Running Start FAQs

Am I eligible for Running Start?

To be eligible for Running Start, you must:

1. Be under the age of 21 at the beginning of the school year
2. Be classified as a junior or senior in Washington
3. Not, as of the beginning of the school year, have received a high school diploma or earned the credits for a diploma (excluding a GED)
4. Qualify into English 101 (ENGL&101)

For more information on eligibility and applying, please see Running Start New Students How to Apply and Enroll. 

When can I apply for Running Start? 

We accept applications for every quarter. Please review the Apply Now tab on the Running Start website or the OC Important Dates and Deadlines for specific dates. 

I’m homeschooled/attend private school. How can I join Running Start? 

Private school students should send in their high school transcript to be evaluated for accreditation. Olympic college will accept transcripts from accredited institutions for English and math placement. Private school students can continue with the remaining application steps.

Homeschool students should submit any transcripts they have for credits earned from accredited institutions. If the homeschool student does not have a transcript from an accredited institution, they can submit a test score to qualify them for ENGL&101.

What kind of classes can I take through Running Start? 

Running Start students can take any class at Olympic College, as long as they meet the requirements for that class. OC has many different classes to choose from. You can look at the OC Course Catalog to see all the classes offered.

Can I still take classes at my high school if I do Running Start? 

Yes, you can still take some classes at your high school while doing Running Start. How many classes you can take at each place depends on something called High School FTE (Full-Time Enrollment). Your school counselor can help you figure out what your FTE is. If you want to earn an associate degree (AA) by the time you finish high school, it’s best to take about 15 credits each quarter—that’s usually 3 to 4 classes. Taking 15 or more credits means you’re a full-time Running Start student. 

Can I still participate in high school sports or activities if I do Running Start? 

Yes, you can still join high school sports and activities while in Running Start, but keep in mind that your OC professors may not excuse you from missing class for games or events. You’ll need to plan your college schedule around your practices and talk to your professors if you have to miss class.

Running Start students can't play on college sports teams at OC, but you can join OC Student activities like clubs and intramural (for fun) sports. 

Will classes at OC affect my high school GPA? 

Yes, the classes you take at Olympic College will show up on your high school transcript. The grades you get will count toward your high school GPA. Colleges, universities, and other programs will look at these grades when you apply, so make sure to take your classes seriously.

Will classes I take at OC transfer to other colleges or universities? 

It depends. Many public Washington state colleges and universities will accept credits earned at OC, while private or out-of-state colleges may not. You should contact any college or university to learn about their transfer policies.

I took AP or College in the High School classes. Can those credits transfer to OC if I want to earn an AA degree?

You can transfer your AP or College in the High School (CiHS) class credits to OC by completing the Transfer Credit Evaluation Process.

For AP Scores, check out the AP Scores OC Course Equivalency List. 

Will I have to pay anything as a Running Start student? 

It depends. While Running Start covers your tuition up to 21 credits or your maximum college credits, students are responsible for fees, textbooks, and transportation. Running Start Students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. Students who qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Lunches at their high school are eligible to be on the Running Start Fee Waiver, which covers all fees related to their classes. Low income students may be eligible for the Fee Waiver as well. If you think you may qualify for the Running Start Fee Waiver, please fill out our Running Start Fee Waiver Application. 

In addition to the Running Start Fee Waiver, students can also utilize the Running Start Textbook Lending Library. All students can request textbooks from our office, but requests from students on the Running Start Fee Waiver receive priority. To request textbooks from the Running Start Lending Library, students can fill out the Running Start Lending Library Textbook Request Form. 

What experience can I expect as a Running Start Student? 

Running Start Students can expect to develop greater independence, learn in a fast-paced college environment, and attend classes along side students from many different backgrounds. For a more detailed list of Running Start benefits and considerations, please review the Why Choose Running Start? page. 

What kind of resources does OC have for Running Start Students?

Running Start students have access to many FREE resources provided by OC, including tutoring, counseling services, food pantry, and Resource Center.  For a complete list, please check out Student Life and Support. 

