Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens to my application once the College receives it?
• Do you read my entire application?
• How is an admission decision made for freshmen?
• What type of high school program should I have?
• What is the cut-off for SAT scores?
• How do I apply for a Presidential Scholarship?
• How are honors applicants reviewed?
• Will I get housing?
• Are interviews required?
• Can freshmen have cars on campus?
• How safe is the campus?

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my application once the College receives it?

Be sure you include your $50 application fee so we can begin processing your application. Applications received without payment are returned. We check to see if transcripts or other records are already on file. You will be sent a postcard if we require any other materials. As soon as your application is complete and decision-ready, a decision will be made. You will be notified as soon as possible. Students accepted for the fall have until May 1 to pay their $200 enrollment deposit.

Do you read my entire application?

Yes! Each applicant receives careful consideration, including an individual review of your application, essay, high school record, rank in class, guidance recommendation, SAT scores, and activities in and out of school. By signing your application, you affirm that the information you have provided is both complete and accurate.

How is an admission decision made for freshmen?

We believe that your high school record (including level and types of courses taken and rank in class) gives us the best indication of your potential for success at Rhode Island College. Students must send an official copy of their high school transcript, including first quarter senior grades. For others, we may request mid-year grades before making a decision. All required materials must be received before a decision can be made. The majority of students we accept rank in the top half of their class. Decisions are made on a rolling basis.

What type of high school program should I have?

We expect students to have completed a full college preparatory program of at least 18 required units including the following: 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics (Algebra I, II, and Geometry), 2 units of laboratory science, 2 units of the same foreign language, 2 units of history or social science, 5 additional academic units from the arts, mathematics, language, social sciences, science.

What is the cut-off for SAT scores?

While SAT (or ACT) scores are required, they are not the first consideration. If a student has completed the required 18 college preparatory units and ranks in the top half of his or her class, SAT scores will not be a factor in the admissions decision. If a student is slightly below the top half of their class, we assign greater weight to the SAT (or ACT). Students wishing to be considered for the College's Honors program should rank in the top 20% of their class and have minimum combined SAT scores of 1200 (critical reading & mathematics).

How do I apply for a Presidential Scholarship?

There is no separate application. Students who wish to be considered for a Presidential Scholarship must rank in the top 30% of their high school graduating class and have minimum combined SAT scores of 1100 (critical reading & math) or an ACT Composite score of 24. In addition, the student's completed application (including SAT scores, high school transcript, 1st quarter senior grades, guidance recommendation, essay, etc.) must be postmarked by December 15 for priority consideration. The $2000 scholarship is renewable for four years provided the student maintains full time status and a required minimum grade point average. Winners will be notified by February 15.

How are honors applicants reviewed?

If you meet the Honors Program criteria, the admissions counselor will forward a copy of your credentials to the College Honors Committee for review. The Committee is made up of faculty and a liaison from the Admissions Office. Particular importance is given to the rigor of the high school program (including any Honors level or AP courses taken) and the student's SAT scores. Some merit scholarships are available for outstanding students.

Will I get housing?

There is a great demand for on campus housing. If you are interested in living in one of our residence halls, on campus housing is guaranteed for new freshman admitted and enrolled by May 1 and whose housing deposit is paid by May 15. The acceptance letter provides additional details for meeting deadlines. Six residence halls accommodate approximately 1200 men and women in single, double and triple rooms. Four halls are designated for freshman. The Office of Residential Life & Housing also maintains a list of links for those students seeking off-campus housing. Visit Residential Life and Housing at www.ric.edu/housing for more information.

Are interviews required?

For traditional freshman applicants, interviews are not required. Students are welcome to request an interview to discuss their application. We may invite you for an interview if we have questions about your application. Interviews are required for non traditional programs such as Performance Based Admission (PBA) and may be required for the Prepartory Enrollment Program (PEP).

Can freshmen have cars on campus?

Yes. There are no restrictions for cars. The campus is only 10 minutes from downtown Providence and about 25 minutes from the airport.

How safe is the campus?

Rhode Island College is unique among colleges and universities in that it has its Campus Security Office based in one of the residence halls. The College has enjoyed a good record of maintaining the personal safety of its students. Security measures include escort service, surveillance cameras, computerized door access and regular rounds by College security officers. The Annual Security Report can be found at www.ric.edu/campuspd.