Q: Who is eligible for the Return to College program?
A: The Return to College (RTC) program is eligible to adult learners, 25 years or older, whose undergraduate education was interrupted and who now propose to finish a bachelor of arts degree by enrolling part time in fewer than 12 credits per semester. All applicants must have successfully completed at least one year of college level work or the equivalent. RTC candidates must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents.
Q: What are the application requirements?
A: The following is a checklist to help you complete your application:
- Common Application for Transfer Admission
- College Report (learn more)
- Official transcript(s) of all college work to date
- Official final high school transcript (or official proof of graduation such as a GED)
- Faculty recommendation (1 required, 2 recommended). Applicants who have been out of school for a significant period of time may submit professional letters of recommendation instead.
- Mid-term grade report if currently enrolled at another college or university (learn more)
- If English is not your native language: the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE is required (learn more)
- Financial aid application (if applicable; for further details)
Q: What are the application and notification deadlines?
A: The deadline for fall semester is April 1, with a notification by mid-May. The deadline for spring semester is November 1, with notification by mid-December.
Q: I graduated high school over 20 years ago; must I send my high school transcript?
A: Yes, all applicants to Connecticut College must send their high school transcripts.
Q: Are interviews required for RTC applicants?
A: RTC interviews are not available prior to the application deadline. After applications are submitted and reviewed, some RTC candidates may be asked to come to campus for an interview.
Q: I have not been enrolled in college for over five years; can I still apply?
A: Yes, but we recommend that you enroll in a few academic classes at a local community college in order to make your application more competitive. We do consider work, family and volunteer experiences when evaluating a RTC application but a student's academic preparation and motivation is a critical aspect of the admission process.
Q: I have not been enrolled in college for several years, am I required to submit academic letters of recommendation?
A: RTC applicants who have been away from college for several years are welcome to submit professional recommendations in place of academic (faculty) recommendations.
Q: Can international students apply for the RTC Program?
A: No, students who are not United States citizens or permenent residents are ineligible for the RTC program and cannot apply.
Q: What is the tuition for RTC students?
A: RTC students take fewer than 12 credit hours per semester and are charged per 4 credit course. Tuition details may be found on the Bursar website.
Q: Can RTC students live on campus?
A: There is no campus housing available for RTC students.
Q: What social and extracurricular activities are open to RTC students?
A: All the activities available to students of traditional-age are available to RTC students.