<p>H-hey! Running start, running start. I did it as a junior and am glad I did – budget cuts at the CC I attended will prevent me from doing it as a senior. </p>
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<li><p>I don’t know (and I don’t think that one is inherently better), but if both the CC and the uni are equally convenient for you, I’d choose the university. Prestige and whatnot… even if it is Eastern.</p></li>
<li><p>Many of the kids at my school get their AAs through running start. I don’t know about specific majors, but if you’re concerned with the workload of getting an AA, don’t be. It can be done with dedication, sure. </p></li>
<li><p>It depends on the person reading the application, but I suspect that an AP is more highly regarded – especially out of Washington, where people don’t know the specifics of the running start program. That’s the most important thing to consider, here. An AP class is, ostensibly, standardized to some extent (although that isn’t true at my school, but w/e), in that the same **** is getting taught everywhere around the country. Colleges have no idea what your CC/Uni is teaching you. I was able to do both APs and running start and I think that is a good option, if possible. </p></li>
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<p>For UW specifically, running start is probably roughly equivalent to an AP class. I have concerns about how other colleges will see it, and I’m sorry to say that I can’t give a definitive answer because I’m still going through the application process (and having a hell of a time trying to figure out how to succinctly explain what running start is to out of state schools). </p>
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<li><p>I had an 8:30-11:30 A.M. class Monday and Wednesday, a different 8:30-1130 A.M. class Tuesday and Thursday, a 6-9 P.M. night class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and some variations in the times and stuff when the semesters changed. Again, I had classes at my HS, too, so I can’t really comment on a full-time workload. </p></li>
<li><p>If you’re willing to pay for books and the small running start fee, you definitely can. The only concern would be if your HS would allow you to take more than 18 credits and still get away with paying the running start rate (nothing, lol), but I was able to take an elective (yoga!), so I assume you could as well. </p></li>
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<p>Bottom line, though: I loved running start. The independence worked wonders for me and having engaging, interesting college professors kinda blew my mind. In terms of getting accepted at major universities out of Washington, APs are probably a slightly safer option, but I’m happy with my choice. At UW, you’ll be fine with running start as long as you do well in your classes. Good luck!</p>