Choosing whether to enroll in the Running Start program is a big decision for incoming high school juniors. While it may not be suitable for everyone, students who opt for an early start to college at Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) can expect both advantages and disadvantages.
Running Start students at WVC have several options for how they take their classes. Some may choose in-person classes, which is better for those who prefer the traditional high school experience. In this format, students typically attend classes four to five times a week, with professors teaching lessons and assigning homework.
Another option is online classes, where students participate in Zoom meetings, read textbooks, and complete assignments independently.
Hybrid classes, combining in-person lectures and labs with online coursework, offer a third option. Regardless of the choice made, Running Start represents a significant departure from the high school environment and comes with many responsibilities.
College professors do not allow late work at all, and they will not remind students of deadlines multiple times. This means it is entirely up to the student to keep up with their work.
One of the main benefits of Running Start is that students can earn up to two years of community college credits tuition-free. While there may be some costs involved, such as gas money for commuting to and from Wenatchee for those living in Leavenworth, and expenses for books and lab fees, the overall savings can be great. “You definitely save money in the long term,” said Rhone Goodfellow, a junior attending WVC’s online running start program.
However, there are reasons why some students may choose to continue their standard high school education. For one, high school offers an environment with familiar routines and support systems, which can benefit students who do well in a structured setting. Additionally, doing extracurricular activities and forming friendships with peers can contribute to a well-rounded high school experience that some students may not want to miss. Ben Jerome, a junior attending high school traditionally explained that “there is a better sense of community at the high school.” People have four years of high school, and the rest of their lives to go to college.
Furthermore, staying in high school allows students to access a broader range of courses and programs than those offered through Running Start. While WVC provides a variety of classes, high schools often offer specialized programs and resources made for students' interests and career goals. For example, vocational programs, performing arts, and advanced placement courses may not be available through Running Start.
Finally, attending traditional high school and earning up to 100 dual/college-in-the-high-school credits typically does not incur direct costs.
The decision to do Running Start at WVC involves considering the benefits of cost savings and access to diverse courses alongside the challenges of adapting to a college-level academic environment. While it may not be the right choice for everyone, Running Start provides an opportunity for motivated students to quicken their education and prepare for future academic and career pursuits. Conversely, continuing standard high school education offers the advantages of a structured environment, access to a broader range of courses and programs, and opportunities for extracurricular involvement and social activities. The decision should be based on individual preferences, goals, and circumstances.
In conclusion, the decision to do Running Start at WVC involves considering the benefits of cost savings and access to diverse courses alongside the challenges of adapting to a college-level academic environment. While it may not be the right choice for everyone, Running Start provides an opportunity for motivated students to quicken their education and prepare for future academic and career pursuits. Conversely, continuing standard high school education offers the advantages of a structured environment, access to a broader range of courses and programs, and opportunities for extracurricular involvement and social activities. The decision should be based on individual preferences, goals, and circumstances.