Roger Williams University’s full-time, day-program undergraduate admission requirements and procedures are designed to select students whose abilities, preparation, attitudes, interests, and personal qualities give them the greatest promise of achieving academic success at the University. Prospective students are urged to prepare adequately for success at RWU. Candidates are expected to complete (or have completed) a strong college preparatory program that includes four units of English, three units of mathematics (those interested in architecture, business, science, and engineering programs should have four years with precalculus strongly recommended), three units of social science, and three units of natural science. A course of study with these preparations provides a solid foundation for college work.
When evaluating the qualifications of each applicant, the admission committee pays particular attention to the rigor of the curriculum that applicants have completed and their achievement in those courses, their application essay, high school grade point average, SAT I/ACT scores (if applicable*), extracurricular activities, and the recommendation of a school counselor or teacher. In addition, candidates for the Architecture and Dance programs must complete additional requirements in order to be considered for admission. The specifications of these additional requirements are provided in the “Special Requirements of Applicants” section of this catalog. Likewise, the Secondary Education program will also be reviewed in conjunction with second major choice as outlined in the “Special Requirements of Applicants” section of the catalog. Recognizing that experiences vary greatly, the University makes every attempt to ensure that the selection process is equitable. Roger Williams University admits qualified students without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic origin.
Campus Visits
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to visit Roger Williams University for a campus visit or open house (in-person and/or virtual).
To arrange a campus visit, register online at https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/admission-aid/visit-rwu, or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (401) 254-3500 or 1-800-458-7144, ext. 3500. The Office of Undergraduate Admission is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on most Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., September through May. The Office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 to 1:00 p.m. June through August.
First-Year Student Admission
Students may apply beginning as early as August 1 prior to their final year of high school. To do so, students may submit an application for Full-Time Undergraduate Admission via the Common Application (www.commonapp.org). A non-refundable application fee of $55, or the applicable posted rate at the time of application, must be paid at the time of application or an applicable application fee waiver must be submitted. Prospective first-year students may apply through the early action or regular decision programs. Official high school transcripts (with English translations, if applicable), SAT I/ACT scores, if opting to submit*, application essay, letter of recommendation, and portfolio or audition (if applicable) are required to complete the application.
Early Action candidates must submit all application materials according to the following timetable:
- November 15: Deadline for submitting the application, credentials, application essay, test scores (if applicable*), and, if applicable, supplemental materials.
- Applications fully completed for review by the deadline date will be considered for first round decisions, which are typically released mid-December.
Regular Decision candidates must submit all application materials according to the following timetable:
- February 1: Deadline for submitting the application, credentials, application essay, test scores (if applicable*), and, if applicable, supplemental materials.
- Applications fully completed for review by the deadline date will be considered for first round decisions which are released on a rolling basis.
Candidates are encouraged to apply early in their senior year, but must have applications completed by the deadline of February 1, or any applicable official deadline extensions.
First-year students who wish to be considered for merit scholarships should submit their application for undergraduate admission by February 1, or any applicable official deadline extensions. All applications for admission received after February 1 (or any applicable official deadline extensions) will be reviewed on the basis of space-availability only.
University College-to-Bristol Pathway Program
The University College-to-Bristol Pathway Program allows students an alternative route to a Bristol-based bachelor’s degree. Due to the competitive nature of the admission process for our Bristol campus, not every applicant can be offered admission. However, these applicants possess a desire and potential that may be realized through our University College (UC) program, which can be a step to strengthen their foundation for a transition to Bristol. Applicants to the Bristol programs who are not offered direct admission will be automatically considered for this program and offered admission to the Pathway Program if appropriate. Visit https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/admission-aid/university-college-to-bristol-pathway-program for the most up-to-date details and requirements.
