Freshman Admissions

Inquire Visit Apply

admissions@rit.edu
585-475-6631

Get your start at a place known for spectacular finishes

We'll provide the gifted faculty, unconventional degree programs, career-focused experiential learning and a vibrant campus life.

You bring you.

Areas of Study

Art and Design

Business and Management

Communications and Digital Media

Computing and Information Sciences

Engineering and Engineering Technology

Environmental Studies and Sustainability

Game Design and Development

Health Professions and Medical Sciences

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education

Photography, Film, and Animation

Science and Math

Undeclared and Individualized Study

Visit and Events

students at java wallys

Open House

Meet faculty, tour campus, eat lunch in the student cafeteria and listen to a financial aid presentation.

Register
Brick City 2013 Student giving a guided tour of campus in the infinity quad

Personal Campus Visit

Schedule a Tour, Info Session, or Interview

Visit Request Form

On-Campus Events

All prospective students and their families are invited to spend a day on the RIT campus. During an Open House visitors are able to meet faculty, tour campus, residence halls and academic departments, eat lunch in the student cafeteria and listen to a financial aid presentation.

Learn more and register

  • Saturday, March 28, 2020
  • Saturday, April 4, 2020

Students who have been accepted for Fall 2020 are invited to spend a day on the RIT campus. During an Accepted Student Open House visitors are able to meet faculty, tour campus, residence halls and academic departments, eat lunch in the student cafeteria and listen to a financial aid presentation.

Note: You will be prompted to log into your admissions portal account to register for the Open House. To register for the event without logging in, please email admiss08@rit.edu or call 585-475-6631.

Registration will be available starting December 2019.

  • Friday, April 17, 2020

This is a perfect first look at RIT for students who are just starting their college search! High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and their families can learn more about RIT academics, the admissions and financial aid process, and tour the academic and residential facilities.

Registration will be available early January 2020.

  • July 17-18, 2020
  • July 31 - August 2, 2020

The 30th Annual College & Careers program at RIT is an amazing opportunity for you to explore career options through interactive academic sessions. These sessions include personal hands-on experience, demonstrations and discussions. Working with our renowned faculty and students you will discover and utilize the state-of-the-art facilities and technology available at RIT. 

This two day career conference is designed to help students, who will be entering their junior or senior year in the fall, gain the experience and knowledge necessary to start making career decisions about their future. 

In addition, College & Careers is a great way to experience life as an RIT college student. You will get to sleep in our residence halls, eat in our student cafeteria and participate in Friday night social activities with other college-bound seniors. 

College & Careers also includes a separate (but optional) program for your parents, which will provide them with information about the college search process, financial aid and more.

Learn more

Off-Campus Events

Applying for Admission

Admission to RIT is competitive, but our admission process is a personal one. Each application is reviewed holistically for strength of academic preparation, performance on standardized tests, counselor recommendations, and your personal career interests. We seek applicants from a variety of geographic, social, cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

If RIT is your 1st choice college, we recommend one of our "friendly" Early Decision Plans.

Choose the Best Way to Begin

When applying to RIT, you have several options on how to start your journey—all that can lead to on-time graduation.

Choose the Best Way to Begin


Apply directly to a major

Start coursework in your desired major right away.

Apply to a college-based Exploration Option

A great fit for students who have a general focus but need a semester or two to learn more about specific majors in a college.

Business Exploration Computing Exploration Engineering Exploration Engineering Technology Exploration Liberal Arts Exploration Photographic Arts and Sciences Exploration Science Exploration Undeclared Art and Design

Apply to the University Exploration Option

An exploration option for students with interests across two or more colleges.

Ways to Apply


Statement on Ethical and Fair Admissions Practices
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions continues to put students first in the admissions process. We continue to use fair and ethical practices as we recruit, review applications and counsel our prospective students and their families. Our admissions officers support and promote ethical responsibility with our colleagues in the admission profession.

Manage Application

Whichever method you choose to apply, we invite you to create an RIT Admissions account to monitor your application, track the status of your application credentials, receive your admissions decision, and more.

Create Account Login

Freshman Application Checklist

  • Complete the Common Application or RIT Application

  • Pay the $65 application fee

  • Submit an official high school transcript. Transcripts may be sent electronically or mailed/emailed to RIT Admissions from your high school guidance office.

