Running Start

Information session for students interested in Running Start at Bellevue College

2018-2019

What is Running Start?

An opportunity to earn College Credit and High School credit at the same time.

Requirements:• Junior or senior Fall 2018• Meet all program deadlines• English placement exam or proper documentation• Math placement exam for students planning to enroll in a math or science

class

Cost: • Local school district pays the tuition• Students pay for below college level courses, credits above the limit,

student fees*, class fees*, books and parking/bus* (* = scholarships)

Quarters vs. Semesters

At SHS, 2 semesters in one academic year and students take 7 classes each semester = 7 annual credits

At BC, 3 quarters in one academic year and students take 3 classes each quarter = 9 annual credits

One class at BC = one year long class at SHS so the pace of a BC class is 3X that of a SHS class

Requires 3 -5 hours of studying for every hour of class

Visual - Quarters vs. Semesters

Is Running Start right for you?

Are you excited about academic challenges?

Are you an independent learner?

Are you comfortable with diverse situations?

Can you be assertive and ask for help on a large college campus?

Have you done well in previous academic work?

Benefits of Running Start

Free college tuition for college level coursework!

Advanced course work and academic challenge

Variety in course selection (world languages, sciences, astronomy with a real planetarium, etc)

Flexible schedule

Develop independence

Make connections with college faculty

A new social environment

***** Possibility of earning an A.A. degree *****

Challenges of Running Start

• Scheduling challenges• Must meet high school graduation requirements• Parents have limited control • Transfer credit issues- can be a problem at highly

selective private schools and universities in other states• Books can be a few hundred dollars per quarter and can’t

be waived by a scholarship• Fast pace and time demands of college studies• A new social environment and age diversity• Harm to your college and high school transcript by doing

poorly• More and more classes are online• Conflicting vacations• May have after school conflicts

BC Running Start Academic Policy

Bellevue College academic policy for RS students is to maintain 2.0 PGA each quarter

If your GPA for one quarter is below a 2.0, you will be placed on academic probation.

Running Start students who achieve below a 2.0 GPA for ANY TWO QUARTERS will become ineligible to participate in the program.

Other ways to earn college credit

Tech prep classes (CTE and WANIC) with B grade or higher

College in the High School (CHS) credit with Math and World Language classes – B grade or higher

AP exams – passing grades vary by exam

How does Running Start work?

Attend the information session at BC and complete all of the registration steps this spring by the deadline.

(CHECK YOUR EMAIL AND SPAM for next steps)

Once you have a BC ID# and have taken placement exams and have completed the 40 minute Online Orientation: Meet with SHS counselor to plan RS schedule. Then, student attends Mandatory Registration meeting

with BC advisor

Fall 2018 Info Sessions

Your attendance is required at one session as part of the Running Start application process. Sign up online at www.bellevuecollege.edu/runningstart

Thursday, Feb 22nd at 6:30 pm Saturday, Feb 24th at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm

Thursday, March 8th at 6:30 pm Saturday, March 17th at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm Thursday, March 22nd at 6:30 pm

Saturday, April 7th at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm Thursday, April 12 at 6:30 pm Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 pm Saturday, April 28th at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm

Thursday, May 3rd at 6:30 pm

Information Sessions are in the N Building Room 201Main Campus

BSD Running Start and SHS Policies

Must turn in signed BSD Running Start contract.

May attend full time or part time

Enroll in BC classes during the spring prior to the fall quarter.

Make an appointment with your SHS counselor before each BC quarter’s registration date. Your SHS counselor will help you fill out and sign your BC verification paperwork.

It is important to plan out the courses you will take each quarter for the entire year.

Questions?

Not sure if Running Start is a good fit for you? Discuss with your counselor!

Take a handout today with important dates and deadlines

Contact your SHS counselor for questions

BC website:

http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/runningstart/