Advanced Credit Guide
First-year students at Roger Williams University are eligible to receive advanced credit. Roger Williams University recognizes the following exams/coursework to be academically and intellectually rigorous, and awards advanced credit for:
- Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
- College courses completed in high school
- French Baccalaureate Examinations
- GCE Advanced-Level Examinations
- International Baccalaureate Examinations
Advanced credit offers students more options and opportunities, which can be helpful when:
- Completing a dual concentration
- Enrolled in a combined B.S./ Master’s or B.S./J.D. Program
- Enrolled in the Honors Program
- Incorporating an internship or research project
- Planning for an early graduation
Credit that a student receives may be applied toward:
- Foundation requirements
- Elective credit requirements
- Prerequisites for the major
Evaluation Requirements
To receive advanced credit, students must request the authorized examining body that administered the exam to send an official copy of the examination results directly to the Registrar’s Office. Only official exam reports will be evaluated for advanced credit. Students may also be required to submit the corresponding course syllabi.
Based on the evaluation, students will be given appropriate credit and standing in the areas in which they qualify. Credit is granted for the equivalent course(s) at the University, but no grade is assigned and the credit is not included in calculating the grade point average. Notice of the advanced credit evaluation is sent to the student and is recorded on the student’s record.
Credit for courses in a particular major will be transferred at the discretion of the respective College or School under which the specific major is housed.
Transfer credit is not granted for physical education, health, ROTC courses, non-academic activities or courses not germane to a program at RWU.
Advanced Placement Examination
Roger Williams University participates in the Advanced Placement Program administered by the College Board. Depending upon the program, credit is awarded for test scores of 3, 4 and 5. Refer to the course and credit equivalency chart located in the Academic Regulations and Requirements section of the catalog.
To receive Advanced Placement Credit, official examination scores must be submitted to Roger Williams University by the College Board. Roger Williams University’s College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) code is 3729.
Credit for College Coursework
Matriculating students who earned college credit while enrolled in high school may have that credit transferred into Roger Williams University if the following conditions are satisfied:
- The course was completed at or under the auspices of a regionally accredited postsecondary institution.
- The content and vigor of the course is similar to a course offered at Roger Williams University.
- The grade earned is C/2.0 or better.
Roger Williams University operates on a semester system and the unit of credit is the semester hour. Transferable coursework completed under a semester credit-hour system is awarded with an equal number of credit hours. Coursework completed under a quarter-hour system is converted by awarding approximately two-thirds of the total number of quarter hours.
To request credit for college coursework completed, students should submit official college transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at the time of admission or after making an enrollment deposit.
French Baccalaureate Examinations
Roger Williams University awards advanced credit to students who have successfully completed the French Baccalaureate program and who have obtained a grade of 12 or higher, with a coefficient of 4 or 5.
- A maximum of 3 credits is awarded for courses passed with a grade of 12 or higher, and with a coefficient of 4.
- A maximum of 6 credits is awarded for courses passed with a grade of 12 or higher, and with a coefficient of 5.
GCE Advanced Level Examinations
Roger Williams University awards advanced credit to students who have successfully completed the GCE Advanced Level program.
- Credit is only awarded for grades of C or better.
- Credit is awarded for a maximum of 4 A-level courses.
- A maximum of 6 credits is awarded for an A-Level course completed.
- A maximum of 3 credits is awarded for an AS-Level course completed.
- Students who have completed only O-Level exams are not eligible for advanced credit.
International Baccalaureate Examination
Roger Williams University awards advanced credit to students who have successfully completed the IB Diploma or IB Certificate program.
- Credit is only awarded for scores of 4, 5, 6 and 7. Refer to the course and equivalency chart located in the Academic Regulations and Requirements section of the catalog.
- IB Math HL is awarded a maximum of 8 credits.
- Credit is not awarded for CAS or TOK.
IB Diploma
- A maximum of 6 credits is awarded for Higher Level completed.
- A maximum of 3 credits is awarded for Standard Level completed.
- IB Diploma students can earn a maximum of 31 advanced credits.
IB Certificate
- A maximum of 3 credits is awarded for Higher Level courses completed.
Merit Scholarships and Financial Aid
The University recognizes students with superior academic achievement, involvement, and/or leadership through the awarding of merit scholarships. All first-year and transfer students, and all international students are considered for merit-based scholarships through their admission application; no separate application is necessary. First-year students who wish to receive maximum merit-based scholarship consideration should submit and complete their admission application by the specified deadline.
