BTC's campus will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day.
Running Start is a statewide program that allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to receive college credit, tuition-free while completing high school requirements. Students are enrolled simultaneously in high school and college classes (or just college classes) and are awarded dual credits by their high school and college.
Some of the benefits of Running Start include:
Be qualified as Junior or Senior at a Washington public high school. Home-schooled students and students attending private high schools must be evaluated as juniors or seniors by a public school official either at the high school or the local school district.
It is expected that a Running Start student be academically and developmentally mature to function in a college’s independent environment. A high degree of initiative and the ability to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds will help ensure a successful experience.
While Running Start students may not have to pay full tuition charges, students and/or their families are responsible for expenses such as the Running Start Fee per credit, class fees, program fees, books, supplies, and transportation.
Running Start students must be registered before the first day of BTC classes. Holiday and break schedules differ from high school calendars - BTC is on a quarterly system, not the semester system of high schools. Refer to the BTC College Calendar for holiday and vacation dates. This may impact the amount of time it takes to fill out and process paperwork between schools.
BTC offers Campus Tours & Career Exploration appointments.
Apply online and make sure to select "Running Start" when prompted.
Within 10-14 business days of applying, you will receive an email with your ctcLink ID number.
For more information regarding entry requirements for programs, visit the Degrees & Certificates webpage or contact the Running Start Navigator email: rstart@btc.edu with questions.
To enroll in degree programs at BTC, both an English and math placement are required. There are multiple methods for a new student to assess their starting point at BTC. They may use one or more of the following:
Guided Self-Placement (GSP) consists of online English and Math assessments. They define and demonstrate requirements that are specific to the different courses in which a student can place. Guided self-placement is intended to support students to be successful in their coursework. It is designed to help them make an informed choice about which level of classes are most appropriate to start. The assessments are free, and can be accessed online at any time.
Guided Self-Placement English and math Assessments:
Official transcripts/scores must be sent directly from the institution to BTC: Electronically via Transcripts@btc.edu or by mail to BTC Admissions & Advising, 3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham WA 98225 *You must have an application to BTC on file for your transcript to be evaluated
Running Start Contract (annually)
Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (quarterly)
Summer Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (Summer 2024)
You will need to complete a Running Start Enrollment Verification Form each quarter. Running Start will not pay for classes at BTC without submitting this completed form each quarter. This form is due at the time of enrollment or no later than the day before classes start. If you are registering during the summer for Fall Quarter and cannot obtain your high school counselor’s signature, you may register and submit your form by the Friday following Labor Day in September.
The Running Start Contract includes important information about being a Running Start student at BTC and acts as a permission slip for college field trips and marketing events. Your BTC contract also contains a FERPA release. Please see your BTC Navigator with questions about this form.
Financial Assistance programs are available for students that demonstrate a need. Please schedule an appointment with your Running Start Navigator after completing your Running Start Enrollment Verification Form for more information and eligibility requirements.
If you qualify for federal basic food benefits, you may eligible for the BFET program to assist with college expenses. Visit the Workforce Funding & Student Support website for more information.
All students are encouraged to apply for the BTC Foundation Scholarship by June 30 for the next school year to assist with fees, books, tools, etc.
For more information, contact the BTC Running Start Navigator at 360.752.8345 or e-mail RStart@btc.edu.
Once you have turned in your quarterly Running Start Enrollment Verification Form, you will need to meet with the BTC Running Start Navigator so they can teach you how to register and help you develop an academic plan.
Each quarter, Running Start students may register online or by calling Registration at 360.752.8350. You will email your completed Running Start Enrollment Verification Form to rstart@btc.edu to gain access to register for classes. Running Start students must be registered before the first day of BTC classes.
New students are encouraged to email rstart@btc.edu with any questions, for example:
Select your high school to see which BTC courses equate to high school requirements. If you do not see your high school listed, please contact the Running Start Navigator at rstart@btc.edu or 360.752.8345.
For information regarding tuition and fees, please see Running Start Costs. All tuition and fees are due by the tuition due date for the quarter. Exception: if you register during the summer for Fall quarter, your tuition and fees are due in full by the Friday following Labor Day in September. This extension is to allow adequate time to obtain your Running Start Enrollment Verification Form signatures from your high school counselor or district office.
Students can pay online with a VISA or MasterCard credit card (not debit), over the phone at 360.752.8311, or at the Cashier window, College Services (CS) building, where you may use cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, or financial assistance.
BTC Staff and Faculty will communicate with you via your BTC Student Email Account. To set up your email account, view your schedule, and explore your student resources, visit the Student Links page.
If you are taking any online or hybrid classes, be sure to check your BTC email for instructions on how to access your classes.
If you have questions about registering for classes, contact our Running Start Navigator 360.752.8345 or rstart@btc.edu, or talk with Registration 360.752.8350 or registration@btc.edu.
Additional registration resources are available to you on the Registration page.
Appointments:
Mon to Thu: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mon to Thu: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday - Closed