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Running Start is a statewide program that allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to receive college credit tuition free while completing high school. Students are enrolled simultaneously in high school and college classes (or just college classes) and are awarded dual credits by their high school and college.
To enroll in BTC courses, all Running Start students must submit a complete Running Start referral form signed by a high school authority/school district. Private high school and home school students must enroll in the public school district in which they live to be eligible for Running Start for college attendance.
Eligibility
To be admitted to Bellingham Technical College's Running Start Program, a student must:
- Be qualified as Junior or Senior at a Washington public high school.
- Be between 16 and 21 years of age.
- Determine eligibility by completing the Accuplacer Placement Test.
Home-schooled students and students attending private high schools must be evaluated as juniors and seniors by a public high official either at the high school or the local school district. Attending both educational institutions are not mandatory for access to the Running Start Program.
Classes and credits not eligible as Running Start credits must be paid in full. These include:
- classes challenged (i.e. challenge test is not allowed by Running Start)
- classes not approved by the high school on the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form
- credits in excess of credits approved as tuition free Running Start credits
- classes not approved as part of the BTC program the student is admitted into
- non college level classes (under 100 level, i.e. MATH099)
- self-support classes
- summer classes
Running Start in 5 Easy Steps
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First, talk to your parents or guardians, counselors, and teachers about your goals and interests and determine a study plan. |
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Take the Accuplacer Assessment test, which places you in the appropriate English and math courses. |
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Meet with BTC’s Running Start advisor for program advice and to complete steps toward enrollment. |
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Complete the Running Start Enrollment Verification form  and submit to BTC’s Registration Office when you sign up for classes * and pay applicable fees. Make sure both you and your high school counselor sign your enrollment verification form . |
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Attend a Get Ready! student orientation and purchase your books. |
* Running Start Students are not eligible to register online. |
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Admissions & Advising Services
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Admissions & Advising
Running Start Video
