Running Start
Running Start is a program that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges, including Bellevue College. The added bonus is the cost savings, as students receive both high school and college credit for these classes, thus accelerating their progress through the education system.
When the decision is made to become a Running Start student, the student assumes the personal responsibility of making sure they are knowledgeable about state required tests and events at Big Picture School and Bellevue College class registration dates.
If interested in learning more about Running Start, students and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend an Information Session at BC. For dates, times and locations, go to the Bellevue College Running Start page
Key Points for Running Start Students to Remember:
- The student is responsible for setting up a meeting with the high school counselor at least 2 days prior to each enrollment period to have the Enrollment Verification Form signed. To schedule a meeting, email the High School Counseling or Counseling Secretary.
- The student must attend BPS’s daily 3rd period LTI advisory class.
- The student must attend a seven hour, not interrupted, internship on Thursdays.
- Is is the student’s responsibility to coordinate their BC schedule to not miss scheduled BPS classes. Arriving late or leaving early from a BPS class is not an option.
- The Bellevue School District covers the tuition for BC classes up to the state limit of 15 college credits per quarter. Students are responsible for other costs including:
- Tuition for each credit beyond that authorized on the Enrollment Verification Form
- Tuition for any below college-level class (classes numbered under 100 – for example: Math 075-099)
- Textbooks and class fees
- Parking and transportation
- Additional Considerations for BP Students
Running Start Steps
2025-2026 School Year
- Step 0: Learn more about Running Start and if it is a good fit for you:
- Attend a Running Start Information Session at Bellevue College
- Watch the Big Picture Running Start Video and complete the short quiz at the end of the video.
- Read this Big Picture Running Start Packet 2025-26
Complete all the steps below to apply for the Running Start program:
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Step 1: Apply to Bellevue College and Submit the RS Intent Form
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Complete the Bellevue College Application
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Complete the Running Start Intent form.
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Step 2: Set Up Accounts (ctcLink and NetID)
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After your Bellevue College application is processed, expect an email from the BC Enrollment Office with your ctcLink student ID number and set up your student accounts. Check your junk mail or spam folder to make sure you do not miss it.
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Step 3: Complete Required Items for Running Start Enrollment (You must have your ctcLink and NetID set up before you can complete your EVF.)
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Enrollment Verification Form (EVF): Follow Amy’s emailed instructions for how to make an appointment for your EVF. Students are responsible for turning the forms into RS office.
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Register and Complete BC’s RS New Student Orientation (RS-NSO): Follow instructions on the BC website.
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Step 4: Enroll in Classes and Pay Course Fees
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Refer to Modules 6 and 7 in the RS-NSO via canvas if you have questions regarding the following:
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How to enroll in class(es)
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First Year Seminar (FYS)
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Running Start quarterly processes
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Important information about payment
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Permission number and prerequisites
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Waiting list
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Late enrollment
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Class withdrawal
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Running Start Students are expected to manage the Running Start process independently. If you have questions about the Bellevue College enrollment steps, please reach out to the Bellevue College team. Students must be enrolled in BC classes for Fall Quarter by May 30th.
Additional BSD Running Start Resources
Bellevue College Resources:
- Bellevue College Running Start Forms (to access Running Start Enrollment Verification Form)