Freshmen Admission
At this time, RIT's New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) recruits eligible New York State high school graduates for application to its program. Please review the eligibility information on the Eligibility page before beginning the application process. Eligible applicants should follow the process outlined here.
- All RIT application materials are due February 1.
- All HEOP application materials, including required economic documentation, are due February 1, 2013.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Families should file their 2012 taxes as soon as possible in order to be considered for the program. Late application materials, including supporting financial documentation, will result in applicants being excluded from the pool for the 2013-14 academic year.
Transfer Admission
At this time, RIT's New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is accepting applications for transfer students; however, space is very limited and openings are dependent on freshmen class enrollment.
How do I apply?
STEP 1: Request application information
- Checking the HEOP box on the RIT Undergraduate Application or on the common application RIT supplemental form
- Contacting the HEOP office directly at (585) 475-2506 and requesting information
- Completing the inquiry form below
If you do not receive your application information by December 1, please call (585) 475-2506 or email kpsheo@rit.edu.
STEP 2: Complete all application materials and submit to Office of Admissions
RIT Application for Undergraduate Admissions (Important Note: Remember to check the box that indicates you are applying for admission through HEOP. Write "HEOP - Waive Fee" across the top of the application. This allows you not to pay the application fee.)
- Secondary School Transcript Request, including counselor recommendation and high school transcript
- Personal Statement
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Important: Please indicate RIT school code 002806 on the FAFSA form.
STEP 3: Complete all HEOP application materials and submit directly to the HEOP Office
- Admission Application (pink sheet)
- Counselor Recommendation (yellow sheet) and high school transcript (to be submitted by counselor)
- Financial Eligibility Worksheet (green sheet) and required economic documentation
- If applicable, Department of Social Service Verification Form (blue form)
- Required documentation
- Other income related documentation, if requested
Economic Documentation: Economic documentation should be based on your household’s previous year’s income. Where applicable, complete and mail signed copies of the following documents:
- Parents' Federal 1040, 1040A or 4506 signed income tax forms
- Social Services Verification for all recipients in the household
- Social Security Benefits Statement (s) for all recipients in the household
- Notarized Child Support Statement for all recipients in the household
- Unemployment and/or Pension Summary for all recipients in the household
- Foster Care Documentation, including total living expenses
- Other income related documentation, if requested
Financial Aid Documentation: Before mailing the following required financial aid forms to the specified processing center, send signed copies to the HEOP Office. Students should also retain copies for their personal records.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Additionally, if you are a resident alien, please include a copy of your green card (both sides).
STEP 4: Complete a personal interview
All eligible freshman applicants must complete a personal interview. During the interview session, students will complete a reading and writing diagnostic, submit any missing financial documentation, and meet with HEOP representatives to answer interview questions.
Interviews for upstate applicants will be held in Rochester, NY the week of February 18th. Interviews for downstate applicants will be held in New York City February 25 and 26, 2013.
After completing the interview, those students selected for entry through HEOP will be notified officially by Admissions by mid-March.
STEP 5: Successfully complete the mandatory Pre-Freshman Summer Program*
All incoming freshmen must attend the summer pre-freshmen program. Students live on campus while taking courses in writing, math, study skills, and a seminar called HEOP 101. In addition, students take a credit course that can be applied to their general education degree requirements. They also attend cultural and social activities sponsored by RIT. HEOP counselors meet regularly with each student. Peer and professional tutors and the use of computer labs also help students with the completion of classroom assignments. Summer tuition, room, board, and other costs are at no charge to the student.
*Students earning a summer program GPA of 2.5 in the non-credit courses and a grade of C or higher in the credit course are eligible to enter RIT as a full-time HEOP student the following fall quarter. Students performing below these minimum standards will be subject to further review.
