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Get Your Running Start at Green River!

Review the information below to view the steps to getting started in Running Start. More information about our program is available on the main Running Start page.

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 term 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. The fee waiver and book loan program is available for those who qualify. 

Steps to Get Started

Follow the four steps below to get started in the Running Start program:

  1. Apply to the College and Complete Orientation
  2. Determine Eligibility
  3. Submit Running Start Forms
  4. Complete Student Orientation

New Student Enrollment Dates and Deadlines: 

term paperwork processing window Enrollment opens Payments due GRC admission deadline RS Paperwork Deadline term Starts
Spring 2026 February to March 27 February 23, 2026 March 9, 2026 March 20, 2026 March 27, 2026 April 6, 2026
Summer 2026 April to June 26 May 18 June 9 June 15 June 26 July 6
Fall 2026 April to September 11 May 18 August TBD August 31 September 11 September 21

step 1: Apply for admission to Green River

Part 1: Apply Online

Under "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 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 Orientation

Complete the Online Orientation

  • This orientation helps prepare you for success at Green River.
  • You will need your ctcLink ID number provided in your acceptance email to access online orientation.
  • Select the 'Running Start' option.

Ask Us

Office of the Registrar
SA 277
253-288-3383
otr@greenriver.edu

For Tech Support: IT Student Help Desk

 

step 2: Determine Eligibility

Part 1: ENGL& 101 Requirement

To participate in Running Start you must be eligible for Engl& 101.

Students who have at least three semesters of CORE (or higher) English classes 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 CORE (or higher) English classes are eligible for Engl& 101.
  • Students with a 2.0-2.49 GPA are eligible for Engl& 101 + Engl 117 (a 3-credit support class).
  • 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.

Students without at least three semesters of CORE (or higher) English classes on their transcript must take the College Success Assessment for ENGL& 101 placement.

  • Students with any MLL/ESL/ESOL English classes on their transcript must take the College Success Assessment (CS).
  • A CS score of 101+ will place a student into Engl& 101.
  • A CS score of 95-100 will place a student into Engl& 101 + Engl 117 (a 3-credit support class).
  • Students who score at least a 72 on CS are eligible to take Directed-Self Placement (DSP). A CS score of 72 with a DSP score of 96 or higher allows placement for Engl& 101 + 117.

For a full list of placement options visit the placement page.

Part 2: Math, Other Subjects and Credit Transfer

Math Placement

Although not required for Running Start, math placement is necessary to take a course with a math prerequisite. Often this can be established with an unofficial high school transcript (must include second semester grades). Alternatively, students can take the WAMAP Math Entrance Exam to gain math placement.

Placement for Other Subjects

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. 

Credit Transfer

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 or CHS classes. Please reach out if you have any questions about this process.

For a full list of placement options visit the placement page.

Ask Us

Running Start
SA 135
253-288-3380
RunningStart@greenriver.edu

Visit us in our Virtual Lobby

 

 

step 3: Submit Running Start Forms

Part 1: Obtain Running Start Forms

  • Complete your Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) with your high school counselor and obtain your unofficial high school transcript.
  • A list of remaining high school graduation requirements are usually written on your EVF by your counselor, but you can also find them in Skyward if you have attended public school.
  • Complete the Running Start Enrollment Packet with your parent/guardian.

For home or private school students, you must enroll in your local district or public high school and you will need to provide proof of eligibility for Engl& 101 to access the Running Start Program.

Part 2: Submit Documents

Submit the following documents to the Running Start office at greenriver.edu/upload: 

*Not needed for homeschooled students, unless using a homeschool transcript for placement

Please allow 5-7 business days for processing documents and expect to receive an email when documents are processed. If we receive incomplete documents we will reach out via email or Navigate/text.

Ask Us

Running Start
SA 135
253-288-3380
RunningStart@greenriver.edu

Visit us in our Virtual Lobby

step 4: Complete Student Orientation

Part 1: RAP Session

Once 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 term.

Prior to your RAP session, make sure you have completed the following:

  • All of step 1 listed above, including activating your ctcLink account and remembering your login information
  • Check your tasks tile in ctcLink to ensure there are no other tasks to complete before session; the Running Start Orientaion hold will be removed at the session so you can enroll

Part 2: Verify Enrollment

If 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 Us

Running Start
SA 135
253-288-3380
RunningStart@greenriver.edu

Visit us in our Virtual Lobby