Running Start

• High School Plus
• Partnership for College and Career Success
• Running Start
• College in High School

Running Start is a program that enables eligible high school students to take college classes. The student enrolls in college classes for the purpose of earning both college and high school credit, or just college credit. All courses remain on the student’s permanent college transcript.

Check out Running Start Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

• This opportunity is available to individuals who demonstrate strong academic ability based on performance either inside or outside of the classroom (e.g., GPA, test scores, extra curricular activities)
• Course prerequisites must be satisfied as identified in the McHenry County College catalog.
• Placement tests must have satisfactory scores to enroll in an English, Reading, or Math course or a course that requires one of these as a prerequisite. ACT scores of 21 or above in English and Reading waive placement tests for those subjects.
• The college has an academic standards policy requiring that students maintain a 2.0 “C” grade average.

Enrollment Procedure

Students Age 14 and Above:

1. Student meets with high school counselor and completes MCC High School Plus Registration formPDF and obtains high school transcript. (Purpose of transcript is to verify grade point average and determine possible course prerequisites)
2. If student is taking an English, Reading, or Math class OR a course that requires one of these as a prerequisite, placement tests must be taken in the Testing Center A245 (815) 455-8984. Tests are given at no charge on a walk-in basis.
3. Student and guardian bring High School Plus Registration form, high school transcript, and placement test results (if required) to MCC's Registration office.
4. Students age 14 or 15 must obtain a signature on the High School Plus form from the MCC instructor.
5. Student takes this form to Registration A258 to register for course(s), pays tuition, and purchases textbooks in bookstore.
6. Student MUST complete MCC High School Plus Registration form EACH semester they wish to take courses at MCC. Once student graduates, they follow application procedures as college students. If a student wishes to receive high school credit also, it is their responsibility to contact their school.

Home School Students

Follow same procedure as above except parent(s) complete form instead of high school counselor or school official.

High School Counselor Information

• If you have questions, contact Tony Capalbo at (815) 455-8569.
• Please be aware that some classes offered at MCC are designed as 8-week courses.
• Awarding dual credit (high school along with college) is determined on the high school level. Procedures for this process should be designed by each high school.
• The section on the MCC High School Plus Registration form must be completed in full with course title, prefix, number, and section. In lieu of a specific section, a time slot must be indicated for when student is available to take the course. A substitute course should also be listed in case the original selection is filled.

10/30/09