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
- All high school juniors and seniors attending a WA public high school, as well as homeschooled students are eligible
- Able to demonstrate eligibility for either college-level English or college-level math (see “Determine Your Placement for Classes” for details)
- Junior or senior standing
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.
Once you have applied, you will receive an EMPLID number, which serves as your student ID number. Please be sure to record your EMPLID number.
- Some courses require an English or math assessment before you can register.
- Students in Seattle Public Schools may be able to place into college-level math courses with their transcripts, depending on courses taken and grades earned. ACT and SAT scores may be used in place of placement tests as well.
- Students may take an English Self-Directed Placement test and a Math Placement test online.
- Please include a copy of your test results with your Running Start application.
A full list of placement options can be found here.
- 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.
- Email completed enrollment packages to RunningStart.Central@seattlecolleges.edu for review
You will receive an email response from our office within 3-4 business days. If your application is incomplete, a staff member will request additional information from you. If you application is complete, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment with an advisor who will help you register for classes.
- Schedule a new student registration appointment as early as possible before your preferred classes fill.
- You have the option to meet with a Running Start advisor to discuss placement test scores and select courses you wish to take.
It's a good idea to bring your parent or guardian when you meet with your advisor. Allow them to help you start and cheer you on. Having a strong support network will help you be successful in college.
- Attend new student orientation to prepare for your first day.
- We offer Running Start orientations for newly enrolled students a few 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 register. Your enrollment is not complete until these fees are paid.