Preparing for College

Admissions

Nobody told me...

I need to fill out an application form. (In-State residents can complete our New Student Enrollment Form)
I need proof (such as a driver’s license or a utility bill) that I am a resident of District 521 (RLC’s District) to be eligible for in-district tuition.
I must have my high school and college transcripts sent to RLC’s Student Records Office.
If I decide to use my Social Security number as an identifying number, I need to make sure that I use my correct Social Security number on all documents.
It is acceptable to NOT have a major during my freshman year.
RLC’s nursing programs are selective admissions programs and have specific admission requirements. If I am interested in the nursing program, I should contact the Allied Health Division, ext. 1251.

Advisement

Nobody told me...

It is a good idea to see an advisor before registration each semester. View our complete list of academic advisors.
Classmates are not advisors.
The catalog contains information about ALL classes and programs of study offered at RLC.
Withdrawals will not affect my GPA, but they may affect my financial aid.
The Associate in Arts (AA) and the Associate in Science (AS) degrees are different.
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree can transfer. Check with your advisor for transferability to a four-year institution.
I need to fulfill the constitution requirement to complete my Associate Degree, including the AAS.
I need to APPLY FOR GRADUATION the semester before I plan to graduate.
My GPA can affect: graduation, future college enrollment, scholarship applications, jobs, etc.

Registration/Enrollment

Nobody told me...

The first time I register, I need to complete all enrollment procedures in person.
I need RLC placement test scores or ACT scores and any college transcripts on file with RLC before enrolling in classes.
Schedules are available before enrollment begins, both in paper copy and online.
Students are responsible for enrolling, dropping and withdrawing from classes.
Dropping a class and withdrawing from a class are two different things.
I will be dropped from my courses for non-payment. Students receiving aid should always contact the Financial Aid Office when registering to be certain that their paperwork is complete.
I should not assume that I will be dropped from my courses for not attending.
All of my fines and balances must be paid before I can enroll.
If I get dropped for non-payment, I will have to pay a $25 service charge before I can re-enroll.

Financial Aid

Nobody told me...

I need to apply for financial aid each year, preferably early in the year.
I do not need to be a full-time student to be eligible for financial aid.
I need to go to the Financial Aid Office to check how withdrawals affect my aid before withdrawing.
Non-attendance in my classes will affect the amount of financial aid that I will be eligible to receive.

Transferring to a Four-Year University

Nobody told me...

I need to be considering attendance at a university early in my college career.
I need to contact the universities and ask them to send me their catalogs, applications, scholarship information, program specific information, housing information, etc.
While RLC advisors will assist me in choosing the appropriate transfer courses, I should contact the university where I plan to transfer and confirm these choices.
I will need to request an official transcript be sent to my transfer college.
That A.A.S. degrees can transfer to a university.

Miscellaneous

Nobody told me...

There are free tutors available for all students in the Learning Enhancement Center.
I am responsible for requesting official transcripts to be sent to other schools.
Assistance is available for veterans.
I can receive credit for volunteerism and cooperative work study programs.
To receive my diploma, I must apply for graduation. The diploma will be mailed 4-6 weeks after the end of the semester.
I can ask RL-Cares ANY question. ALL questions are valid!
Librarians are willing to help with research projects.
The Student Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook binds all students.
I need a Rend Lake College Student ID.

College Survival Guide