I have a 504 plan or IEP at my high school. Do those accommodations transfer over to OC? 

Students will need to provide documentation to get accommodations at OC. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Student Disability Services to set up their accommodations. 

I am a military-dependent student. Can I use my military dependent benefits at OC? 

Students are not eligible for Chapter 35 Benefits until they have graduated high school or are 18 years old. This makes most Running Start students ineligible. If you have other VA benefits questions, reach out to the Military and Veterans Program. 

Can my parent/guardian check my grades or talk to my professors for me? 

No. Even if you are still in high school, when you join Running Start, you are considered a college student. Because of a law called FERPA, Olympic College cannot share your school information with anyone except you—not even your parents. This means you have to take charge. You need to ask for help when you need it, read messages from your teachers and the college, and finish all your assignments. To do well in Running Start, you must be responsible and able to work on your own. It's a good idea for you and your family to talk about how you will keep each other informed. If you want the college to share your information with someone else, you can fill out a special form called the Release of Information Form.

How can I support my Running Start Student? 

Parents can support their Running Start student encouraging the student to take full advantage of resources at OC. If your student is struggling academically, encourage them to visit their professor during office hours or use OC Tutoring Services. Please see Student Life & Support for the full list of OC Resources. If your student needs assistance of any kind, encourage them to contact the Running Start Office so we can refer them accordingly. Students and their families should figure out a way they can check in with each other and keep each other informed. 

Can I access my student’s grades or other academic information? 

No. When students join Running Start, they are considered a college student, regardless of their age, and are protected by FERPA laws. Olympic College cannot share any information regarding the student to anyone but the student. This includes class schedules, advising appointments, grades, etc. The only way for parents to be informed about a student's grades or other academic information is by communicating with the student directly. Therefore, it is essential for parents/guardians to communicate expectations directly with the student.

Students can typically access their grade progress and assignment schedule in Canvas, and we do encourage students and families to familiarize themselves with the learning platform before the quarter starts. Many Running Start students have weekly check-ins with their parents/guardians to stay connected, updated, and to ensure the student gets the support they need. This appears to be a great way to make students feel supported throughout the quarter. We recommend to continue those check-ins all the way through the end of the quarter.

Students can waive their FERPA protection and rights by filling out the Release of Information Form. This form can only be filed by the student. 

Do I need to fill out any paperwork for my student? 

Every quarter your student wants to take classes at OC, they will submit an RSEVF to the Running Start Office. A parent/guardian signature is required on that form for students under 18. Additional signatures may be required if your student wants to add or drop classes. 

Does my student qualify for financial assistance? 

If your student qualifies for Free or Reduced-Price Lunches (FRPL) at their high school, they are eligible for the Running Start Fee Waiver, which waives all fees related to their classes. If you think you may be considered low income, please fill out the Running Start Fee Waiver Application. There are multiple ways to qualify for the Fee Waiver besides FRPL status. Running Start students are not eligible for state or federal financial aid. 

In addition to the Running Start Fee Waiver, students can also utilize the Running Start Textbook Lending Library. All students can request textbooks from our office, but requests from students on the Running Start Fee Waiver receive priority. To request textbooks from the Running Start Lending Library, students can fill out the Running Start Lending Library Textbook Request Form. 

We are a military family. Can my student use military dependent benefits at OC? 

Students are not eligible for Chapter 35 Benefits until they have graduated high school or are 18 years old. This makes most Running Start students ineligible. If you have other VA benefits questions, reach out to the Military and Veterans Program. 

My student has a 504 plan or IEP. How can they transfer that to OC? 

Students will need to provide documentation to get accommodations at OC. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Student Disability Services to set up their accommodations. 

Where can I find Running Start Forms and Documents? 

For most relevant forms and documents, please check out the High School Counselor Page. 

How does a student apply to Running Start?

Students who want to apply to Running Start should follow the How to Appy and Enroll Steps. 