All U.S. Citizen and U.S. Permanent Resident applicants are encouraged to apply for federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid (grants, loans, and student employment) by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any entering student (U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident) who has been offered admission to the University is eligible for aid consideration. To ensure priority consideration, applicants must adhere to the timelines for financial aid as outlined in this catalog.
All families are encouraged to meet with a financial aid counselor to review the various available financing options. Those interested should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at (401) 254-3100.
Decision Rescission Policy
The Office of Undergraduate Admission reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission under any of the following circumstances:
- If there’s a significant deterioration in your academic work during your final months of school or you do not graduate and receive a diploma by the end of this school year.
- If your application you submitted and/or your behavior brings into question your honesty, integrity or character and is contrary/inconsistent to our community values.
- If your official test scores from the College Board or the ACT do not align with your self-reported test scores.
- Failure to complete required steps for enrollment by the appropriate deadlines.
We encourage students in jeopardy of rescission to be proactive and contact us as soon as possible.
After Admission to the University
In order to accept an offer of admission, thereby reserving a place in the entering class, the Office of Undergraduate Admission must receive a tuition deposit of $200 ($50 for Pell-eligible students) and, if applicable, a housing deposit of $350, by May 1 (or any applicable adjusted amounts posted). Any student offered admission with less than junior status who resides outside of the mileage radius per housing policy (typically 40 miles) is required to utilize University housing.
Special Requirements of Applicants
Some major programs require supplemental materials or specific preparatory courses or their equivalents. Prospective applicants should review program requirements outlined in the Special Academic Programs section of this catalog.
- Candidates for the Architecture Program: Architecture applicants must have completed a minimum of one year of geometry and two years of algebra in high school. Transfer students are encouraged to have successfully completed college-level calculus. Proficiency in trigonometry and physics is necessary for students to take required college-level courses in calculus and structural systems. Students who lack this proficiency are eligible to apply but must complete the necessary course work before taking calculus and structural systems. Courses taken at RWU in preparation for calculus and structural systems may not count toward degree requirements.
A portfolio of two- and three-dimensional work, showing evidence of creative ability, must be submitted by all applicants for admission. The portfolio (8-12 pieces of art work) should consist of reproductions of original design projects, and reproductions of two- or three-dimensional work recently executed. This work may be reduced photostatically or may be photographed. Applicants are admitted on the basis of academic excellence and potential in areas relevant to the profession of architecture as demonstrated by the required materials submitted for admission. Portfolios should be submitted online via SlideRoom through the Common Application.
- Candidates for Performing Arts Programs: Candidates applying to these programs should demonstrate achievement and career potential in areas of dance or theatre. Dance applicants are required to audition for acceptance into the program. A Dance Audition is required and must be completed prior to your application for admission being reviewed. Applicants accepted into the Theatre program should be prepared to audition during their first year.
- Candidates for the Secondary Education Program: The Rhode Island Department of Education requires that students either meet minimum standardized test scores, or pass an approved skills exam prior to the end of their sophomore year of college for a secondary education degree to be conferred. The standardized test score requirements (21/22 year) are: a minimum SAT score of 1010 (minimum 480 EBRW and 530 math), or a minimum ACT English score of 18, math score of 22, and reading score of 22. Students who do not meet these thresholds, or do not submit test scores when applying will have an opportunity to take or re-take the applicable exams or may take the skills exam as an alternative. All Education certification track students (Elementary and Secondary Education) are required to have a baseline standardized test (ACT, SAT and/or Core Basic Skills for Educators) on record, regardless of score. Undergraduate candidates that do not meet the minimum standardized test score(s) may be admitted into the Education Program (Elementary and Secondary Education) under a Conditional Acceptance policy by successfully completing a RWU content area course with a “B” grade or higher.
Applicants must select one of the following additional majors within the Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, English, Foreign Languages, History, and Mathematics. We also offer Dance certification for grades PK-12, which requires a double major in Dance Performance Studies and Secondary Education.
