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Get Started

Ready to enroll as a Running Start student at Seattle Central College? Check to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and follow the instructions below. 

We're excited you are joining our Tigers family. 

Eligibility

  • Must be a WA public high school student
  • Able to demonstrate eligibility for either college-level English or college-level math (see “placement testing” for details)
  • Junior or senior standing

Priority Deadlines

  • Fall and Summer Quarter - May 1
  • Winter Quarter - November 1
  • Spring Quarter - February 1

Applications will continue to be accepted after the priority deadlines through the start of the quarter. Class availability and choice may be limited if students apply after the priority deadline. We strongly encourage new students to submit their Running Start enrollment packet no later than a week before the quarter begins to ensure students have enough time to get registered, prepared and ready to start on the first day of the quarter.

Summer Running Start

Rising-juniors and rising-seniors are eligible for up to 10 credits in the summer quarter through Running Start. To register for summer quarter, please following the steps to enroll below, and complete the Summer Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) with your high school counselor.

To learn more and explore the process of applying to the Running Start program, expand the sections below.

Steps to Enroll

  • Apply online to be a student at Seattle Central College.
  • Follow step-by-step instructions for online application.

All Running Start students must demonstrate eligibility for either college-level English or college-level math. This can be demonstrated through several methods, such as placement testing, test scores, or transcripts.

What placement options do I have?

Don’t have any of the placement options listed above? 
No problem! Then complete your placement testing through North.

English Directed Self-Placement Tool (English DSP)

  • This is a self-reflective tool that helps the student assess which English class would be the best fit for their academic ability.
  • Instructions available here to request the English DSP

Math Directed Self-Placement Tool (MATH DSP)

  • This is a self-guided survey to help you reflect on your current knowledge. By answering a few questions, the tool assesses  your proficiency and recommends the right math level for you, then you can self-select your math level
  • Instruction available here to take the free online Math DSP
  • After placement tests, consult with your high school counselor and fill out the Enrollment Verification Form. This form must also be signed by a parent or guardian.
  • Submit the online enrollment packet; in order to complete this online enrollment packet you’ll need to have a guardian/parent available to sign the Running Start contract and your Enrollment Verification Form ready to be uploaded.
  • Running Start students must complete a Running Start Enrollment Verification form each quarter.
  • Your online enrollment packet will be reviewed, and you will receive an email response from our office, typically within 2-3 business days.
  • During busy times of the year – a registration period or start of a quarter – it usually takes our team longer to review and process online enrollment packets due to the high volume of emails and EVF submissions. During these periods, it can take anywhere from 3 – 7 business days to review and process applications.
  • If your online enrollment packet is complete, your EVF will be processed, and you will be contacted to schedule a mandatory new student pre-registration meeting.
  • If your online enrollment packet is incomplete, a staff member will request additional information from you.
  • You will meet with a Running Start Advisor during your new student pre-registration meeting. These meetings are held in groups on Zoom.
  • At this meeting, you will be shown how to register for classes.
  • After attending this meeting, a Running Start Advisor will remove the Underage Hold and Running Hold on your account so that you can enroll in classes.

Attend new student orientation to prepare for your first day. We offer Running Start orientations for newly enrolled students a couple of weeks before the start of every quarter, where we help prepare students for the college environment and academic expectations.

There is no tuition cost for Running Start students, but there may be other fees associated with the classes you choose. Be sure to pay these fees at the cashier's office after you have registered. Your enrollment is not complete until these fees are paid. You will be dropped from classes for failure to pay fees.