RIT/NTID Freshman Undergraduate Application
How to Apply
First-Year Students
Start an Application
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 Your Application
With an RIT admissions account, you can monitor your application, submit a portfolio (if required), apply for the Performing Arts Scholarship, receive your admissions decision, and more.
If you need to change your submitted application, do not submit a new application. Please email ntidadmissions@rit.edu with your request (e.g. change academic program choices, switch to Early Decision, change your term, withdraw application, etc).
Application Timeline
You may submit your fall application starting on August 1. Spring Semester or Summer Term applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
If RIT is your first choice university, there are many benefits to applying with one of our Friendly Early Decision plans. Learn more about Friendly Early Decision Benefits
|
Timeline |
Early Decision I | Early Decision II | Early Action | Regular Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | November 1 | January 1 | November 1 | January 15 |
| RIT Financial Aid Application Recommended Filing Date | No longer required - learn more | No longer required - learn more | N/A | N/A |
| FAFSA Recommended Filing Date | As soon as possible | January 1 | January 15 | January 15 |
| Admission Decision Notification | Mid-December | Mid-January | Late-January | Mid-March |
| $500 Deposit Deadline - Pay Deposit | January 15 | February 15 | May 1 | May 1 |
Admission applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Completing the FAFSA by the recommended deadline ensures timely delivery of your financial aid offer, allowing you time to make an informed enrollment decision.
Applying Early
Is RIT one of your top choices? If you act sooner, you will know earlier. Consider applying for one of our early plans – Early Decision I, II, or Early Action. You will receive an admissions decision and financial aid offer earlier than Regular Decision applicants.
Early Decision I is for students who are certain RIT is their top choice. Apply by November 1 to:
- Receive the earliest possible decision by mid-December
- Stand out in a small pool of applicants and benefit from higher acceptance rates, especially for competitive majors
- Get a full review of your scholarship and financial aid eligibility before committing
- Wrap up your college search early – if accepted, you'll commit to RIT by January 15 and stress less during your senior year
Early Decision II is a second round of application review for students who discover that RIT is their top choice after the Early Decision I deadline has passed.
Apply by January 1 if you like all the reasons listed in Early Decision I and would like to be considered for the second round. If accepted, you'll commit to RIT by February 15 and stress less during your senior year.
Early Action is for students who are excited about RIT and ready to apply early and hear back sooner. Apply by Nov. 1 to
- Receive your decision by late-January
- Show your interest in RIT without having to commit early
- Get your scholarship and financial aid offer before Regular Decision applicants
- Have until May 1 to make your final decision
Academic Preparation and Requirements
Most deaf and hard-of-hearing students applying to RIT choose a specific major as part of the admission process. In addition, all colleges offer exploration programs if you're unsure which major best fits your career goals. Given the variety of majors, admission requirements and entrance exam score ranges will vary from one major to another.
Learn more about the variety of academic opportunities available to deaf and hard-of-hearing students at RIT.
Most students applying to RIT choose a specific major as part of the admission process. In addition, undecided career exploration programs are available to explore major options, and the School of Individualized Study can help you design a major around your interests if they don’t fit into a single degree program or college. Given the variety of majors, admission requirements and entrance exam score ranges will vary from one major to another.
Degree Specific Admissions Requirements (including SAT and ACT mid 50% range)
Test Optional Information
RIT is "Test Optional". This means submitting SAT or ACT scores as part of your application is not required. You can choose whether or not you'd like to submit them. It's entirely up to you! On the Common Application or RIT Application, you'll have the option to include test scores. If you do not include them as part of your application, RIT will not see your scores (even if you've taken a test).
Wondering how RIT will make admissions decisions without requiring test scores?
RIT will continue to review applications with a holistic approach, taking all of the applicant’s credentials into account. For applicants requesting to be reviewed without test scores, the admissions committee will continue to look at all factors of a student's application including grades earned in academic coursework; performance in honors, IB/AP courses; regents coursework and exams (for NYS residents), essay/personal statement; letters or recommendation, involvement in activities; and other achievements, along with a portfolio for those students applying to one of RIT’s BFA degrees in the Schools of Art & Design and Film & Animation. In the absence of test scores, more weight will be placed upon the overall grade performance and other items mentioned above.