Running Start FAQ’s
Application Process:
- How can I prove English Placement? Proof of placement includes: 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher on high school transcript; Smarter Balanced English assessment score of 3 or 4; AP or IB, SAT or ACT scores; or placement from another WA college.
- I turned in my proof of placement and my Enrollment Verification Form (EVF), why can’t I register? As a new Running Start student, you must attend a mandatory Orientation Session before you can register for classes. Please sign up for an available session through a link provided in the Next Step email.
- Why do I need to show that I am eligible for English 101, I only want to take PE? All new Running Start students at Shoreline need to show proof of English 101 placement. This shows college readiness.
- How can I prove English placement if I’m homeschooled? Homeschooled students can take the Informed Self Placement Test (ISP) offered at Shoreline. There is no fee for this test, and you can take it online by using the link. We also accept English placement from other colleges.
- Am I eligible for Running Start if I attend a private school? Since Running Start is a state funded program, you will need to be enrolled in a Public High School to be eligible.
Registration:
- I am a continuing RS student trying to register for my classes but, the system is telling me there is a Special Interest hold on my account. What does that mean? All Running Start students have a registration hold on their account until they have turned in their Enrollment Verification Form (EVF). Since you still have that hold on your account, it means we have not received your signed form. Once we receive them, we will remove the hold within 24–48 hours (about 2 days) and you can register for classes.
- I am a continuing RS student. Do I need to see an advisor to register for classes? No, you won’t need to meet with an advisor.
Classes and Grades:
- Where will my classes take place? Shoreline offers classes in all modalities. This includes; in-person on campus, online and hybrid classes. Log into your ctcLink account and check your Class Schedule to confirm your modalities.
- Should I take an online course? Online courses can be a big transition for Running Start students who are used to learning in a structured classroom environment. Online classes will require you to be highly motivated, disciplined, and have solid time management skills. Most online classes are “online asynchronous,” meaning there is no required meeting time, and the work will be mostly self-paced. Hybrid courses (both online and in-class coursework) may be a great option if you are unsure about doing an online asynchronous class. Look under “Instruction Mode” in Class Schedule to view different modality options (Online Asynchronous or Hybrid).
- Do I need to provide my grades to my High School? No, the Running Start office will send the grades to your high school after they are released by the instructors. The College won’t be sending individual report card to your home.
- I had to drop a class and received a “W (Withdrawal)” grade last quarter. What should I do? It is best that you meet with an academic advisor during drop-in advising hours (10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. daily) and discuss potential implications on your future Financial Aid eligibility after you graduate from high school. It is important that you pass and maintain a minimum quarterly GPA of 2.0 in all courses. Please check the College Expectations page on our website for more details.
- I am a senior in high school and ready to graduate. What do I do? If you are planning on continuing your education at Shoreline, you will need to fill out a Transition Application . This will help confirm your residency in the system and set your tuition cost correctly.
- I am graduating from high school and have not met Satisfactory Academic Progress during your Running Start year(s), what do I do? If you plan to continue your college enrollment after your graduation with financial aid assistance, you may need to take additional steps. Please speak with the financial aid office about your eligibility and whether you may need to submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal.
Books:
- I am a Running Start student, and I need help paying for my books. Can I get textbook assistance? If you qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch Program (FRLP) through your high school, you qualify for textbook assistance through the Running Start program. All required textbooks will be provided, but we cannot provide any supplementary materials or supplies. You will be contacted at the beginning of the quarter by Running Start to complete the Textbook Request Form (TRF).
- I am on the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, when should I submit the Textbook Request Form (TRF)? We highly recommend that you submit a completed TRF before the quarter starts and no later than the end of your first week of classes. Go to Shoreline Bookstore and look up your textbooks by courses.
- Where else can I find the information on my textbooks? On your first day, you can log into Canvas course for each class you are enrolled. You can then find out exactly what your instructor requires you to have in your syllabus.
- Do I need to return my book at the end of the quarter? Yes! If you were loaned a physical/hard copy book you will need to return the book(s) to the Running Start/advising office at the end of the quarter. Digital books do not need to be returned.
Tuition/fees:
- Running Start is free, why do I have a balance due? Running Start is a state funded program that will pay for tuition for the number of credits you are eligible for based on your EVF. However, unless you are eligible for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program at your high school, you are responsible for the fees associated with your classes as well as your books and supplies.
- Can Running Start Students apply for Financial Aid? No. Running Start Students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid funding. However, if you are eligible for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program (FRLP) at your high school, you will be eligible for the Fee Waiver Program as well as our Textbook assistance program.
- I forgot to pay my fees and now there is a hold on my account, how can I get that removed? Past Due holds will prevent you from registering for your classes. Please contact Cashiering at 206-546-7850 or accountsreceivable@shoreline.edu to pay this past due amount. Once your past due hold is removed you will be able to go online to register