Frequently Asked Questions

• Does URI offer application fee waivers?
  The Common Application outlines several circumstances that may qualify you to receive a fee waiver. URI also offers school-specific fee waivers to veterans and students applying to the Talent Development program. If one of these options pertains to you, please select it on the Common Application, and a waiver will be applied automatically.
• Will I need to send my scores to URI if I’m admitted? 
  We do not require students to submit standardized test scores after acceptance.
• Will I need to submit my test scores for merit scholarships or Honors consideration?
  All applicants will be considered for merit scholarships and our Honors program regardless of whether they have submitted test scores.
• Am I required to submit my completed STARS record?
  Applicants no longer need to complete their STARS Record. When students apply, they will be prompted to send their official transcripts to the Office of Admission. Once we receive these transcripts, we use them to complete the STARS Record. Students will have the option to log into their STARS Record to verify that their transcripts were successfully processed.
• Do you accept a GED or other high school equivalency tests?
  As part of our holistic review, the URI Office of Undergraduate Admission considers the context of high school equivalency testing to evaluate the maturity and motivation of applicants. This includes the reason the applicant pursued equivalency testing and the applicant’s life experiences, such as military or work experience. While high school equivalency tests are accepted, we require a GED score between 165-174, as well as additional evidence of college readiness, such as high school coursework and community college courses. Students who have been out of school for less than 3 years apply as first-year students and must still submit official high school transcripts and meet the required 18 units of college preparatory work as listed on the first-year admission page.
• What other factors will weigh into my admission/scholarship decision?
  We encourage all applicants to take the most challenging courses they can comfortably handle. Many successful applicants have taken some honors and/or AP/IB/dual enrollment courses, which can increase the likelihood of admission and/or scholarship and honors awarding. We also consider your involvement and leadership in school and community, your special talents and contributions, your essay, and your letters of recommendation. Your senior year course selection will also be a factor, so we advise you to continue to take challenging courses, including additional years of college-preparatory math, science, social science, foreign language, and humanities courses.
• My school doesn’t provide class rank. Will that hurt my chances of being admitted or receiving a scholarship?
  No. Most of our applicants come from schools that don’t provide rank, so this won’t be a problem for you.
• How do I receive credit for dual enrollment, AP, IB, A Levels, etc.?
  All transcripts must be sent to URI directly from the college through which the credit was earned or from the official examination board(s). Course equivalencies are based on a determination by department faculty responsible for instruction in the subject area. A list of pre-approved credits can be accessed by visiting The University of Rhode Island Transferology Database. To learn more, visit our Advanced Credit/Dual Enrollment page.

Protecting Visiting Minors

The University welcomes thousands of prospective students and young visitors to campus each year. Anyone who observes, overhears, or becomes aware of information suggesting that a minor may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse has a legal and ethical responsibility to report those concerns. The following information outlines Rhode Island reporting requirements and University reporting procedures. [See the University’s Duty to Report requirements and reporting procedures in the Policy on Protecting Minors.]