Future/New Running Start Students

Requirements are the same for new Running Start students and Running Start transfer students from another community college. All prospective students must submit the Running Start online application and satisfy all the requirements below:

• Students must be high school juniors and seniors.
• Students must be enrolled in a Washington state public high school or school district.
• Students must have placement in both English and Math.
• All new Running Start students must submit their online application.

Fifth-year high school seniors may also participate in Running Start if they were part of the program the year before, but can only take courses required for their high school graduation. Running Start seniors cannot take more than 45 college credits tuition-free. If a Running Start senior returns as a 5th-year senior, then we have to count their attempted credits towards the 45 college credit limitation.

STEP 1: Submit the EvCC Running Start online application through our Online Admissions Application Portal.

Note for Current EvCC Students: On the Online Admissions Application webpage, click the "Log in" button to enter your ctcLink username and password to create and submit a Running Start application.

View our step-by-step How to Apply to the EvCC Running Start Program guide (Google Slides).

• Select Everett Community College as your intended college. 
• Select Running Start student. 
• Select Academic or Professional-Technical as your intended program. It is okay if you are not intending to seek a degree from EvCC. This will ensure you are assigned a faculty advisor while you are an EvCC student. 
• Select your intended start term (quarter). Only select Summer if you plan to take Summer classes before the Fall quarter. Running Start only funds tuition for Fall, Winter, and Spring (quarters).
• Select a degree or if unsure, Academic Transfer DTA as the intended degree.

The high school information section of the online application. 

• Search for your high school by typing the name. Make sure the County, State, and City information match your high school's. Once you select your high school, the address information will auto-populate. 
• For attendance dates, you will need to indicate the attended from date at the high school (ex. September 1 is recommended), and the attended to date will be the date you graduate from high school (ex. June 30, 2025). 
• Select your current high school grade as your high school completion status. If you are a high school senior, you will select High School Diploma. The online application does not have an option for 12th grade, so you MUST select High School Diploma if you are a current 12th-grade student. 

Once your Running Start application is processed, you will receive an email with your ctcLink student ID number and the next steps on completing placement. 

STEP 2: Submit the EvCC Placement Form.

EvCC Running Start students must have placement in English and Math. However, it does not have to be college-level (100 level and above) placement. 

You will need a copy of your high school transcript for placement evaluation. If you are applying for the Fall quarter, you will also need a copy of your school progress report card or letter from your high school Math instructor indicating your current second-semester grade.

Get a copy of your transcript and attach it to the EvCC Placement Form for evaluation. 

If you have met our placement requirements, you will receive an email informing you that you have been admitted to the EvCC Running Start program and your next steps for completing the enrollment process.

If you do not meet our placement requirements, you will receive an email asking you for additional documentation for placement.

Upon admission to the Running Start program at EvCC, there are steps that need to be completed.

STEP 1: Activate Your ctcLink Account
ctcLink is a mobile-friendly self-service portal where students can access registration, grades, academic progress, finances, and much more. All new students must activate their ctcLink accounts before logging in for the first time. This is a one-time process. If you already activated your ctcLink account, skip this step.

Follow and complete all the steps on the How To Activate ctcLink account page to activate your account.

STEP 2: Complete the Mandatory Student Online Orientation.

• Have your ctcLink student ID number.
• Go to Student Orientation (click to open the link) and complete the online orientation.
• Once you complete the online orientation, you will be asked to input your EvCC ctcLink ID number which is also in your Welcome Email. The registration hold will be removed within 1-2 business days after completion.

STEP 3: Meet with your high school counselor.

• Make an appointment to meet with your high school counselor to complete the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form . This form must be completed prior to meeting with an EvCC Entry Advisor. The form will need to be submitted every quarter for registration. You will turn in this form via email to runningstart@everettcc.edu. If you're emailing the form and don't have access to a scanner, make sure to take a clear picture from above the document so that we can read everything clearly when we print it out. The form must be submitted at least a week before class registration. The registration hold will be removed once your form is processed by the Running Start staff.

STEP 4: Complete mandatory Entry Advising.

• All new students must meet with an Entry Advisor regardless of their class registration intent. Students must have completed their placement prior to meeting with an Entry Advisor.
• Drop-in entry advising can be done in person or online with the Advising Center. The registration hold will be removed within 1-2 business days after completion.

