First, you need to decide if Running Start is right for you.

Learn what it’s like to be a Running Start student and get all your questions answered by attending an information session. We have sessions on campus and online.

Click here to view all upcoming Running Start Information Sessions.

Alternatively, click here to view a recorded Information Session online.

Are you more of a reader? Click here to visit the Running Start FAQ page.

Glossary of Terms

Next, apply to WCC online.

The application should only take 5 to 10 minutes. The application does not require a transcript, essay or letter of recommendation. All high school juniors and seniors are accepted.

Applications are accepted any time. But the ideal time to apply is:

• March for Summer quarter (June-August)
• March for Fall quarter (September-December)
• October for Winter quarter (January-March)
• January for Spring quarter (April-June)

Need help applying to WCC as a Running Start Student? Click here for step-by-step instructions.

Click here to visit the Running Start FAQ page and learn about Running Start!

Apply to WCC

After your application has been processed, you’ll receive an acceptance email with your ctcLink ID number. You will use your ctcLink ID to activate your ctcLink account and MyWCC account.

• Activate your ctcLink ID. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
• Activate your MyWCC account. You will have received an email from helpdesk@whatcom.edu with a link to set up your MyWCC account.

• Opt-in for text notifications. Opt-in so you never miss out on important updates and reminders regarding registration, tuition, and the courses you are enrolled in at WCC!

Issues with ctcLink or MyWCC? Call our Student Help Desk at 360-383-3410 for assistance.

Next, you’ll want to get your math and English placement.

English Placement: Find your starting level in English through Informed Self-Placement, after you set up your ctcLink and network accounts.

Math Placement: If you plan to take Math at WCC (or a class with a Math requirement, like Chemistry), visit the math placement webpage after you set up your ctcLink and network accounts.

The Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) must be completed with a high school contact each quarter before a student may enroll in Running Start classes. This ensures that students are on track for high school graduation.

EVF for summer quarter

EVF for all other quarters

The Running Start EVF form is due prior to class enrollment. Please send your signed enrollment verification form to rstart@whatcom.edu

If you need to know which WCC classes meet your graduating requirements, see your district's equivalency guide. 

To see when enrollment opens each quarter, check your Enrollment Date in ctcLink or the Registration Calendar.

You can enroll in classes in ctcLink on your own.

To get help with enrollment, Running Start Advisors are available to help you after you complete steps 1-5 . WCC advisors are available year-round, even during high school breaks. Ideally, your advising appointment is prior to your enrollment date.

Running Start Advisors are available for quick questions by email:

• Student last names A-K: Allison Kaneshige AKaneshige@whatcom.edu
• Student last names L-Z: Jacquelyn Ferry JFerry@whatcom.edu

For help selecting classes and degree planning, please schedule an advising appointment by phone at 360-383-3080 or through Starfish:

• Log in using the Starfish tile in your Student Portal (at the top of www.whatcom.edu) 
• Click on the “Success Network” icon 
• Click on the arrow next to your advisor’s name and select “Schedule” 
• Student last names A-K: Allison Kaneshige
• Student last names L-Z: Jackie Ferry
• Appointments are available either on campus or remotely 

New Student Orientation is an opportunity to meet other students, learn about career pathways, and prepare for a strong start in college.

Click here for upcoming New Student Orientation sessions!

Visit the front desk of the Learning Commons Building. You can get your Orca Student ID card 24 hours after you have enrolled in classes. Bring another form of photo ID, such as a driver's license or high school ID.

Running Start is NOT completely free. Running Start students' tuition is paid by the state, but all college students are charged fees.

Running Start payments are due before the start of each quarter, based on date enrolled

Don’t worry, we’ll also email you a reminder before the due date.  A missed payment could result in a block on your account that prevents further registration until the fees are paid.

There are three ways to pay your Running Start Fees:

1. Pay In-Person: visit the Cashier’s window in the Laidlaw Center.
2. Pay Over the Phone: pay over the phone by calling the College Cashier at 360.383.3363
3. Pay Online:
   1. Log into ctcLink (https://myaccount.ctclink.us/). For best results, use a desktop browser, not the mobile site.
   2. If it doesn’t come up automatically, navigate to the Student Homepage
   3. Click on the “Financial Account” Tile
   4. Click “Account Balance”
   5. Click “Make a Payment”

Note: If it is after the payment due date and your account has a block, the block will be removed the morning of the next business day after your payment.

Fees can be waived for students with a qualifying financial need.

If you are living on a low income, or if your family is struggling financially, fill out the Fee Waiver, and email it to rstart@whatcom.edu. This option can waive many, but not all the expenses owed to the college.

• Fee waivers are available to students who qualify for free or reduced meals at their high school.
• You can also qualify for a fee waiver if you receive state or federal benefits such as Basic Food or Apple Healthcare.

Fee Waiver       

Running Start students are responsible for getting their own textbooks and class materials. Look up required books at the WCC Campus Store website

If you cannot afford the cost of your required textbooks, apply for loaner books by using the Book Loan Application.

In order to receive books by the first day of class, you must apply by the priority deadline, two weeks before the start of the quarter.

Summer 2024 - June 20, 2024

Fall 2024 - September 10, 2024

Winter 2025 - December 20, 2024

Spring 2025 - March 25, 2025

Late applications are always accepted. However, students who apply late might not receive books in time for the first day of class.