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Get Started (New Students)

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
  • Rising juniors interested in Running Start may join us for up to 10 credits in the summer quarter of 2026

New Student Priority deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year are:

  • Winter 2027 quarter – November 6, 2026
  • Spring 2027 quarter – February 12, 2027
  • Summer and Fall 2027 quarters – TBD

New students who submit their Online Enrollment Packet by the priority deadline will be in the first group(s) of new students to have their paperwork reviewed. New students may continue to submit their applications after the priority deadline. If the new quarter commences on a Monday, the last day to submit an application the Friday before. If the new quarter commences on a Tuesday, then the last day to submit an application is the day before (i.e., Monday).

Steps to Enroll

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

Before registering for most classes, Running Start students must demonstrate eligibility for college-level English. Eligibility for college-level math is also required for many subjects, including math, science, and health classes.

At Seattle Central College, it is quickest and most convenient for students to take our free online English and Math Directed Self Placement (DSP) – these are self-reflective tools that help students assess which English and/or Math class(es) would be the best fit for their academic ability.

To take the DSP, you must have a ctcLink ID number (provided via email from our Admissions Department after you have applied to Seattle Central). Each placement tool should take about 20-30 minutes to complete. Upon completing the placement, input your ctcLink number, and your placement score will be automatically sent to our Testing office to be recorded within 3 business days.

Seattle Central College also accepts other placement options. Please read about these options here. Please note that not all options apply to Running Start students.

  • 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.
  • As a new student wishing to enroll in your first quarter, you’ll need to submit an Online Enrollment Packet. Your EVF is part of the online enrollment packet.
  • Students only need to submit the Online Enrollment Packet once - when you are a new Running Start student. For all other quarters, you are a returning student, and you can submit your EVFs to RSEVF.central@seattlecolleges.edu.
  • 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 may be contacted to attend a mandatory new student meeting.

Seattle Central College typically offers Running Start orientations for newly enrolled students a couple of weeks before the start of every quarter.

These sessions are intended to help students prepare for the college environment and academic expectations. Please read about new student orientation here.

There is no tuition cost for Running Start students, but there may be other fees associated with the classes you choose. Please be sure to pay these fees online or at the cashier's office after you have registered. Your enrollment is not complete until these fees are paid. You may be dropped from classes and/or have a hold placed on your account for failure to pay fees. Such a hold will block you from registering for classes in the future.