Running Start is an opportunity for high school students to earn college credit. Running Start students may use CWU courses to fulfill high school requirements, get a head start in college, or explore academic interests

Opportunities
The Running Start program at CWU is intended for motivated and responsible high school students. Eligible high school students can earn college credits without the expense of college tuition. Through the Running Start program, students have the opportunity to take courses that may not be offered at the high school, including a wide range of elective courses. Many students appreciate the academic challenges of college course work and find that the experience eases the transition from high school to college and helps to clarify educational goals.

Eligibility: In order to participate in Running Start students must

• Be under age 21 at the start of the academic year.
• Be an 11th or 12th grade high school student at Cle Elum/ Roslyn, Easton, Ellensburg, Kittitas, or Thorp. Home school students are eligible under most circumstances.
• Complete a Running Start Application/Registration form with their high school counselor. (Home school students should see the Superintendent in the district in which they reside.)
• Have their parent or guardian sign the application form.
• Take the SAT, ACT, or ACT Residual and have official scores sent to CWU. Visit CWU Testing Services for test dates, fees, and registration procedures.http://www.cwu.edu/testing
• Achieve an Admissions Index (AI) of 28 or higher. The AI is based on a student’s high school GPA and SAT or ACT scores. An AI calculator can be found on the CWU Admissions webpage. http://www.cwu.edu/admissions/index-calculator
• Home school students’ Running Start applications will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Running Start Admissions Committee. Home school students must submit a personal statement* with their application. In some circumstances, additional recommendation forms may be requested.
• If a student has an AI that is below 28, they may apply to the Running Start Program and their application will be reviewed by the Running Start Admissions Committee. These students must include a personal statement* and a high school counselor recommendation* with their application.

*The Running Start registration form is available here [PDF]

*The recommendation form is available here [PDF]

Additional Information

• Running Start students can participate in the program for two academic years (fall–spring quarters) and or earn up to a maximum of 90-quarter credits at CWU, which ever comes first.
• Classes taken as part of the Running Start program are limited to 100 and 200 level courses; remedial courses will not be available.
• CWU courses are offered tuition-free in the Running Start program. The cost of books, supplies, consumable fees (lab, physical education, technology, etc.) and transportation are the responsibility of the student.
• Running Start students must consult with their high school counselor regarding graduation requirements and course equivalencies. High school graduation requirements are established by each high school and they are the final authority.
• Many CWU Math courses require placement testing. Contact the Academic Advising Center for additional information.

Due Dates:

  Fall (New Stu  dents): April 15

  Fall (Continuing Stu   dents):  May 6

 Wint er: Oct ober 28

Spring: February 4

Accessing Wildcat Connection

In order to access your Groupwise e-mail account to receive notifications for Running Start Enrollment and other important updates from Central and Instructors you will need to set up Wildcat Connection. Please watch this instructional video to set up your account and access your e-mail. If you have questions about Wildcat connection, please call the Registrar and 509-963-3001.

Contact Information
For further information on the Running Start Program, contact your high school counselor or the Academic Advising Center at CWU. Information is also available on the Academic Advising Center webpage. http://www.cwu.edu/academic-advising