STEP 5: Register for classes online.

• Log into your ctcLink account, search for the classes, and register.
• For step-by-step instructions, check out the “How to register” resources at the bottom of the Class Schedule page

STEP 6: Make payment

While Running Start is a tuition-free program, you are responsible for paying class and student fees associated with your courses. If you exceed your college credit eligibility indicated on your RSEVF and/or are registered in a class below the 100 level, you are also responsible for paying tuition out of pocket. You can check your quarterly balance by logging into your ctcLink account. On ctcLink Student Homepage, in the “Financial Account” tile, you can view your Account Balance.

Payment Options:

Pay online: You can make the payment online by following the steps on this link: How to Make Payment on ctcLink
Pay by phone: Call 425-388-9225 to pay by credit or debit card.  
Pay by check: Send a check with a note of your EvCC Student ID Number and full name to:
        Everett Community College
        Attn:  Cashiers MS-12
        2000 Tower Street
        Everett, WA  98201
Allow extra time for the mail and send an email to cashier@everettcc.edu to let them know you sent your payment so they can watch for your check.
Set up a Payment Plan: The payment plan gives you more time to pay your tuition and/or fees to Everett Community College.  Set up a Payment Plan by following the steps here on How to Set Up a Payment Plan.
Submit the Running Start Fee Waiver Request Form: Completed Running Start Fee Waiver Request Form must be emailed to runningstart@everettcc.edu by the 10th day of the quarter along with one of the required documentation listed on the form.

As a Running Start at EvCC, you have access to student services and resources.

• Advising Center - Support with entry advising for the first quarter for admitted students. In-person and virtual services are available.
• Cascade Learning Resource Center (CLRC) - The new building across the street from main campus is the home of the EvCC Library, Tutoring Center, Writing Center, Russell Day Gallery, computer labs, study rooms, and other nooks and crannies for studying!
• Center for Disability Services (CDS) - Support with accommodations and connections.
• Counseling and Student Success (CSS) - Access to an EvCC Counselor for educational, career, short-term personal, or urgent counseling. It’s a great opportunity to speak with a counselor on how to adjust to, cope with, and succeed in college.
• Diversity and Equity Cente (D&E) - Academic support, retention programs, and other services designed to help students with student life. Programs and services focus on supporting students of color, women, and LGBTQ+ students.
• EvCC Food Pantry - Student-led and organized free service available to EvCC students and employees experiencing food insecurity.
• EvCC Connect - Support for foster and unaccompanied homeless youth.
• Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program - MESA provides resources and extra support (e.g. tutoring, academic advising, transfer planning) to students who want to transfer to 4-year colleges or universities to pursue a STEM degree. Students must be eligible for the program in order to participate. MESA provides resources and extra support (e.g. tutoring, academic advising, transfer planning) to students who want to transfer to 4-year colleges or universities to pursue a STEM degree. Students must be eligible for the program in order to participate.
• Open Computer Lab - The Olympus Hall open computer lab located in room 127, is available to all currently enrolled students. Access to the lab will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Pride Center - Support and resources for students identifying with the LGBTQ+ community in partnership with Student Life, the Diversity and Equity Center, Triangle Alliance, and Safe Zone.
• Student LIFE - Job opportunities, student government, leadership, and student activities, on campus.
• Tech HUB - The TechHUB window is a place for students and staff to come get one-on-one technology help, diagnosis, and hopefully a fast resolution. Help with your “EvCC or ctcLink account?  Have questions about Google Workspace or Microsoft Office 365? Visit the Tech HUB on the second floor of Shuksan (SHUK) Hall.
• Tech Lounge - The most comfortable computer space on campus! It is user-friendly with comfortable seating and surfaces that invite one to use the charging ports for different devices for individual use. Along with some desktop stations, students have access to a Jam board and 2 collaborative stations for working with other students on group projects. Visit the Tech Lounge in Shuksan Hall (SHUK) 231.
• Tutoring Center - Online academic and tutorial support in many subjects. Live tutoring is also offered. We encourage students that want to review course materials, learn how to manage course content, improve study skills and time management, and how to become independent learners to access tutoring services. 
• Writing Center - Writing support that ranges from paper feedback to live writing assistance. Students that need help with any writing project in any subject, personal writing application essays, resumes, and cover letters should seek out the Writing Center.