Get Your Running Start at Green River!
Review the information below to view the steps to getting started in Running Start.
To navigate back to the main Running Start page, click here.
As a junior or senior in high school you can take college classes at Green River College tuition-free. Prospective juniors can take classes as early as the Summer quarter after their sophomore year of high school if they meet the eligibility requirements. Classes may apply to both your high school graduation requirements and your college degree. You may attend part-time or full-time, taking classes exclusively at GRC or a mix of classes at your high school and at GRC. Running Start does not cover books, fees, or transportation. A fee waiver and book loan program is available for those who qualify. Follow the four steps below to get started in the Running Start program:
Step 1: Apply to the college and Complete Orientation
Step 2: Determine Eligibility
Step 3: Submit Running Start Forms
Step 4: Complete Student Orientation
New Student Enrollment Dates and Deadlines:
| Quarter | GRC admission deadline | RS Enrollment Packet Deadline | Registration opens | Quarter Starts |
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| Winter 2025 | December 16, 2024 | December 23, 2024 | November 18, 2024 | January 2, 2025 |
| Spring 2025 | March 14, 2025 | March 21, 2025 | February 24, 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
step 1: Apply for admission to Green River |
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Part 1: Apply OnlineUnder "I will be enrolling as a..." select 'First Year Student.' DO NOT select 'Running Start.' It can take approximately a week (or longer during busy enrollment times) to receive an acceptance email with your ctcLink ID. Please apply with your own personal email that you have access to and check frequently. Once you receive your ctcLink ID, you can activate your account. At the bottom of the page linked above, click Activate Your Account, then update your communication preferences. The email and password for your GRC student email will be used for several tools at Green River. It is important to set up your student email as soon as possible and check it frequently, as this is the primary way that staff will contact students. Use the same login credentials as your email. Navigate is used for messaging and appointment scheduling |
Part 2: Online OrientationComplete the online orientation at orientation.greenriver.edu.
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Ask UsOffice of the Registrar For Tech Support: IT Student Help Desk |
step 2: Determine Eligibility |
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Part 1: ENGL& 101 RequirementTo participate in Running Start you must be eligible for Engl& 101. Many students can place into Engl& 101 using high school GPA. Through Placement Reciprocity, students who have a 2.5+ cumulative GPA through first semester of sophomore year with 3 semesters of English classes are eligible for Engl& 101 and Running Start. See your high school counselor to complete the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) and get an unofficial high school transcript. Students with a 2.0-2.49 HS GPA are eligible for Engl& 101 with Engl 117. This limits the classes a student can take, so taking the Directed Self-Placement for English is recommended to place into Engl& 101 on its own. The Directed Self-Placement (DSP) is another option to determine eligibility for Engl& 101. We recommend you take the assessment if your cumulative HS GPA is not at least a 2.5 with standard English classes on your transcript. For a full list of placement options visit the placement page. |
Part 2: Math and Other SubjectsMath placement, although not required for Running Start, is necessary to take a course with a math prerequisite. Often this can be established with an unofficial high school transcript. Placement into language or science courses may also be determined using your high school transcript. Be sure to include an unofficial transcript in your Enrollment Packet. This will be addressed during the orientation process. You also may be able to get course placement from AP, IB, or SBA test scores, and you may be able to transfer credits from other colleges. Please reach out if you have any questions about this process. For a full list of placement options visit the placement page. |
Ask UsRunning Start Visit us in our Virtual Lobby
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step 3: Submit Running Start Forms |
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Part 1: Obtain Running Start Forms
*For home or private school students, you must enroll in your local district or high school and you will need to provide proof of eligibility for Engl& 101 to access the Running Start Program. *Homeschooled students do not need HS graduation requirements, but may need a homeschool transcript for placement |
Part 2: Submit DocumentsSubmit the following document to the Running Start Office at greenriver.edu/upload:
*Not needed for homeschooled students, unless using for placement |
Ask UsRunning Start Visit us in our Virtual Lobby |
step 4: Complete Student Orientation |
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Part 1: RAP SessionOnce we process your documents, you will receive an email to your Green River College student email to sign up for a mandatory Running Start Advising and Planning (RAP) session. This is a group session where students will learn about important tools and skills to be a successful student. After the RAP session you will have the opportunity to ask our advisors any questions you may have and enroll yourself in classes for the upcoming quarter. Prior to your RAP session, make sure you have completed the following:
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Part 2: Verify EnrollmentIf you need help selecting classes, your assigned advisor is available for drop-in advising at least twice a week. View their availability on the advising page. We recommend students verify their courses are correct with their advisor or through a what-if audit in ctcLink. |
Ask UsRunning Start Visit us in our Virtual Lobby |