  • Submit a letter of recommendation.

  • Provide official or self-reported test results from the SAT or ACT.

    • Scores can be self-reported on your application or sent by email to RIT Admissions. Admitted students will be required to submit official scores once they choose to enroll at RIT.
    • Test Optional Programs: Applicants to programs in the College of Liberal Arts have the option of submitting test scores.

  • International Applicants Only - Students whose native language is not English must submit results of the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic examination. Testing can be self-reported. Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants

  • An Art Portfolio is required for admission to the School of Art, School of Design and School of Film and Animation.

* Please note that if you are age 25 or older the SAT/ACT requirement is waived.

Timelines

 Early Decision I Early Decision II Regular Decision
Application Deadline November 1st January 1st January 15th
Recommended FAFSA Submission deadline November 1st January 1st January 15th
Decision Notification Mid-December Mid-January Mid-March
$300 Deposit Deadline - Pay Deposit January 15th February 15th May 1st

Students may begin submitting applications August 1

For Spring Semester or Summer Term, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Notifications will go out 4-6 weeks after all documents are received.

Early Decision

Early Decision (ED) plans come in many different forms. RIT's Early Decision Plans can be described as a "friendly" version of a binding agreement.

Early Decision Benefits

Academic Preparation and Requirements

Most students applying to RIT choose a specific major as part of the admission process. In addition, all colleges offer undeclared options, and the University Exploration program is available to applicants with interests in two or more colleges. Admission to the Honors Program Given the variety of majors, admission requirements and entrance exam score ranges will vary from one major to another. We would expect, for example, that a student applying for admission to our computer science program would present a strong academic record with particular strength in mathematics, while a student applying for a fine arts major would need to show artistic talent through a required portfolio.

Degree Specific Admissions Requirements (including SAT and ACT mid 50% range)

College credits earned in high school

RIT is pleased to review your AP coursework for possible transfer credit. In order to receive credit for the courses, official AP test scores must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions from the College Board. An exam score of 3 or higher is necessary to be considered for credit. In many cases, however, a minimum score of 4 is required to obtain credit for specific college courses. Each department will determine the specific amount of credit to be awarded.

RIT recognizes IB level work. Credit may be awarded for higher level examinations completed with a score of 5 or higher. Credit is awarded on a course-by-course basis and in the context of the student’s intended program at RIT. Each department will determine the specific amount of credit to be awarded. Students are requested to forward IB transcripts to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Transfer credit will be considered for relevant coursework where a grade of C or better was earned at a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be submitted and will be reviewed on a course-by-course basis. RIT also reviews work performed in courses and training programs evaluated by the American Council on Education (e.g., CLEP, DANTES, etc.). Each department will determine the specific amount of credit to be awarded.

Costs and Financial Aid

long exposure photo for cost and aid section

We’re here to help make RIT financially within reach

We realize that you are taking an important step in your life-one that is exciting, yet challenging. Since you have many other things to consider as you prepare for college, we want to help make your financial aid experience as smooth as possible. Currently, more than 13,000 RIT undergraduate and graduate students receive over $291 million dollars in financial assistance from federal, state, and institutional resources, in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment.

Estimated Cost of Attendance 

Financial Aid and Scholarships 

International Students

international flags on the RIT campus

RIT attracts students from every state and more than 100 countries

RIT hosts more than 2,500 international students on the main Rochester, New York campus. The variety of backgrounds and perspectives represented in the RIT community enriches the living and learning experience for all. As students interact on team-based projects, in campus housing and in day-to-day activities, they become enriched and better prepared for the opportunities and challenges of global interdependence.

International Student Information 

International Applicant FAQs

RIT 官方中文网站

Accepted Students

Events for Accepted Students

Open House

Accepted Students for a variety of tours and activities

Hometown Receptions

Meet fellow accepted students, admissions representatives, current RIT students, and alumni near you

Chat

Web chat rooms hosted by current RIT students provide opportunities to connect with future classmates

Open House

Accepted Students for a variety of tours and activities

Hometown Receptions

Meet fellow accepted students, admissions representatives, current RIT students, and alumni near you

Chat

Web chat rooms hosted by current RIT students provide opportunities to connect with future classmates

Information for School Counselors

Thank you for your interest in RIT. We realize that as a school counselor understanding all that colleges and universities have to offer can sometimes be overwhelming. The following events are designed to help you assist your students in making college choices that are right for them.

