Running Start/Dual Credit

J

josh876

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Apr 21, 2020
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I am a sophomore currently and considering doing the Running Start program, which means I will take classes at local community college (some places call it dual credit). I know the credits won’t transfer to a service academy/USMA, but it is the most challenging academic program at my high school. I go to a small school, so there are no AP classes and only two “honors” classes per grade (English and History), and most classes are ridiculously easy. I am wondering how doing this will affect service academy admissions. From what I know I am fairly competitive for admission with academics and ECs. I just want to make an informed decision about this and see if anyone knows how admissions will look at it.

Pros for Running Start:
More choices for classes
Harder classes
More responsibility
Less time in school, so possibly more time to pursue other things like more leadership, working out more
Graduate with an Associates degree (pretty cool)
I have talked to several juniors and seniors and they said the classes are better

Cons For Running Start:
Possibly less connections with teachers, so might be less personal letters of recommendation
Less connection with high school, so less involvement in some ways
More homework so possibly less time for other things
Credits won’t transfer to academy
 
My 2024 is a current running start student. What I saw:
1. If you are involved in your classes, professors are happy to provide solid recommendations. (Make sure you have a student resume prepared at the time of your request to make it easier for them.)
2. The college classes are taken into account for class placement.
3. My DD was involved in JROTC and NHS at the high school; so, there are ways to stay involved. You can also look to sports for that as well.
4. Homework is homework and will impact you either way if you are taking the challenging courses needed to gain entry to the academy.
5. I reminded my DD that running start was a win/win. Meaning that if she got into the academy, she had taken college level courses that she would benefit from later, and if she didn’t, she was 2 years closer to graduation for plan B.

I think whatever you decide, you will get out of it what you put into it. AP classes or running start will be fine. Good luck, hang in there (it’s a long process), and GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!
 
I concur with what @Fiona1124 posted. There is no downside to being in a DE program where you take college classes. My son got his letters of recommendation from his county college teachers. That was not an issue at all.
Another point - it will show WP admissions that you are well able to handle college level work.
 
My plebe did exactly the same. We homeschooled through a small private school so he played sports at the high school and took classes from our local community college. At the time of high school graduation he had enough college credits to enter his plan B school well into sophomore year...thankfully that wasn’t necessary. Its a great way to go even if that your only option for more challenging coursework. Go for it!
 
Agree with above! Also another advantage is that when 7th semester transcripts are required in your senior year, yours will be available in December at the end of typical college semester. Many high schools don't have them available until late January/February and for some that is an important missing piece. You would be ahead of the game.
 
You want to prepare yourself for college/SA. The Running Start program will give you the best preparation.
 
josh876 said:
I am a sophomore currently and considering doing the Running Start program, which means I will take classes at local community college (some places call it dual credit). I know the credits won’t transfer to a service academy/USMA, but it is the most challenging academic program at my high school. I go to a small school, so there are no AP classes and only two “honors” classes per grade (English and History), and most classes are ridiculously easy. I am wondering how doing this will affect service academy admissions. From what I know I am fairly competitive for admission with academics and ECs. I just want to make an informed decision about this and see if anyone knows how admissions will look at it.

Pros for Running Start:
More choices for classes
Harder classes
More responsibility
Less time in school, so possibly more time to pursue other things like more leadership, working out more
Graduate with an Associates degree (pretty cool)
I have talked to several juniors and seniors and they said the classes are better

Cons For Running Start:
Possibly less connections with teachers, so might be less personal letters of recommendation
Less connection with high school, so less involvement in some ways
More homework so possibly less time for other things
Credits won’t transfer to academy
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