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Get Started

Ready to enroll as a Running Start student at Seattle Central College? Check to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and follow the instructions below.

We're excited you are joining our Tigers family.

Eligibility

  • Must be a WA public high school student
  • Able to demonstrate eligibility for either college-level English or college-level math (see “placement testing” for details)
  • Junior or senior standing

Priority deadlines for the 2025-2026 academic year are:

  • Winter 2026 quarter – October 24, 2025
  • Spring 2026 quarter – January 30, 2026
  • Fall and Summer 2026 quarters – May 1, 2026

Applications will continue to be accepted after the priority deadlines through the start of the quarter. Class availability and choice may be limited if students apply after the priority deadline. We strongly encourage new students to submit their Running Start enrollment packet no later than a week before the quarter begins to ensure students have enough time to get registered, prepared and ready to start on the first day of the quarter.

Steps to Enroll

All Running Start students must demonstrate eligibility for either college-level English or college-level math. This can be demonstrated through several methods, such as placement testing, test scores, or transcripts.

What placement options do I have?

  • Smarter Balanced (SBAC) test scores (English placement)
  • SAT, ACT, AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) test scores
    • Refer to Running Start College-Level Placement Options for specific scores/grades needed.Unofficial transcripts or test scores can be used for placement.
  • Use Seattle Central's Self-Directed Placement Tool.
    • These self-guided tools help you assess which math and English classes are the best fit for your current knowledge. Each placement takes about fifteen minutes and can be completed at your convenience on your personal device once you have a ctcLink ID number. More information on our Directed Self-Placement Tools (DSPs) and links to the placements are available here.
  • After placement tests, consult with your high school counselor and fill out theEnrollment Verification Form. This form must also be signed by a parent or guardian.
  • Running Start students must complete a Running Start Enrollment Verification form each quarter.
  • Your online enrollment packet will be reviewed, and you will receive an email response from our office, typically within 2-3 business days.
  • During busy times of the year – a registration period or start of a quarter – it usually takes our team longer to review and process online enrollment packets due to the high volume of emails and EVF submissions. During these periods, it can take anywhere from 3 – 7 business days to review and process applications.
  • If your online enrollment packet is complete, your EVF will be processed, and you may be contacted to attend a mandatory new student meeting.

Attend new student orientation to prepare for your first day.We offer Running Start orientations for newly enrolled students a couple of weeks before the start of every quarter, where we help prepare students for the college environment and academic expectations.

There is no tuition cost for Running Start students, but there may be other fees associated with the classes you choose. Be sure to pay these fees at the cashier's office after you have registered. Your enrollment is not complete until these fees are paid. You may be dropped from classes and/or have a hold placed on your account for failure to pay fees. Such a hold will block you from registering for classes in the future.