Running Start is a statewide program that allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to receive college credit, tuition-free while completing high school requirements. Students are enrolled simultaneously in high school and college classes (or just college classes) and are awarded dual credits by their high school and college.
Feel free to schedule a meeting with the Running Start Navigator to learn more about Running Start at BTC.
Appointments: Scheduling Link
Some of the benefits that will be covered in the information session include:
Follow the sequence below for an overview of the Running Start enrollment process.
Be qualified as Junior or Senior at a Washington public high school. Home-schooled students and students attending private high schools must be evaluated as juniors or seniors by a public school official either at the high school or the local school district.
It is expected that a Running Start student be academically and developmentally mature to function in a college’s independent environment. A high degree of initiative and the ability to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds will help ensure a successful experience.
While Running Start students may not have to pay full tuition charges, students and/or their families are responsible for expenses such as the Running Start Fee per credit, class fees, program fees, books, supplies, and transportation.
Holiday and break schedules differ from high school calendars - BTC is on a quarterly system, not the semester system of high schools. Refer to the BTC College Calendar for holiday and vacation dates.
Attend an optional Running Start Information Session and learn about the exciting educational opportunities that BTC has to offer. BTC also offers Campus Tours, Career Exploration Workshops, and weekly drop-in hours for new and prospective students.
Apply online and make sure to select "Running Start" when prompted.
Within 3-5 business days of applying, you will receive an email with your Student Identification Number.
For more information regarding entry requirements for programs, visit the Degrees & Certificates webpage or contact the Running Start Navigator email: rstart@btc.edu with questions.
Take the ACCUPLACER Next-Generation Assessment (free for Running Start students) or complete one of the following:
Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (quarterly)
Running Start Contract (annually)
You will need to complete a Running Start Enrollment Verification Form each quarter. Running Start will not pay for classes at BTC without submitting this completed form each quarter. This form is due at the time of enrollment or no later than the day before classes start. If you are registering during the summer for Fall Quarter and cannot obtain your high school counselor’s signature, you may register and submit your form by the Friday following Labor Day.
The Running Start Contract includes important information about being a Running Start student at BTC and acts as a permission slip for college field trips and marketing events. Your BTC contract also contains a FERPA release. Please see your BTC Advisor with questions about this form.
Financial Assistance programs are available for students that demonstrate a need. Please schedule an appointment with your Running Start Advisor after completing your Running Start Enrollment Verification Form for more information and eligibility requirements.
If you qualify for federal basic food benefits, you may eligible for the BFET program to assist with college expenses. Visit the Workforce Funding & Student Support website for more information.
All students are encouraged to apply for the BTC Foundation Scholarship by June 30 for the next school year to assist with fees, books, tools, etc.
For more information, contact the BTC Running Start Advisor at 360.752.8345 or e-mail RStart@btc.edu.
Once you have turned in your quarterly Running Start Enrollment Verification Form, you will need to meet with the BTC Running Start Navigator so they can teach you how to register and help you develop an academic plan. Appointments: Scheduling Link
Each quarter, Running Start students may register online or by calling Registration at 360.752.8350. Once you have met with the BTC Running Start Navigator, you will email your Running Start Navigator the completed Running Start Enrollment Verification Form to gain access to register for classes. New Running Start Students register during New Program Student Registration as posted on the campus calendar.
New students are encouraged to schedule a Running Start Interest Meeting. You may schedule an appointment with the Running Start Navigator through bookings Appointments: Scheduling Link . The following topics may be covered during an information session or advising appointment:
Select your high school to see which BTC courses equate to high school requirements. If you do not see your high school listed, please contact the Running Start Navigator at RStart@btc.edu or 360.752.8345.
For information regarding tuition and fees, please see Running Start Costs. All tuition and fees are due by the tuition due date for the quarter. Exception: if you register during the summer for Fall quarter, your tuition and fees are due in full by the Friday following Labor Day in September. This extension is to allow adequate time to obtain your Running Start Enrollment Verification Form signatures from your high school counselor or district office.
Students can pay online with a VISA or MasterCard credit card (not debit), over the phone at 360.752.8311, or at the Cashier window, College Services (CS) building, where you may use cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, or financial assistance.
BTC Staff and Faculty will communicate with you via your BTC Student Email Account. To set up your email account, view your schedule, and explore your student resources, visit the Student Links page.
If you are taking any online or hybrid classes, be sure to check your BTC email for instructions on how to access your classes.
If you have questions about registering for classes, contact our Running Start Navigator 360.752.8345 or rstart@btc.edu, or talk with Registration 360.752.8350 or registration@btc.edu.
Additional registration resources are available to you on the Registration page.
M: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Th: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Fridays