The Running Start Program


 

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Take College Courses While in High School

 

Running Start is a full-time dual enrollment program for high school seniors who have demonstrated the academic achievement and maturity necessary to enroll in college courses during their senior year of high school. In addition, students have an opportunity to explore an academic and career pathway while earning transferable college credits. Seniors take a full-time (12 or more credits) course load for the fall and spring semesters and are eligible to earn college credit for high school graduation simultaneously. Home school, private and out of state students are responsible for tuition and fees.

Application Deadline: Monday, May 18, 2026

APPLY EARLY!  Students will start receiving decision emails on March 15.  After completed application and required documents are submitted, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Admission decisions will be based on the successful completion of all Running Start admission criteria, and will be sent to the student's personal email.

Eligibility Criteria

  • High School Transcripts: Qualifying GPA criteria of a cumulative high school average of “B” or better is required, (2.7 of 4.0 scale or 80/100).
  • PSAT/SAT/ACT Test Scores: Qualifying PSAT/SAT scores must be above 410 in Reading/Writing and above 411 in Math. ACT scores must be above 27 in Reading/Writing and above 18 in Math.
  • WIDA ACCESS score reports for ELL (optional)

High School Transcripts and PSAT/SAT Test Scores should be emailed to: [email protected] 

  • ACCUPLACER Test: (if PSAT/SAT/ACT Test scores not submitted). Readiness at the college level in reading, writing and math is required. 
  • The Recommendation from a high school counselor is required.

Questions About Dual Enrollment

 

Please follow the steps below

Please read all instructions before completing application.

A. Complete the ONLINE Application

When submitting application below, please use a personal email that is not a high school email.

Apply Now

B. Counselor DocuSign Approval Form

After application completion, a DocuSign reminder email will be sent to the counselor. This school approval form is required for all students participating in CCRI Early College Programs

Discuss course options with your high school counselor. For homeschooled students, the student and parent/guardian determine course selection with approval from the high school superintendent. 

DocuSign Form

C. Submit Required Documents

The student and guidance counselor must submit the following documents via email to [email protected]. Subject Line: “Student’s Full Name, Birthdate”

  • High school transcript
  • PSAT/SAT/ACT score reports (1 required)
  • WIDA ACCESS score reports for ELL (optional)

Document submission is especially important with the college’s new multi-measure placement model, where placement will be determined in a holistic manner, by looking at GPA and all score reports. If a student wishes, they can also take the $30 Accuplacer test for higher course placement - after students recieve their MyCCRI student account, Accuplacer registration is available online.

For questions or assistance, email [email protected]

First, you'll need your CCRI login credentials. If you do not have your credentials visit our Important Login Information page.

  1. Once you have your login information, Visit the Secure Login page and click on the MYCCRI link.
  2. You’ll then see a login screen. Enter your user name  (CCRI email) and password. 

A. Acceptance

After completed application and required documents are submitted, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students will start receiving decision emails on March 15. Admission decisions will be based on the successful completion of all Running Start admission criteria, and will be sent to the student's personal email. 

B. Registration 

Students will receive an email with instructions to meet with your advisor to register for classes.

C. Orientation

Accepted students will be sent an email invitation to a mandatory orientation to support your academic preparation and success while your a student at CCRI.

Helpful Info

  • VIEW video Student Orientation.
  • VIEW video Courses Online Learning.
  • For questions about textbook payment, contact your school district financial office.
  • Private and homeschooled students are responsible for tuition and fees.

Be prepared for academic success at CCRI.

Online Student Orientation

Incoming students are encouraged to complete the Online Student Orientation. New Student Orientation provides awareness of CCRI's resources and offices, prepares students for their first day as a CCRI Knight, and kick starts your school pride!​

 

Start your online Student Orientation

Have a Question?

Contact Admissions

We're excited about your interest in attending the Community College of Rhode Island! Whether you're looking to discover your career path, start or complete your college degree, or take classes to enrich your life, we look forward to having you join our community!

Contact Admissions  

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