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Running Start

Running Start is a program designed to give students at junior or senior status an opportunity to attend a 2-year or technical college while still in high school. Tuition is free, but there are fees and textbook costs. Further, students must provide their own transportation to their selected college or technical program.

Students must meet necessary criteria; be at junior status, meet testing requirements and age limitations and must be under age 21 at the start of the quarter you plan to attend, earned high school credit, etc. before being accepted into a running start program. 

**Join the Running Start Google Classroom - Code: qdrzqvz**

OHS Steps:

  1. Attend the Annual Running Start Information meeting in March (or step two below!)
  2. Join the OHS Running Start classroom -classroom code TBD; you’ll need to login with your OHS email address
  3. Go to the “Classwork” tab 
  4. After completing the above steps, you must do the Pierce requirements before getting an Enrollment Verification Form 

Pierce College Steps:

  1. Apply to Pierce College, indicating you are a running start candidate within their application https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/running-start
  2. Once you receive a welcome email a couple days later, you will need to do their online orientation (links will be located in the body of the welcome email!)

IMPORTANT! When watching orientation videos, look for a link to a student intake form! You will not receive an advising or registration appointment without completing the intake form!!!

  • Complete the Pierce Guided Self-Placement (GSP) - if you have any questions, contact TestingCenter@pierce.ctc.edu
  • Once you’ve completed the GSP and assess into Running Start, make sure you take a screenshot of the results and send to the RS coordinator - Ms Frey

 Green River College Steps:

The Green River College Running Start is a second option if that location is best for you.

  1. You will be emailed their GRC SID number and directions to access student email
  2. You will also be directed to complete online orientation & instructions

They will reply to students with a date and time for their RAP session, where you will register for classes. 

After completing all the steps for OHS and either college, the OHS Running Start coordinator will send you an electronically signed copy of your Enrollment Verification Form (EVF).

You will need to watch your college email and your personal email, along with your college student page for your registration date/time

Please attempt to register for the classes the coordinator has listed on your EVF, as they will be OHS graduation requirements; if you cannot get into one or more of the classes, then refer to page 13 of the OHS Running Start Handbook to determine other OHS equivalents you can take.

Clover Park Steps:

Admission Steps

The first step in enrolling for Running Start is meeting with the Running Start advisor to begin the paperwork.

STEP 1: Contact our Running Start Advisors

Send an email with the following information to runningstart@cptc.edu: 

  • Type of appointment (phone, online, in-person)
  • Name of your high school
  • Phone number 
  • When you want to start

See the Advising & Counseling Office hours at www.cptc.edu/hours. 

STEP 2: Meet with a Program Counselor 

Meet with a Program Counselor to discuss your options and receive your Program Map.

STEP 3: Complete CPTC admissions application

https://apply.ctc.edu/user

STEP 4: Complete Running Start paperwork

Plan to meet with your high school counselor for their signature. Please return all paperwork to: runningstart@cptc.edu

Running Start Disclaimer Form  
Running Start Enrollment Verification Form Digital Signature Summer 2025  
Running Start Enrollment Verification Form Digital Signature 2025-2026  
Running Start Highschool Equivalency Guides

STEP 5: Register for classes

  • Activate your cTcLink account
  • Watch the Registration Video
  • Add classes to Cart and register

For all!

Students and Parents:

All incoming running start students and parents must attend the annual OHS mandatory running start meeting in the Spring. Stay tuned!

If your student is on free or reduced lunch, or has been in the past 5-years, they may be eligible for fee waivers. Email the OHS Running Start coordinator for more information.

New and incoming running start students must agree to join the running start Google Classroom.