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Prospective Students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What are the benefits and limitations of Running Start?
Are Running Start orientations mandatory?
Do you offer a Running Start parent orientation?
Do you offer study guides for the COMPASS?
I took the COMPASS assessment at another college, will you accept the
scores?
I did not qualify for college level math, can I still take math classes at Highline?
Can I take online classes?
Can my parents register me for classes?
How do the classes meet my high school graduation requirements?
Can I participate in athletics?
My family is going on vacation during the quarter, can I miss my classes for a week?
What are the regulations governing confidentiality of student's records, and what rights do parents have to those records?
How do I contact specific instructors?
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What are the Benefits of Running Start?
- Tuition for Running Start classes is free. Students and parents can save up to two years of college tuition costs.
- Students have the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes that may not be offered at their local high school.
- Students can earn up to two years of college credit during high school to get a running start on their college education. Students can plan a program of study that will transfer to baccalaureate institutions.
- Students have an opportunity to experience college classes while in high school. This experience can be helpful in making the transition from home to college away from home and making future educational plans. Students may continue to participate in high school sports and activities.
- Academically qualified students have the opportunity to take more challenging or advanced level courses. Highly motivated, mature students may thrive in the college environment.
- A diverse college student population provides for a rich classroom-learning environment.
- Running Start students are regular college students with the same rights and responsibilities. Students may participate in college clubs, music and drama activities, intramural sports and programs and may use campus services; however, Running Start students may not participate on college sports teams and are not eligible for financial aid.
- Students have an opportunity to enroll in both academic transfer and professional technical skills classes with outstanding college faculty. Students have access to instruction using state of the art technology.
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What are the benefits and limitations of Running Start
- Students, parents, and counselors should carefully consider the students maturity level when discussing the possibility of participating in Running Start. Some students who are academically ready may find the required independence and speed of college classes overwhelming.
- Socialization may be an issue with some students. High schools provide a social network and experiences geared toward teenagers. Full-time Running Start students may particularly feel a loss of social connection with peers.
- Transportation arrangements and costs, as well as course/lab fees,
student center fees, and book purchases are the responsibility of the student.
- The scheduling of college classes may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities.
- The college operates on the quarter system and most high schools operate on the semester system. Transition to college or back to high school winter or spring quarter may be difficult because of the difference in academic calendars. Holiday and vacation periods may also be different.
- Students may be exposed to alternative view points and material of an adult nature in college classes.
- Students are not guaranteed enrollment in classes they want. Students may encounter limitations with regard to class availability for the first quarters of enrollment and must be flexible when scheduling classes.
- Grades in college courses are recorded on the high school transcript and become a part of the student’s permanent record at Highline Community College. Low grades or failure to complete courses may jeopardize high school graduation, admission to another college or other future educational plans.
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Are Running Start orientations mandatory?
Yes, students are required to attend an orientation; parents are not required to attend, but are encouraged and welcomed to take part. We offer both student and parent orientations. In addition should you have further questions beyond what was answered during the session,
you may contact the Running Start Office during our drop-in hours or call 206-878-3710 ext
3583 and our staff will assist you.
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Do you offer a Running Start parent orientation?
Yes, we offer an orientation specifically tailored to the parents of Running Start students.
While students attend their orientation, parents meet in another room for their orientation.
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Do you offer study guides for the COMPASS?
Yes. The Testing Center provides samples for
math
and
reading and writing.
You can also go to search engines such as: MSN, Yahoo and Google and type in key word... COMPASS and Sample for more samples of COMPASS.
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I took the COMPASS assessment at another college, will you accept the
scores?
We would accept official copies of your COMPASS scores. You can submit them in a school sealed envelope or have them directly faxed from the testing center to our testing office at 206-870-4849.
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I did not qualify for college level MATH can I still take math classes at Highline CC?
Yes, but Running Start will not pay for pre-college level classes; that is any class below 100 level.
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Can I take online courses?
Yes, however students new to the college environment are making transitions and a change in class format is an additional issue that we don't advise they take on during their first quarter. We strongly recommend students review the information for prospective students on the Distance Learning web page (flightline.highline.edu/distanceed/) and carefully consider if they are ready for online format and the dedication and focus required for online classes.
Running start will pay for an online class but we caution students to carefully consider their likelihood of success.
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My family is going on vacation during the quarter, can I miss my classes for a week?
No. Highline's vacation and your high school's vacation typically do not occur at the same time. Our courses run 11 weeks and missing a weeks worth of assignments, lectures and discussions can be very difficult to make up and may lead to a failing grade.
If you are planning a vacation with your family during 11 week quarter, this may not be the quarter to
participate in Running Start.
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How do the classes meet my high school graduation requirements?
Your high school counselor will assist you in determining how the classes meet your high school graduation requirements. Ask for a course equivalency guide the next time you speak with your counselor. You may also check the online high school equivalency guides.
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Can my parents register me for classes?
No, parents are encouraged to take part in helping you decide courses to meet your educational goals, but as a Running Start Student you are considered a college student and therefore are responsible for conducting all college business.
If there is a true emergency and someone else must make a transaction for you (register, add/drop classes etc.) they will need a signed letter from you giving them permission to make the transaction.
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Can I participate in athletics?
Running Start students are eligible for support services, activities and programs available to regular college students, with the exception of athletic participation. If the student is under 18 years of age, a special release form must be signed by the parent or guardian in order to participate in certain activities.
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What are the regulations governing confidentiality of student's records, and what rights do parents have to those records?
Running Start students have the same rights and responsibilities as other college students. Student information is confidential and may be released to a parent only if a student gives permission by completing a release form which
is available at our high school programs counter located in building 6.
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How do I contact specific instructors?
Look up their email, phone and office location in the Campus Directory.
Last updated:
May 21, 2009
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