In November, Learning Start students prepare their winter quarter paperwork. However, this year, planning courses based on last year's guidelines could lead to complications later.

This academic year, the limit on credits that can be taken without tuition has been reduced. I've summarized the information released by the state education department (OSPI) and the College Board (SBCTC) by early November.

The starting point is the supplemental budget ESSB 5998 passed by the Washington State Legislature in March. The annual average limit for Learning Start (AAFTE) has decreased from 1.40 for the 2025-26 academic year to 1.30 for the 2026-27 academic year.

A difference of 0.10 might not seem significant, right? However, looking at the guide, 15 college credits equal 1.00 FTE, so how classes are scheduled over the year will change.

What's more confusing is that high school classes are included in the total. It's not just college credits that count; both high school FTE and college FTE are considered together.

If there are no high school classes, up to 19 credits can be taken per quarter, and if the high school FTE is between 0.24 and 0.30, it's 15 credits. If it's between 0.51 and 0.57, it drops to 11 credits.

Still, we've avoided the worst-case scenario. During budget discussions, there was a proposal to lower the limit to 1.2, but it ultimately stopped at 1.3. According to TVW reports, the cut amounts to about $7 million.

The most important thing to note is that this limit includes summer quarter as well. While summer Learning Start hasn't been eliminated, if the fall is filled to capacity, there won't be any credits left for summer.

The first example in the official guide shows 19, 19, 20 credits. This is a way of maximizing credits during the semester, leaving no room for summer.

The second example shows 18, 17, 17 credits with 10 summer credits. This configuration allows for a little less during the semester, extending into summer.

I've added two more examples. The first totals 58 credits, while the second totals 62 credits. It was surprising that leaving room for summer results in 4 more credits.

However, taking more than 19 credits comes with conditions. Generally, exceeding 18 credits requires college approval for overload, and spring 20 credits only apply if the cumulative AAFTE is below 1.27 by winter.

If you're taking high school classes concurrently, you can refer to the third and fourth examples. 15, 15, 15 credits with 10 summer credits maintain full-time college status while leaving a little room for high school classes.

10, 10, 10 credits with 10 summer credits is a balanced approach. It's indicated as taking three high school classes with a 0.17 FTE.

However, this balanced approach requires calculation for students aiming for an associate degree. That's 40 credits a year, totaling 80 credits over two years, which falls short of the minimum 90 credits required for the DTA program at Edmonds College by 10 credits.

Edmonds College advises that incoming freshmen are supported with 10 credits during the summer before entering 11th grade. Using that summer can fill the gap, but since major requirements may vary and next year's limits are uncertain, checking with an advisor is essential.

You also need to consider high school graduation requirements. Since college quarter credits convert to high school credits, it's important to check which essential subjects might be missing when reducing credits.

Edmonds College has a maximum of 10 summer credits. Students who have used their limit in 11th grade can take courses at their own expense.

This year's summer schedule includes deadlines for returning students on May 21, new students on May 28, final deadline on June 18, and classes starting on July 6. Next year's dates will need to be checked again with the college announcements.

12th graders should be cautious about one more thing. If they take classes through the summer after graduation, their official graduation date will be pushed to August. Students planning to transition to a four-year college in the fall should inquire about admission requirements.

Documents must be submitted separately each quarter. The Registration Confirmation (RSEVF) must use the 2026-27 form, and if last year's form was submitted, it needs to be resubmitted.

According to Mountlake Terrace High School's guidance, winter quarter paperwork is due in November, spring quarter in February, and summer and fall quarters by May, so students should handle this with their counselors. Missing submissions could result in tuition fees, so don't delay.

Let's also summarize the costs. Tuition is free, but students are responsible for book costs and various fees, and courses below 100 level are not supported. If income criteria are met, fee waivers and textbook vouchers can be obtained.

There's also a district form indicating that students will pay tuition and fees for credits exceeding the limit. I couldn't find the per-credit amount or separate caps for Edmonds College in public documents, so it's best to ask the Learning Start office for accurate information.

What's concerning is equity. The president of Edmonds College noted during budget discussions that summer enrollment has increased from around 45 students to over 300 since 2023, and the impact of cuts could be significant for low-income students who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.

I understand that in a state deficit situation, some budget adjustments were necessary. However, considering that summer is a semester with a high proportion of low-income and minority students, we need to keep an eye on where the burden shifts.

It's still uncertain what will happen after next year. Some budget summaries indicate temporary measures through the 2027-28 academic year, but the official guide states that future limits depend on legislation and are still unknown.

Learning Start isn't the only solution. Exam-based courses like AP are alternatives, and this budget includes $1 million in exam fee support for low-income students. However, full coverage is not guaranteed.

If it were me, I would proceed in this order. First, I would list the credits taken in the fall. Then, I would input them into OSPI's 1.30 calculation table.

I would decide whether to leave 10 summer credits. With that table in hand, I would visit my counselor.

Unless there's a compelling reason, I would likely choose to leave summer credits. It provides breathing room during the semester, and according to the official examples, it results in more total credits.