Earn College Credit through Running Start

Get Your Running Start at Green River!

Steps to getting started in Running Start.

As a junior or senior in high school you can take college classes at Green River College tuition-free. 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 (detailed information is below):

Step 1: Apply to the College
Step 2: Complete Online Orientation
Step 3: Determine Eligibility
Step 4: Submit Running Start Forms
Step 5: Complete Student Orientation

New Student Enrollment Dates and Deadlines: 

QuarterEnrollment OpensGRC Admission DeadlineRS Enrollment Packet DeadlineQuarter Starts
Fall 2023 May 22 September 7 Priority - July 3 / Final - September 15 September 25

Part 1: Apply Online

Under "I will be enrolling as a..." select 'First Year Student.' DO NOT select 'Running Start.'

At the bottom of the page click Activate Your Account, then update your communication preferences.

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
RegistrarsOffice@greenriver.edu

Part 1: Engl& 101 Requirement

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

Many students can place into Engl& 101 utilizing high school GPA. Through Placement Reciprocity, students who have a 2.5+ cumulative GPA through first semester of sophomore year are eligible for Engl& 101 and thus Running Start. See your high school counselor to complete the Running Start Enrollment Verificaion Form (EVF) and obtain an unofficial high school transcript to submit with your forms. 

The College Success reading assessment is another option many students use to determine eligibility. Please take the assessment if your cumulative HS GPA is not at least a 2.5.  

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

Obtain RS Forms

Complete your Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) with your high school counselor.

  • For home or private school students, you must enroll in your local district or high school to access the Running Start Program. You will need to provide them with proof of eligibility for Engl& 101.
  • Complete the Running Start Enrollment Packet with your parent/guardian. 

Submit Documents

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

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

Part 1: RAP Session

Once we process your documents, we will sign you up for a mandatory Running Start Advising and Planning (RAP) session. After the RAP session you will have the opportunity to enroll yourself in classes for the upcoming quarter. 

NOTE: Parents/guardians are welcome to attend a RAP session, but space will be very limited and seats are reserved for students only. A parent/guardian orientation, geared toward family members, will be held in September. 

Part 2: Verify Enrollment

If you need help selecting classes, your assigned advisor is available for drop-in advising twice a week. View their availability on the advising page at greenriver.edu/runningstart. We recomment studnets 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