Classes

  • What classes am I not allowed to take?
    You can take any classes you wish, but Running Start pays for only those classes that are college level (100 or higher). You may take classes below college level, but you will be responsible for paying tuition and fees associated with those classes. Here are classes Running Start does not cover:
    • Read 104, Engl 100
    • Math 0xx (any class below 100-level)
    • Any course that starts with BASIC, ESOL, HSC, or TS
    • Any class below 100-level
  • Can I take online classes?
    Yes. Running Start students will be treated as regular college students and enroll in regular college classes. Online courses are part of the normal delivery of college curriculum. While online (eLearning) classes give more scheduling flexibility, they can be challenging for some students. Before enrolling in an eLearning class students may want to ask themselves how well the following statements describe them: 
    • I feel comfortable using reading and writing as my primary means of communication and learning.
    • I feel I can learn in an environment where oral lectures are not the primary mode of learning.
    • I am self-motivated and can work independently.
    • I have no problem communicating with my instructor and other classmates through electronic means such as email and discussion boards.
    • I have no problem asking questions when I don't understand something or need clarification.
    • I have or will have access to a computer with internet access on a regular basis.
    • I feel comfortable in my keyboarding abilities.
    • I feel comfortable with basic computer skills such as email, creating and saving files, and downloading files.
    • I can dedicate approximately three hours of work per credit hour to my eLearning class.

      Being successful as an online student often requires the abilities listed above.
  • How do I know which classes at Green River apply toward my high school graduation requirements?
    Each district accepts different courses from Green River to meet specific graduation requirements. This means that the course required to complete U.S. History or Senior English will vary from district to district. Students must work with their high school counselor to identify their remaining high school graduation requirements prior to enrollment. High school graduation requirements are often listed on the quarterly Enrollment Verification Form. Our department maintains a list of current equivalency guides on our website: District Equivalency Guide. Advisors will use the information provided during enrollment to help students plan out their high school graduation requirements. 
  • Can students receive a degree from Green River at the same time they get their high school diploma?
    Yes. This is possible but requires careful planning. Be sure to ask a Running Start advisor for help toward the planning of an AA degree. Students that do not plan to graduate from a public high school can ask the college to issue a State of Washington high school diploma upon completion of an associate degree.
  • Should students stay at Green River to finish the AA degree before transferring?
    There are advantages to finishing an AA degree before transferring to a 4-year university in Washington and some out-of-state institutions (universities which have “direct transfer agreements” with Green River; listed in the College Catalog). At some universities in Washington, it may be difficult to transfer with an assortment of credits if you do not complete an AA degree. This is a good question to ask the university to which you plan to transfer.
  • Do Running Start classes transfer to other colleges/universities?
    College credits are transferable to Washington State public colleges and universities, and to most private colleges in the state. It is important for students to consult with college admissions representatives and departmental advisors as early as possible. Students should contact out-of-state colleges for their policies on accepting Running Start credits.
  • What if a student doesn't graduate from high school with their class? Can they still do Running Start?
    They are still eligible to participate in Running Start. However, they can take only those classes required to earn the diploma through the high school. Students will be responsible for the tuition and fees for any non-graduation requirement courses. Students are not eligible for federal financial aid until they have a high school diploma or GED®, which means that students may have to pay out-of-pocket.