How has Running Start impacted your daily campus life, etc?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Washington
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<p>If you're a WA resident, you're probably familiar with the Running Start program. I'm either going to go to Cascadia CC (which is on the Udub Bothell campus) or one that's a bit closer to me, Edmonds.</p>

<p>Anyways, I'm pretty set on starting it next year. I'll only be a part time student; at my regular high school, I will take AP English 3 and Honors Chem next year and then the following year, AP English 4 and AP Bio or AP Euro. I'm not sure what I'm taking at the CC yet, besides pre-calculus and following it up with calculus. So I will have a fairly rigorous schedule.</p>

<p>I've done my research, and when it comes time to apply, I will be applying as a freshmen and not a transfer. Most of my credits, however, should transfer. Also, I won't be receiving my AA.</p>

<p>What I'm wanting to know is how partaking in Running Start impacts a student. I'm hoping, by starting this process, I'll have a better idea of what field I want to go into.</p>

<p>Do you get the "campus college" experience? Do you start off in upper level courses? Will you be graduating early? Anything like that, really.</p>

<p>Basically any insight you could offer me would be fantastic. Thanks for your time!</p>

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<p>You get out of it what you put into it. So, if you participate in clubs, do some sort of leadership, involve yourself in some way, you’ll get a smidgen of the ‘college’ experience. As a 2 year full time RS student, you have no idea how much I’m looking forward to an actual 4 year. </p>

<p>If one of the reasons you want to go to a community college is to expand your friend base, I would think twice. At least at my CC, everyone’s into their own thing, and while I’ve made some good friends, those are all from my campus involvement. So it seems like if you’re only gonna be on campus for a class or two, you’re just going to feel like a Running Start student at a Community College. The social situation is definitely not as tight knit as it is in HS.</p>

<p>In terms of actual college experience though, I think that’s the most valuable aspect of Running Start. I’ve definitely gained an understanding of the fact that as a Running Start student, I’m fully responsible for myself. I can skip class if I want without a “call home” but then it will be up to me to face the consequence of that. </p>

<p>You can start off in upper level courses, but CC is for prereqs. You aren’t going to find 300 level classes that help you in your bachelors. Think of it this way: You can take Psych 100 in a class of 30 people for ‘free’, or you can pay 600 dollars or however much for it, to take it in a class of 300 with little student/teacher interaction (that’s what I’m told). </p>

<p>Here are my personal two cents:
If you are madly in love with the idea of going to UW and you’re in state, why (unless you really like your high school) wouldn’t you knock two years of gen reqs out of the way, for a FRACTION of the price? Meaning, why not just go full time if you’re given the opportunity? College profs LOVE RS students because it shows their dedication to education, which = praise, letters of rec, etc. You’ll be two years ahead of the high school track, which means access to more interesting courses (rather than the 100 levels that you could have taken at CC) once you’re actually in your four year. I’m a senior now, graduating with my AA in June, a day after my high school diploma…it’s a really good feeling.
Now, if you’re wanting to go out of state, that’s a wholly different question. I don’t have much advice in that case. From what I understand OOS schools don’t look at RS with as much worth as in-state schools do. </p>

<p>PHEW, sorry for that length! I just always like to give input about Running Start because I wish I’D had it when I was making the choice to do it or not. I’m SO happy that I did! Your commitment to challenging yourself is what you ultimately show, and I think it’s great that you are planning your future! Props and good luck!</p>

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<p>Would you be trying to attend UWB? CCC and UWB have a lot of crossover.</p>

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<p>Diskotime, do you think running start with a great gpa is an extra push for admission?</p>

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<p>I sure hope so, cuz I have a 3.8 and am eagerly awaiting to find out the results :))))</p>

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<p>@XaviFM, I would want to attend the Seattle campus. I do have grades and test scores that make that school a match/slight safety for me.</p>

<p>@diskotime, thank you so much! Your answer really provided some helpful insight.</p>

<p>But I’m also curious as to how your campus life ON the actual Udub campus, once you’re a student, is impacted. My questions were supposed to be directed towards the campus life after you’re a Udub student. But I see where that was confusing.</p>

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<p>@namesakeofguywhowasassassinatedinsarejavotostartwwi:</p>

<p>Where else are you applying, out of curiosity?</p>

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<p>@XaviFM:</p>

<p>I’m class of 2014, so my list is probably going to change, but right now I’m thinking UC Berkeley, which is kind of a high match/low reach for me. I also will probably apply to Brown and Columbia since they’ve been my “dream” schools even though there’s really no chance I’ll get in. Then I’m also looking into Boston College and Wesleyan.</p>