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Running Start at Centralia College 
 Location

The Running Start offices are located in the Centralia College Counseling/Career Center, located in the Student Center Building down the stairs next to the Bookstore. To find us, go in the library's main door, turn left, and the Counseling/Career Center is the first office on the left.

Running Start Staff

Peggy Goldberg . . .pgoldberg@centralia.ctc.edu.. . manager, counselor, and advisor who meets with students from Centralia, Mossyrock, North Thurston, Port Angeles, Toledo, Tumwater, Winlock, Tenino, and Rochester high schools. Peggy is on the right side in the picture.Carmen VanTuyl . . .cvantuyl@centralia.ctc.edu.. . counselor and advisor who meets with students from Adna, Napavine, Onlaska, Pe Ell, and W.F. West High Schools. Carmen is on the left in the picture. Her name is pronounced "van tile."Fred Schwindt . . .fschwindt@centralia.ctc.edu . . . counselor and advisor who meets with students from Morton and White Pass high schools as well as vocational Running Start students.

To make an appointment

To make an appointment, please call the Counseling/Career Center at (360) 736-9391, Ext. 265.

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Overview 

Running Start allows high school juniors to enroll in high school and community college at the same time, earning credits that apply to each institution.  Students can earn up to 45 college credits per year while in high school;  the maximum is attained by attending the community college exclusively.  One five-credit course in college earns one high school credit.

Many Running Start students enroll in one or two college calsses while still attending high school.  Some students choose to take only college classes.  In either case, the credits earned can meet both high school and college requirements.  The high school district pays for the college tuition with a basic education allotment from the state.  All other expenses which include books, computer fees, parking, etc. are paid by the Running Start student.

High school graduation requirements are established by the school district.  College courses that meet high school requirements are established by the high school and the college working together to establish course equivalencies.  It is important that students know exactly what high school credit will be earned before enrolling in a college class.  College credits are transferable to Washington state colleges and universities, according to the guidelines of each specified institution.  Transfer to out-of-state colleges can never be guaranteed, but to date there have been few problems.  Contact those colleges for their own policies.
 

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Enrollment Procedures
 
  1. Submit the Centralia College application form to the Admissions and Records Office.  RUNNING START must be written at the top. 
  2. Request that your official high school transcript be sent to the Admissions and Records Office.
  3. Take the ASSET placement test on campus, at Centralia College East in Morton, or at your high school (if available).  You need to schedule an appointment to take the ASSET. Call 736-9391, Ext. 265 for details. A study guide is available upon request from the Counseling Center or the Cashier.
    *You need to pass the Reading and either the Writing or Math Sections to qualify for Running Start.
    *Students who do not test at college level can retest for just the section(s) not passed. Call 736, 9391, Ext. 216 to schedule the retest.
    *A letter will be mailed to you indicating your eligibility for the program.
  4. Upon acceptance, call the Counseling/Career Center (736-9391, Ext. 265) or Centralia College East (496-5022) to schedule an advising appointment with a Running Start advisor.
  5. Meet with your high school counselor to complete the Running Start Verification Form.
  6. You and a parent or guardian must attend an orientation with the Running Start advisors. No Running Start student can attend the college unless they have attended an orientation. Dates for August and September orientations will be set later in the summer. Call the Counseling Center.
  7. Register at the Admissions & Records Office. Bring to registration your registration form and the completed and signed Running Start Verification Form each quarter*.

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ASSET Testing

Who Needs to Be Assessed?

All incoming degree or certificate seeking students need to take the ASSET placement test. YOU DO NOT PASS OR FAIL ASSESSMENT TESTS, THE TESTS ONLY IDENTIFY YOUR PRESENT BASIC SKILL LEVELS IN READING, WRITING, AND MATHEMATICS. Running Start Students, your ASSET scores determine eligibility for the program.

What Is It?

Assessment identifies your strengths and weaknesses in reading, study skills, writing and mathematics. From the results of the assessment test, advisors will be able to recommend appropriate courses in Language Usage, Reading Skills, Numerical Skills or Algebra, and Study Skills. Appropriate placement in courses will allow you to achieve the success you desire from your college education. The test and interpretation session will require 3 to 3-1/2 hours of your time.

What and Where To Pay?

Testing appointments must be scheduled at the Centralia College Cashiers Office upstairs in the Student Center Building. Be prepared to give your Social Security number and pay the $10.00 test fee when you schedule your appointment. This fee is non-refundable and entitles you to test ONLY on your scheduled test date. If you do not test on that date, a new appointment must be scheduled and an additional $10.00 fee will be charged.

Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon & 1:00-4:30 p.m.

Summer Quarter: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-12 Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m.

What Do You Need?

Arrive 10 minutes early, check in at the front desk of the Phoenix Center in Library Building, bring your receipt, ASSET guide if you borrowed one, and two #2 lead pencils. Bring your glasses (if needed) and leave your children, friends, and calculators at home.

What Happens After Assessment?

An interpretation session with one of the Centralia College Counselors will take place following the test session.

ASSET Student Guide

For more information on the ASSET test, see the ASSET Student Guide.

ASSET Test Schedule

For a schedule of when you can take the ASSET test, click to see the ASSET Schedule.

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