The Running Start Program


 

Header Image

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: Sunday, June 1, 2025
  • Admissions Decision Email: Monday, June 16, 2025

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 Test Scores: Qualifying PSAT/SAT scores must be above 410 in Reading/Writing and above 411 in Math. 
  • NOTE: High School Transcripts and PSAT/SAT Test Scores should be emailed to: [email protected] 
  • ACCUPLACER Test: (if PSAT/SAT 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

Submit your free Application for Admission.

  • Please complete all sections below - A, B, and C.

A. Application

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

Apply Now

  • After your application is submitted, you will receive an email with your CCRI ID number.
  • This will provide a way for you to register for the ACCUPLACER test.

B. Running Start Enrollment Form

  • To be completed by student and parent/guardian.

Enrollment Form

C. Running Start Authorization Form

  • To be completed by high school representative.
  • 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. 

Authorization Form

Course Placement

  • If not submitting qualifying PSAT/SAT scores, schedule to take the ACCUPLACER Placement test. Readiness at the college level in reading, writing and math is required, and is one of the main components of acceptance into the program. To schedule ACCUPLACER email your request to [email protected] please include the following:
  • Name
  • CCRI ID number
  • Date of Birth
  • Email
  • Cell number

NOTE: High School Transcripts and PSAT/SAT Test Scores email to: [email protected] 

For questions or assistance, email [email protected]. In your email, please include:

  • Name
  • CCRI ID number (if available)
  • Date of Birth
  • Email
  • Cell number.

ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT

  • You need a CCRI username and access to the personal email address or cell phone number you provided on your application.
  • Your CCRI ID number, username, and CCRI email address can be found in the acceptance email sent to the personal email address provided on your application. 

Your CCRI ID number, username and email address can also be looked up here.  [Directions]

Once you have your username, follow these 3 steps to set your password:

  1. Go to the CCRI Homepage and click on the Reset Forgotten Password link at the bottom of the page.
  2. Enter your CCRI Username, then click Next
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to set a secure password (a verification code can be sent to either the personal email address or mobile phone number you provided on your application)

KEEP YOUR ACCOUNT SAFE

Once you set up your password, set-up your second authentication by following the 5 Steps below. Make sure to have your mobile device ready.

  1. Go to the Secure Login page and click For Students under the Login to Office 365
  2. Enter your username and new password.
  3. When prompted to set up Microsoft Authenticator, click I want to set up a different method.
  4. Choose Phone, enter your cell phone number, and follow the prompts.
  5. You will receive a text message with a verification code to complete setup.

Acceptance

  • Applications will be reviewed after the April 30 deadline. Students will start receiving decision emails on Friday, May 17. 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. 

Registration 

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

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  

Top