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Qualifications

To get started:

Submit proof of one of the following to  runningstart@wvc.edu  for Wenatchee Campus or  omakrunningstart@wvc.edu for Omak Campus.

Do not send documents through Google or Parchment, we cannot access them!

  • High School Transcript with cumulative GPA of  2.5 or higher
  • PSAT/SAT Reading of 500 or higher
  • ELA Smarter Balanced Assessment score of 3 or 4
  • ACT English score of 20 or higher
  • ACT Reading score of 21 or higher
  • AP English score of 4 or 5 
 
Any student seeking college credit through Running Start must enroll through the local public school district or high school, have a completed Running Start Enrollment Verification Form in place for each term, and been granted 11th or 12th grade standing by the public school district’s grade placement policy in accordance with WAC 180-51-035. The student must make the final decision regarding if they are ready for college-level coursework on a full time or part time basis. Students are encouraged to seek the guidance of their parents, high school counselors, and college personnel while considering Running Start as an option. Ultimately, it is only the student's decision to pursue this pathway. 
 
 
Private or Home School Students:

A private or home school student is not required to attend classes in the public high school to participate in Running Start. Enrolling any student in the Running Start program means that the student is also enrolled as a public high school student to access state funding allocated for the Running Start program.
 

How is 11th or 12th grade standing determined for private school and home school students who wish to participate in Running Start?

It is the responsibility of the school district, charter school or tribal compact school to establish junior/senior standing. Any criteria used to establish grade placement must be applied uniformly in accordance with district policy to students irrespective of their status as Running Start students in accordance with WAC 180-51-035.

Complete Intent to Home School form.

Once grade placement is established, parents will need to complete an Intent to Home School form (this includes private schooled students) that will be filed at the district office.

High School Diploma Options- SHB 1758:

Once students are enrolled with the local school district they are considered a public high school student. However, they are not required to meet the high school graduation requirements. An individual enrolled through Running Start who satisfactorily completes an associate degree, including an associate of arts, associate of science, associate of technology, or associate in applied science degree, shall be awarded a state high school diploma from the college upon written request from the student (these individuals are not required to complete the State Board of Education's graduation requirements).

Math

Math is not a qualifying factor for the program. If a student wants to take a college level math or math-related course, qualifications for enrollment are:

  • College-level math placement score (EdReady)
  • Qualifying score on math Smarter Balanced Assessment (3 or 4)
  • A grade of C or higher in Algebra 2 or higher at the high school

Running Start students are limited to "college-level" courses at the community college, and the placement test results are used to determine readiness for college-level work. Students need to provide copies to the Running Start office to be placed using this method.