This annual program provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about some of the distinctive majors offered and what makes RIT an exciting option for college bound students. This year's Counselor Enrichment Program was held on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019. The 2020 Counselor Enrichment program will be announced soon.

Please join us for a school counselor breakfast and information session at a local hotel in your area. Our admissions team will come to you with information on RIT's unique academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, student life, support services, potential match between students and RIT, and application processes for admissions and financial aid. These events take place in the fall only. 

View Upcoming Locations and Register

Contact Undergraduate Admissions

Find Your Counselor

Locate Me

United States
 
 

Contact and Connect

Abhirami Somaskanda Headshot
Abhirami Somaskanda
Senior Assistant Director
585-475-4251
absadm@rit.edu

Representative for AZ, ID, MO, UT

Daniel Haasis Headshot
Daniel Haasis
Admissions Counselor
dkhadm@rit.edu

Representative for IN, OH, OK, NY(Greater Buffalo Niagara), PA (Western), WV

Devin Lamb Headshot
Devin Lamb
Senior Assistant Director
585-475-4398
dcladm@rit.edu

Representative for CT, ND, NY (Rockland County, Westchester County, Lower Hudson Valley), RI, SD

Frank Thomas Rechichi Headshot
Frank Thomas Rechichi
Assistant Director Undergraduate Admissions
585-475-4094
ftradm@rit.edu

Representative for AL, LA, MS, NY (NYC and Long Island)

Ian Mortimer Headshot
Ian Mortimer
Vice President for Enrollment Management
585-475-6637
ian.mortimer@rit.edu

Representative for MN, VT

Karim Yaport Headshot
Karim Yaport
Admissions Counselor
585-475-6621
klyadm@rit.edu

Representative for CA, NV, TX

Mariah McLane Giardino Headshot
Mariah McLane Giardino
Associate Director
585-475-6634
mamadm@rit.edu

Representative for DC, MD, MT, VA, WY

Marian Nicoletti Headshot
Marian Nicoletti
Director Undergraduate Admission
585-475-7298
mmnadm@rit.edu

Representative for: MI

Mark Emblidge Headshot
Mark Emblidge
Assistant Director Undergraduate Admissions
585-475-2386
maeadm@rit.edu

Representative for OR, WA

Mark Muenzer Headshot
Mark Muenzer
Senior Associate Director
585-475-2031
mxmadm@rit.edu

Representative for Canada

Michael Navarrete Headshot
Michael Navarrete
Admissions Counselor
585-475-6622
mfnadm@rit.edu

Representative for NM, FL, GA

Molly Lane Headshot
Molly Lane
Assistant Director Undergraduate Admissions
585-475-2612
meladm@rit.edu

Representative for AR, CO, IA

Salvatore Mazzara Headshot
Salvatore Mazzara
Admissions Counselor
585-475-2345
shmadm@rit.edu

Representative for DE, NJ, PA (Central and Eastern)

Samantha Tasciotti Headshot
Samantha Tasciotti
Admissions Counselor
585-475-6631
sjtadm@rit.edu

Representative for MA, ME, NE, NH

Sarah Burke Headshot
Sarah Burke
Assistant Director
swboce@rit.edu

Representative for KY, TN, NC, SC

SueLynn Hauer Headshot
SueLynn Hauer
Senior Associate Director
585-475-5505
slladm@rit.edu

Representative for AK, HI

Sally Douglas Headshot
Sally Douglas
Senior Associate Director
585-475-5497
smdadm@rit.edu

Representative for NY (Rochester City, Buffalo City, Syracuse City)

Therese Tomanovich Headshot
Therese Tomanovich
Assistant Director
585-475-2283
tdtadm@rit.edu

Representative for IL, KS, WI, NY (Greater Rochester, Finger Lakes, Central NY, Capital Region, Northern NY, Southern Tier)

Stay Connected

Undergraduate Admissions

Bausch and Lomb Center
60 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York 14623-5604
Getting to Admissions and Aid 
Staff Directory

admissions@rit.edu
585-475-6631
585-475-7424
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