Student
Eligibility

First-Year Applicants

Most first-year applicants have a minimum recalculated GPA of 2.5 by the end of their junior year of high school and have at least 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 admitted TD Scholars. 

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

Prospective TD Scholars must meet the above requirements and have 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 a URI Admission Officer: admission@uri.edu

Application
Checklist

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.

• Common Application or URI Transfer Application
  • First-year students should select “Talent Development Fee Waiver” on the Common App where it asks for a school-specific fee waiver. Enter the code: URIApplyTD.
  • CCRI applicants must use the URI Transfer Application and submit their CCRI transcript.
• Official high school transcript or completed STARS Record
• Letter of recommendation
• Supplemental essay clearly addressing your reason for applying to TD
• Official copy of GED scores (if applicable)
• 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.

_______________________

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: URIApplyTD.
• TD Scholars must submit a supplemental essay that clearly addresses their interest in being considered for the program.

Financial
Aid

Admission and enrollment in the TD program is not based on income. Not all TD Scholars 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, TD Scholars must:

1. Attend the mandatory TD Spring Preparatory Program*
2. Attend one of the URI Welcome Days (March/April).
3. Submit an Intent to Enroll Form by May 1.**
4. Attend the TD Summer Success Program (Early July–mid August)

* 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.

Welcome Days for Accepted Students

Held in March and April, URI Welcome Days are your official introduction to URI. You can tour campus; learn about clubs, activities, and campus resources; meet with students and faculty from your college; register for summer Orientation, and more.

New Student Orientation

All entering TD Scholars are required to attend New Student Orientation before the start of the Summer Success Program. Held in May/June, Orientation is a full, two-day stay on campus to meet with your academic advisor, pick up your student ID, register for classes, and get to know campus.

TD Summer Success Program (TD SSP)

Participate in the TD SSP (early July–mid August). This is a free, overnight on-campus experience to get a head start on academics, connect with your advisor, get involved, and settle into your Rhody home. Your URI admission is contingent upon successful completion of the TD Summer Success Program.

The TD
Commitment

During the school year, TD provides intensive academic advising and key support services. As a TD Scholar, you commit to:

• Maintaining full-time student status (12 credits minimum)
• Living on the Kingston campus until the end of your first year
• Meeting regularly with your TD Advisor
• Remaining in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher)