).

15. Points to Consider Before Committing, Cont.
College level credit can be earned at CHS (i.e. College Algebra and Elementary Functions). Other articulated classes are also available through our CTE Program that transfer as community college credit.
Student that go into the program and then can’t afford the expenses of the program (gas, books, texts, fees, etc.)
You must be motivated, independent and able manage your time wisely.
It’s your responsibility to keep up on CHS activities, deadlines, events, etc. Most information can be found on the CHS website, bulletin and via your school .