Can students participate in Summer Quarter at OC? 

According to OSPI, “Summer quarter Running Start is now open for a maximum of 10 credits to students completing the 10th grade and those in 11th and 12th grade with available AAFTE. Students with FTE capacity may enroll using the Summer Running Start Enrollment Verification Form” (OSPI). 

Does Running Start offer financial assistance for low-income students?

Students who qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Lunches (FRPL) at their high school are eligible for the Running Start Fee Waiver, which waives all fees related to their classes. Low-income students can also fill out the Running Start Fee Waiver Application. Running Start students are not eligible for state or federal financial aid. 

In addition to the Running Start Fee Waiver, students can also utilize the Running Start Textbook Lending Library. All students can request textbooks from our office, but requests from students on the Running Start Fee Waiver receive priority. To request textbooks from the Running Start Lending Library, students can fill out the Running Start Lending Library Textbook Request Form. 

Can 5^th year seniors participate in Running Start? 

Fifth year seniors are limited to taking Running Start classes that will fulfill the student’s district, charter school, or tribal compact school’s graduation requirements, pursuant to WAC 392-169-055(4), must have participated in Running Start during their 11th or 12th grade year and are limited to 63 total college credits for their senior academic years. These requirements also apply to students who do not intend to graduate from the district or school. RSEVFs are still required for enrollment every quarter.

High school counselors should fill out the Running Start Extended Eligibility Worksheet for 5^th year seniors and submit it to the Running Start Office. For questions about 5th Year Seniors and Extended Eligibility, please contact the Running Start Office. 

Can 504 plans and IEPs transfer to OC?

Students will need to provide documentation to get accommodations at OC. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Student Disability Services to set up their accommodations. 

What is the enrollment report? Do I need to check it?

The Enrollment Report or P‑223 is a monthly report required by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). It is used by school districts to report student enrollment data to the state, which determines state funding allocations.

The report reflects enrollment as of the first school day of each month of a quarter and includes headcount, credit, full-time equivalent (FTE), and course/enrollment status information.

High school staff are encouraged to review the report — or the Preliminary Report, which is sent one to two weeks beforehand — to verify accuracy and confirm student course loads and enrollment status.

Please note: Students without a fully signed Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF) or students who are not enrolled in the quarter will not appear in this report. 

Do I need to fill out the comments section on the RSEVF? 

The comments section can be used to list the counselors preferences for the student's enrollment. This could include comments about the students’ remaining high school graduation requirements and permission to change enrollment without counselor permission. 

How can students add, drop, or swap a class?

Students wanting to add, drop, or swap a class should do so within the confines of their RSEVF. If the student’s RSEVF does not indicate they are allowed to add, drop, or swap classes without counselor permission in the comments section, they are required to meet with their high school counselor and receive a revised RSEVF giving the student permission to change their enrollment. The student should submit their revised RSEVF to @email and we will update their enrollment. 

Is there training available for new counselors? 

New high school counselors, or counselors wanting training on the Running Start Program, should contact the Running Start Office. We are available for training if needed. 

What grading scale does OC use?

Olympic College uses a decimal grading system. Please see the Grades Policies and Procedures for more information about grade translation and related information. 

What does it mean if a student receives an incomplete grade?

"The "I" grade is used to indicate that a grade has been deferred. The instructor may choose to award an "I" grade to a student who is making progress, but for reasons beyond the student's control, is unable to complete course requirements on time. To award an "I" grade, the instructor must submit an Incomplete Grade Contract to the Registration and Records Office. The instructor must specify the work to be completed and the grade to which the "I" will revert if the work is not completed by the specified time. The "I" grade does not count for college credit, nor is it computed in the GPA" (OC Registration and Records). 

"Note: if an incomplete grade contract is not received, but an "I" grade has been assigned, the grade will appear as an asterisk (*). If the contact is not received within two quarters at the Registration and Records Office, the "*" grade will revert to a "WP" (Olympic College, link)" (OC Registration and Records).