- Candidates for the Elementary Education Program: The Rhode Island Department of Education requires that students either meet minimum standardized test scores, or pass an approved skills exam prior to the end of their sophomore year of college for a secondary education degree to be conferred. The standardized test score requirements are: a minimum SAT score of 1010 (minimum 480 EBRW and 530 math), or a minimum ACT English score of 18, math score of 22, and reading score of 22. Students who do not meet these thresholds, or do not submit test scores when applying will have an opportunity to take or re-take the applicable exams or may take the skills exam as an alternative.
* Applicants interested in the Pharmacy and Biology, Pharmacy and Chemistry and Pharmacy and Biochemistry programs should contact the Office of Admission for additional requirements.
International Student Admission
Roger Williams University welcomes students from around the world. Our international students hail from over 35 different countries, including, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, China, Ecuador, France, Japan, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. International students are eligible to apply to the undergraduate program if they have completed the equivalent of a United States secondary school education (approximately twelve years of formal education) and have the appropriate diplomas or satisfactory results on leaving examinations.
Additional International Admission Requirements
All official secondary school and college/university scholastic records in the language of instruction, as well as English translations must be submitted.
Official Documents
All documents submitted for review must be official; that is, they must be either originals with a school seal and/ or signature or copies certified by authorized persons. (A “certified” copy is one that bears either an original signature of the registrar or other designated school official and an original impression of the institution’s seal.) Uncertified copies are not acceptable. Submission of falsified documents is grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the University. These documents should be sent directly to RWU from the institution of attendance. School profiles, in English, including information on the school’s grading/marking system will facilitate accurate evaluation. All documents become the property of Roger Williams University and will not be given back to students.
English Translations
English translations must be official. They should include dates of attendance, name of each course, number of hours and weeks each course was in session, grade or mark earned in each course and grading scale used.
English Proficiency Requirement
Students that meet one of the requirements below will be considered for direct admission to their program of study or major.
Minimum Score Requirements:
- TOEFL that is 79 IBT/550 PBT/213 CBT or greater
- IELTS that is a 6.5 or greater
- Duolingo score of 105 or greater
Test scores can be waived if the student meets one of the following requirements:
- The student is a citizen of a country where English is the primary language
- Two years of standard English with a B or better in a high school where English is the primary language used in the classroom
- A score of 550 or greater on the EBRW section of the current SAT
- A score of 20 or greater on the ACT English Writing Score
- A score of 6 or greater in IB English SL or HL
- AP English score of 5
- A-Level English score of B or higher
- GTEC score of 1200 or greater
- Satisfactory completion of an agreed upon program from a partnered ESL program
For those international students whose test scores indicate that they would benefit from additional English as a Second Language (ESL) support, we offer the RWU Bridge Program. This program allows advanced-level ESL students to take appropriate college level English courses in addition to their academic courses, supplemented by English tutoring in preparation for taking a full-time academic course load. This program is for non-native English speaking students interested in RWU’s undergraduate program.
Minimum Score Requirements:
- TOEFL that is between 61-79 IBT/ 500-550PBT / 173-213 CBT
- IELTS that is between 5.0 and 6.0
- Duolingo score that is between 85 and 100
International students applying to RWU with English language test scores below qualifying standards, or with no scores submitted, can be considered for conditional admission. A student would then have one year from the time they are accepted to complete an ESL program from one of our preferred partners, or provide us with the required test scores necessary to qualify for the Bridge Program or for Direct Admission. For a list of our approved ESL partners, please visit https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/admission-aid/international-students/english-language-pathways.
Financial Statement / Immigration Form I-20
Applicants requiring a non-immigrant “F-1” visa who are coming to the U.S. for full-time study or transferring from one academic institution to another for the purpose of study must submit documentation that confirms that funding is available for the annual costs of study (tuition, fees, and living expenses). It is extremely important that all international non-immigrant applicants review RWU expenses before deciding whether or not to apply. An International Student Financial Statement is needed for an official admission decision; if not submitted, the student may be admitted conditionally. Conditionally admitted students may submit a Financial Statement after acceptance, but prior to officially enrolling at RWU.
