Student
Eligibility

First-Year Applicants

Most applicants have a minimum recalculated GPA of 2.5 by the end of their junior year of high school and have a minimum of 13 core college preparatory units: 

• 4 units in English
• 3 units in mathematics including Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry.
  We require standard, college preparatory Algebra 1 and 2, which cover the full content of this subject matter; courses such as “Algebra 2 with Financial Applications,” or “Algebra 2 with Personal Finance” do not satisfy our minimum math requirement.
• 2 units in physical or natural science with at least one lab
• 2 units of the same foreign language. STAMPS test accepted.
• 2 units in history or social science

The Office of Admission conducts a holistic review of applicants. These are some of the characteristics of students admitted to the program. 

1. The student may not meet the traditional admission requirements for URI (or for specific academic programs). This includes factors such as high school GPA, the rigor and level of coursework completed, and total academic units, particularly for competitive programs.
2. First-Generation College Status: In many cases, neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
3. Support Needs: Based on the Admission counselor’s assessment, the student may benefit from the additional mentoring and support services offered through the TD Program to promote college success. 

Transfer Applicants (CCRI only)

Transfer applicants from the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) must satisfy the 13 core college preparatory units (through high school and/or CCRI), earn 24–30 transferable credits, and have a minimum college GPA of 2.3.

Applicants with a GED

The above requirements and a college-ready GED score between 165-174.

Residency Requirements

To be considered for the Talent Development Program (TD), you must meet the following residency requirements:

• You are a U.S. citizen or currently holding a U.S. permanent resident card (a “Green Card”)
  and
• You are a legal resident of the State of Rhode Island and have resided in Rhode Island for 12 continuous months.

Have questions?

Contact Talent Development Admission Officer, Vianka Hiciano.

Required
Materials

It is the applicant’s responsibility to request these documents. Your school counselors can assist you in submitting the following documents electronically via the Common Application.

• Completed STARS Record (formerly known as SRAR/SSAR) in the URI applicant portal. If you attend a school with proficiency-based grading or narrative transcripts, then please list your course titles and use pass or fail to indicate the grade you received. 
• Official high school transcript(s).
  • CCRI applicants must use the URI Transfer Application and submit their CCRI transcript.
  • Official copy of GED scores (if applicable)
• Letter of recommendation
• TD essay

TD Essay

The TD essay should address why the student feels they are eligible for the TD program, and explain how the program’s opportunities will help them achieve their academic, professional, or personal goals. The essay should include aspects of the student’s lived experience, for example:

• Any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences or opportunities relevant to their academic journey.
• Challenges and/or obligations they have had to address in order to achieve their educational goals.

Application
Process

First-year students apply to TD through the Common Application. CCRI transfer students apply to TD through the URI Transfer Application.

• Check the box on the Common Application to indicate interest in TD and enter the fee waiver code: RI00000000+TD=fall2026. CCRI transfer students and those not currently enrolled in school should contact the TD office at 401-874-2901 to obtain a code.
• TD students must submit a supplemental essay that clearly addresses their interest in being considered for TD.

Financial
Aid

Admission and enrollment in the TD program is not based on income. Not all TD students receive financial assistance.

Eligible TD Scholars may be awarded the need-based Hardge/Forleo Grant or the Onward We Learn Grant. These grants are designated to cover tuition expenses only. 

 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Financial aid awards (state and federal student grants, loans, and work-study) are based on demonstrated financial need. All TD applicants must complete the FAFSA; URI Enrollment Services uses this data to determine financial aid eligibility. Signed copies of parent/guardian and/or student tax forms and other documents may be required to finalize the student’s award.

FAFSA Help

For help with filing the FAFSA, students may contact their guidance office. In addition, the RI Educational Opportunity Center (401-455-6028) and the College Planning Center of Rhode Island (401-736-3170) assist with FAFSA submission.

Enrollment
Requirements

To successfully enroll in TD after acceptance, students must:

• Attend the mandatory TD Spring Preparatory Program on March 14, 2026.*
• Attend one of the URI Welcome Days (March/April). Submit an Intent to Enroll Form by May 1.**

* Failure to attend the PREP program will result in the revocation of the student’s admission decision.
** Submission of the Intent to Enroll form is required for enrollment in the TD program. Failure to submit the form by the deadline will result in the revocation of admission.

URI New Student Orientation

All entering TD Scholars are required to attend New Student Orientation before the start of the Summer Success Program.

TD Summer Success Program

Participate in the TDSSP from July 5–August 14, 2026. Students are required to live on campus and participate in college transition activities in person. Successful completion of this program is required to be fully admitted in the fall semester.

There is no fee charged for participation in the Summer Success Program.

Academic
Support

Through an assigned team member, TD provides intensive academic advising and key support services.

During the academic year, TD Scholars must:

• Be full-time (enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits).
• Reside on the Kingston campus until the end of their first year.
• Meet with their assigned TD Advisor.
• Remain in good academic standing (with a cumulative average of 2.0 or higher) to be eligible for the need-based Hardge/Forleo Grant.