If you are a junior or senior at Gig Harbor High School, you may have noticed that there are classmates you no longer see in passing on your way to class. This may be due to the increasing popularity of the Running Start program offered by Tacoma Community College. So, you may be thinking to yourself, what is Running Start?

Running Start is a program that is recognized nation-wide that allows high school juniors and seniors to attend TCC and get both high school and college credit.

Running Start students can attend Tacoma Community College full-time or part-time. If you’re enrolled as a full-time student, you are able to take all of your classes at TCC, and depending on the amount of credits you’re taking, you may be able to take one class at Gig Harbor High School in addition. Part-time students are able to take a few classes at the community college and GHHS. The amount of credits you’re taking at GHHS will determine how many classes you can take at TCC.

Although Running Start is an excellent program, it does have both pros and cons — Benefits of being a Running Start student include getting college and high school credit. This allows a student to receive credits quickly so you can get credits that are required for graduation. Getting college credit at Tacoma Community College is beneficial because it allows for you to receive college credit at an affordable price. Another advantage to being a Running Start student includes having the ability to create a schedule that is convenient for you. For many, this means being able to get a part time job, more time for sports, or other extracurricular activities, allowing you to become more well-rounded. Students are also able to experience a new environment that is immensely different from high school, making it a fantastic stepping-stone between high school and a four-year college.

One of the three major cons of Running Start is that if you’re a part-time student, it can be difficult to schedule your TCC classes around your GHHS classes. The second con is if you are planning on attending Tacoma Community College through high school without getting your associates degree. Many universities may not accept all of your TCC credits if you have not earned your full associates degree. Although they do not take all, most do accept core, entry-level classes such as English 101, and History 146. Most in-state colleges, such as Washington State University, are likely to accept all credits students have accumulated in high school through TCC. The third con to being a Running Start student is that with your regular absence from the high school, it becomes harder to stay connected with your peers and many times miss out on school assemblies and other functions and opportunities. To many social butterflies, the third drawback by seem like a deal breaker, let me reassure you that there are several resources available to keep you in the loop. Between the school events calendar, your friends who still attend GHHS full time and social media, students who make a point to stay connected, will. To stay connected, it also helps to be apart of GHHS club or sports team.

Overall, Running Start is a beneficial program. Although it has some cons, its pros are able to greatly outweigh them if done correctly. Running Start is highly recommended to all high school juniors and seniors who feel ready for a change and a challenge.

Still interested?

In order to be eligible, you must register to take the Accuplacer and pass at college level. The Accuplacer is an online test that evaluates your Math and English skills. To register for the test, contact either the Gig Harbor TCC campus or the Tacoma campus for more information regarding testing dates and times. Once you have passed the assessment, make an appointment with your high school counselor and they will tell you what further steps you need to take to begin the program.

For more information regarding the Accuplacer, contact either the Gig Harbor or Tacoma campus.

Gig Harbor Campus:

• Testing by appointment call only
• Call (253) 460-2424
• Cost: $18.00

Tacoma Campus

• Testing on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Call 253.566.5158 to confirm dates/times.
• No appointments
• Testing in walk-ins only
•  ID and proof of payment required
• Cost: $18.00