The Immigration I-20 form (the form needed to obtain a student visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate) will be issued when:
- The student is accepted
- Tuition ($200) and housing ($350) deposits are received
- Proof of financial support for annual cost of study is submitted
- I-20 Request Form (including a photocopy of your passport) is submitted
- F-1 Student Transfer Verification Form (including copies of your I-94 card and I-20s from other schools) is submitted - Only for students attending a school in the U.S.
The International Student Financial Statement is available on the web site for your convenience. Proof of financial support can be submitted by completing this form and by submitting official bank statements/certificates. Documentation will not be accepted unless it is properly certified by the sponsor’s or family’s financial institution. All documented sources of support must be in English, in U.S. dollars, and dated within twelve months of enrolling at RWU.
RWU International Merit Scholarships
Roger Williams University recognizes students with superior academic achievement through the awarding of merit scholarships (transfer and freshman students). All international students will be considered for merit-based scholarships through their admission application; no separate application is necessary. International transfer students also qualify for Roger Williams University Scholarships.
Documentation of Financial Support
All students who will be studying on an F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa are required to submit financial documentation at the time of application. Please submit documents confirming available funds for the annual costs of study (such as savings deposits, checking accounts, or a signed bank letter verifying the ability to pay educational expenses). All documented sources of support must be:
- current (within 12 months of starting date at RWU)
- written in English
- signed and stamped by a bank official
- A student who cannot submit this requirement at the time of application may receive conditional acceptance. However, direct admissions will not happen until we receive the required documentation of financial support.
- To determine the total required, please refer to the International Student Financial Statement.
International Student & Scholar Services
International Student & Scholar Services are located at their office in the University Library. The International Student Services staff support all aspects of international student life at Roger Williams University including personal and academic adjustment to living and studying in the U.S., immigration advising, and social programming. The International Student Services staff strive to bring international students together and to create cultural awareness among the University community.
Transfer Admission
Roger Williams University welcomes applications from students who wish to transfer from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Transfer students must submit the following materials:
- An official final high school transcript including graduation date (with English translations if applicable) from the high school of graduation
- Official college transcript(s) (from all previously attended institutions)
- One academic letter of recommendation (required for international students; recommended for domestic students)
- Essay of Intent
- Transfer College Report (from the Common Application)
Transfer Credit Evaluation: For work completed at regionally accredited U.S. institutions, credit evaluations are mailed shortly after the offer of admission has been made. Students may also request a preliminary transfer credit review before applying. International transfer students are asked to provide copies of course descriptions, syllabi, or a college/university catalog from each college or university attended.
RWU policy states that transfer students with credentials from non-U.S. institutions will be reviewed for admission only after submission of all college/university official transcripts with English translations.
A transfer credit evaluation of credentials from non-U.S. institutions requires an “external” World Evaluation Services (www.wes.org) evaluation. Therefore, if you would like your non-U.S. institution credentials evaluated for transfer credit, you must submit the following:
- Official copies of an evaluation of your credentials by a professional international credential evaluation company. You may choose to pursue an “external” evaluation on your own through a professional evaluation company, such as World Evaluation Services, http://www.wes.org.
- Course descriptions: These may be in the form of a college/ university catalog, copies of your courses from a college/ university catalog, course syllabi, or course descriptions signed by your professor or dean. This information should be as detailed as possible in order to determine and award the most appropriate transfer credit for your program at Roger Williams University.
In some cases, RWU may be able to conduct an “internal” evaluation. If you are interested in having an “internal” evaluation completed, please submit your official transcript, English translations, course descriptions, program outline, and school profile (credit system, hours, etc.). If you have been accepted to RWU, we will be happy to take a look at your documents and determine if an “external” evaluation is necessary before you pursue an “external” evaluation.
For all credit evaluations (U.S. and Non-U.S. Institutions): Evaluation of courses is based on several factors:
- Courses are compared as they relate in depth and content to those offered at RWU.
- Courses with grades lower than ‘C’ will not transfer.
- If taken at a U.S. institution, courses must have been taken at a regionally accredited school.
