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Limitations
- Some students who are academically qualified may not
be ready socially or emotionally for the college environment. They
may find the independence and the speed of college classes overwhelming.
Maturity is the key ingredient needed for success in Running Start.
- High schools provide a social network and social development
experiences for teenagers. This network is not as readily available
at the college level as it is in the high schools. However, Running
Start students may participate in all student activities, such as
college clubs and student government.
- Students are not guaranteed space in preferred college
classes, and college schedules may conflict with high school classes
or extracurricular activities (sports, drama, music, etc.)
- Most colleges operate on a quarter system, which is
different from the high school academic calendar. Holidays and vacation
periods are frequently different. Students are expected to attend
classes at the college even though their high schools may not be in
session. Careful planning must occur in order to avoid conflicts in
family and school activities.
- The high school is the final authority on high school
graduation requirements. It is important to work closely with a high
school counselor to insure graduation requirements will be met. Some
schools may not allow students to participate in graduation ceremonies
if their college classes are not completed by the date of graduation.
Check with the high school for their policies.
- College classes are designed for adult learners. Contemporary
issues of our society will be actively discussed in our classrooms.
The content of classes will not be censored for younger students.
- The high school determines students’ eligibility
to be involved in high school activities. Being away from the high
school might mean that students are out of the loop for some things,
such as activity requirements or scholarship application deadlines.
- Students pay all costs except tuition. Students must
pay for books, computer fees, campus parking, gas, supplies, and other
related costs.
- Students start a college transcript when they take
their first college class. It will stay with them throughout their
college careers. If students perform poorly, it may jeopardize future
college plans.
- Typically there is much less contact between colleges
and parents than the high schools and parents.
- College offers a much less structured environment
with more independent study required. The speed at which college classes
are taught is much faster than classes in high school. College classes
demand approximately 2 hours of homework for each hour of class, with
no classroom time for homework.
- Communication concerning grades and attendance is
more frequent in high schools.
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