The Bellevue College Advantage
Bellevue College’s Running Start program offers a unique opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to jumpstart their college education. With over 200 online and on-campus courses, students can earn college credits while still completing their high school diplomas.
Benefits of Running Start:
- Academic enrichment: Take college courses that align with your interests and goals.
- Jumpstart college: Earn college credits that transfer to Bellevue College and most other institutions.
- Save money: Pay only a fraction of the tuition costs compared to taking the same courses at a four-year university.
- Build a strong academic foundation: Prepare for the rigors of college-level work.
- Explore career interests: Gain exposure to different fields of study.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a high school junior or senior.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Meet the placement requirements for college-level courses.
Enrollment Process:
- Apply to the Bellevue College Running Start program.
- Submit official high school transcripts.
- Attend a placement test to determine course eligibility.
- Register for courses.
Program Features
Course Selection:
Running Start offers a wide range of courses, including:
- General education: Math, English, science, social studies.
- College preparatory: Pre-calculus, chemistry, biology.
- Elective courses: Psychology, sociology, art, music.
Delivery Methods:
Courses are delivered through a variety of methods, including:
- On-campus: In-person classes held at Bellevue College.
- Online: Virtual classes accessible from anywhere with internet access.
- Hybrid: A combination of on-campus and online instruction.
Success Strategies
Effective Study Habits:
- Create a study schedule: Set aside dedicated time for studying.
- Break down assignments: Tackle large projects into smaller chunks.
- Use active learning techniques: Engage with the material through reading, writing, and discussion.
Time Management:
- Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important tasks and allocate your time accordingly.
- Take breaks: Avoid burnout by taking short breaks throughout the day.
- Seek support: Reach out to instructors or tutors if you encounter challenges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Procrastinating: Start assignments early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Overloading your schedule: Take only the number of courses you can handle while maintaining your academic performance.
- Ignoring deadlines: Keep track of assignment due dates and submit work on time.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Academic advancement: Gain a head start on college.
- Cost savings: Pay less for college tuition.
- Career exploration: Explore different fields of study.
- Build a strong foundation: Prepare for college-level work.
- Flexible scheduling: Choose on-campus or online classes that fit your schedule.
Cons:
- Academic workload: College courses can be challenging and require significant time commitment.
- Balancing high school and college: Managing both high school and college responsibilities can be demanding.
- Limited course availability: Not all college courses are offered through Running Start.
- Transportation challenges: Some students may face transportation issues if courses are not offered at their high school.
- Socialization: Running Start students may miss out on some of the social aspects of high school.
Table of Key Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Running Start students | 1,850 |
| Average GPA of Running Start students | 3.5 |
| Percentage of Running Start students who graduate from college | 90% |
| Average savings per Running Start student | $15,000 |
| Number of transfer agreements with colleges and universities | 50+ |
Creative New Applications
Immersive Learning Experiences:
Utilize technology to create interactive learning experiences, such as virtual field trips and simulations. This enhances engagement and deepens understanding.
Personalized Learning Plans:
Leverage data analytics to tailor learning experiences to individual student needs. Identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, and provide targeted support.
Project-Based Assessments:
Implement project-based assessments that require students to apply knowledge and skills in a real-world context. This promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Tables for Supporting Information
Table 1: Course Availability
| Course Type | On-Campus | Online | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 80% | 20% | 10% |
| College Preparatory | 60% | 30% | 10% |
| Elective Courses | 50% | 40% | 10% |
Table 2: Delivery Methods
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus | Direct interaction with instructors, peer collaboration, campus resources | Limited scheduling, transportation challenges |
| Online | Flexibility, accessibility, convenience | Lack of in-person interaction, technical difficulties |
| Hybrid | Combination of on-campus and online benefits, flexibility | Scheduling conflicts, potential technical issues |
Table 3: Student Success Strategies
| Strategy | Benefits | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Active Learning | Enhances engagement, improves retention | Participate in discussions, write summaries, create concept maps |
| Time Management | Reduces stress, improves efficiency | Create a weekly schedule, prioritize tasks, take breaks |
| Collaboration | Fosters peer support, enhances learning | Form study groups, connect with classmates, seek help when needed |
Table 4: Pros and Cons
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Advancement | Head start on college, stronger foundation | Balancing high school and college workload |
| Cost Savings | Reduced tuition costs | Limited course availability |
| Career Exploration | Exposure to different fields of study | May miss out on high school social experiences |
| Build a Strong Foundation | Prepares for college-level work | Transportation challenges |
| Flexible Scheduling | Choice of on-campus or online courses | Overloading your schedule |