The University does not factor transferred credits into your GPA at RWU. All courses are applied to your program of study in accordance with curricular requirements.
Special notes: A maximum of 75 credits may be applied to a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited instituion. The overall number of courses needed for a degree may exceed 120 credits. A student may transfer a maximum of three credits toward an undergraduate certificate comprised of fifteen or fewer credits and a maximum of six credits toward a certificate of sixteen credits or more.
Students who have attended regionally accredited institutions can expect to receive credit for successfully completed courses (bearing a grade of ‘C’ or higher) that are comparable in depth and content to those offered at Roger Williams University. Credit for courses successfully completed with a grade of “P” will be transferred only if the issuing institution transcript key states that the grade of P was the equivalent of the grade of C or higher or the originating institution must change the student’s P grade to a C or better on their transcript. The associate registrar, in consultation with the deans (where necessary), evaluates courses, and a copy of the evaluation is mailed as soon as possible after admission to the University is granted.
Students transferring from an accredited institutions must complete their final 45 credits at Roger Williams University.
RWU will accept all credits of an associate degree that meet all conditions of evaluation however, the number of courses which apply to a particular program will ultimately determine the number of credits and courses needed to be taken at RWU. RWU reserves the right to require students to repeat transferred courses if it is deemed necessary for success in requisite courses. Transfer students with earned associate degrees will be waived out of all general education requirements with the exception of the Interdipisciplanary Core Senior Semiar.
Transfer students with a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited liberal arts or comprehensive college or university must complete at least 30 credits and all major course requirements for the second degree at Roger Williams University.
Block Transfer
Roger Williams University guarantees admission to students transferring in with an associate’s degree from any accredited college with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.4. All associate degree credits will be awarded RWU credit and students will enroll with junior status*. Specialized advising is offered to transfer students.
*This admission guarantee is subject to RWU receiving a Transfer College Report from the transferring institution indicating that applicant is in good standing. Some majors require prerequisites and other required courses. Please refer to the course catalog.
CCRI Transfer Gaurantee
In accordance with the Rhode Island Independent College Transfer Guarantee, Roger Williams University offers qualified transfer students from the Community College of Rhode Island streamlined admission to the University. The requirements for general University admission are:
1. Complete an associate’s degree program at a Rhode Island community college and apply to transfer to a related course of study at RWU.
2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.4.
*Please note that some majors have specific admission and curricular standards. Please contact us to discuss this information.
Students will also have credits from their associate’s degree transferred in as bulk credits. In total, students who enter under this agreement can transfer up to 60 credits, starting them in their junior year. Additional credits may be reviewed on an individual basis. Visit https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/admission-aid/transfer-applicants/transfer-guarantee for the most up-to-date information.
Additional Special Requirements for Transfer Applicants
In addition to the credentials noted above, please see the Special Requirements of Applicants section if you are applying to the Architecture, Education, Theatre, or Dance programs. Transfer students applying for admission to Architecture should demonstrate a high-level of math proficiency.
Spring (January) Admission
Roger Williams University welcomes both first-year and transfer applications for spring admission. A full range of courses is available during the spring semester, and the January entrant may also accelerate work toward a degree through summer study. Applications for transfer or first-year spring admission are encouraged by November 1.
Admission of Veterans
Roger Williams University is approved for benefits for the education of veterans, active duty service personnel, disabled veterans, and qualified dependents. Veterans who seek admission should follow the regular admission policies, but should also contact the Veterans Affairs Coordinator at the Providence Campus, University College office. This should be done as early as possible to expedite handling of applicant’s V.A. forms and counseling.
Army Reserve Officers Training Corps
Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is offered by the University and is available to all students. Physically qualified American citizens who complete the entire four-year program are eligible to be commissioned in the U.S. Army. Delayed entry into active service for the purpose of graduate study is available.
Military science course work is designed to complement other instruction offered at the University. Emphasis throughout is on the development of individual leadership ability and preparation of the student for future leadership roles in the Army. Professional military education skills in written communications, human behavior, history, mathematical reasoning, and computer literacy are fulfilled through required University Core Curriculum requirements and the military science curriculum.
|
