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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.

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
Fall 2024 August 29, 2024 September 13, 2024 May 20, 2024 September 23, 2024
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

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 as soon as possible and check it frequently, as this is the primary way that staff will contact students.

Part 2: Online Orientation

Complete the online orientation at orientation.greenriver.edu.

  • 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. 

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 Subjects

Math 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. 

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 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 Documents

Submit the following document to the Running Start Office at greenriver.edu/upload: 

  • The Enrollment Packet (student and parent/guardian signatures required)
  • Your signed EVF (counselor, parent/guardian, and student signatures required)
  • An unofficial HS transcript*
  • A list of remaining HS graduation requirements*

*Not needed for homeschooled students, unless using for placement

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 quarter.

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

  • Make sure you have activated ctcLink and know your login information
  • Check your holds in ctcLink to ensure you will be able to enroll during the session

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