Apply to RVCC
We STRONGLY recommend that you apply at our group application workshop, held each February. RVCC Staff will assist our students in completing the application properly, and will waive the application fee for all applicants.
Otherwise, Click here to apply now
Application Tips:
Use a PERSONAL email. Do not use your HTPS email.
Be sure that you check off "full-time".
If you think you want to transfer to four year college someday, you want to pick a major that starts with "Transfer" (except Nursing). If you need help determining which major to put, contact Mrs. Thomson.
2. Access your acceptance letter and Lions Den login information
Within 3 days of applying, you will receive an email with a link to log back into the application site. Remember this email will go to your PERSONAL email.
Log back in to the application portal to access your acceptance letter, which includes your G number (RVCC ID number), RVCC email address, and your RVCC password.
3. Determine Your Placement
Click here for placement information
Placement Tests Offered:
English (Reading and Writing) - Used to place into remedial or English Composition I
Math - 2 tests -- Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics is used for the lower level math classes. Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions is used to place into Calculus.
Math Placement:
Students are automatically placed based on the grade in their most recent math class OR their SAT/ACT results. You will enter this info into the application.
Click here and view the Math information for details.
If your SAT/ACT results result in a higher placement than your most recent course grade, you will need to send your SAT/ACT scores to RVCC. Email a copy of your score report to admissions@raritanval.edu.
If you don't like your placement, you can take a placement test (Accuplacer) at RVCC (directions below)
English Placement: If you have any of the following, you will be placed into ENGL 111 (regular English Composition).
SAT EBRW >= 450 OR
ACT Reading >= 24 OR
NJGPA - ELA (Taken in Gr 11/12) >=725
You must send a copy of your score report to admissions@raritanval.edu. If you do not have your NJGPA score report, please contact your school counselor, Mrs. Thomson or Mrs. Mayo.
If you do not meet those scores, you will need to take the English or ESL placement test unless you have:
An AP Lang or Lit score of 3 or better
Have taken and passed concurrent enrollment English
Scheduling a Placement Test
If you need (or want) to take a placement test, you must schedule the test, and go take that test at RVCC.
Click here, and click on Prepare for the Placement Test.
Click the green button to schedule an appointment. You need your G number (from your acceptance letter) to schedule.
Note: The Math and Reading placement tests are untimed. The Writing test IS timed. If you have a 504 or IEP with extended time accommodations and believe you will need extended time for the Writing placement test, you should FIRST apply for accommodations through the Center for Accessibility and Inclusive Education.
Submitting Scores to RVCC: (Note: Mrs. Thomson has submitted scores for students who applied to RVCC during the school day at HHS)
SAT: Download the score report pdf (with your first and last name on report) from College Board at https://www.collegeboard.org/ Save the pdf to your desktop or download folder. Email the score report to RVCC at admissions@raritanval.edu. Include your G Number and full name in the email.
ACT: Download the score report pdf (with your first and last name on report) from ACT at http://www.act.org/ Save the pdf to your desktop or download folder. Email the score report to RVCC at admissions@raritanval.edu. Include your G Number and full name in the email.
NJGPA: Send a scanned copy of your score report to RVCC at admissions@raritanval.edu. Include your G Number and full name in the email. If you no longer have your copy, contact your School Counselor, Mrs. Thomson, or Mrs. Mayo.
3. Apply for Financial Aid
File the FAFSA (US citizens, permanent residents; RVCC's school code is 007731) or NJ Alternative Aid Application (some undocumented students)
If your family income is <$65,000, you may be eligible to attend RVCC for free using the Community College Opportunity Grant!
Learn about scholarships at RVCC
Some lower-income families may also be eligible for EOF.
4. Register for classes
After completing placement, you will receive an email to sign up for a Raritan Orientation Advising and Registration Session (ROARS). This is when you will meet with an advisor and sign up for classes. Sessions usually begin around April and are ongoing. Earlier registrants will have more options in terms of class meeting days and times - so don't wait until August to do this!
Helpful Resources:
List of Majors and Degree Plans
NjTransfer.org - If you are planning to transfer to a 4-year school in NJ, you can see NOW what courses you need to take to ensure that your classes transfer, and you fill most of your core requirements at the four-year school (while also filling the requirements at RV). I like to use the "Transfer Programs" link to get a recommended plan.
5. Submit your final transcript and immunization record
Final Transcript Requests: In late May, Mrs. Thomson will ask all students to complete a survey indicating their plans for after graduation. We will use this survey to send your final transcript. You don't need to do anything else, but DO THE SURVEY.
Immunization Records: You should obtain these records from your personal physician, if possible. You can also contact the school nurse if necessary, who may have your records on file.
Access more details about immunization requirements and download the required form
Students with Disabilities
Once you apply to RVCC, you can move forward to get support from the RVCC Center for Accessibility and Inclusive Education.
RVCC Center for Accessibility and Inclusive Education
If you will be required to take a placement test, and usually get accommodations on testing, be sure to go through the Disability Services process first.
At the link above, set up an intake appointment. You will need your most recent IEP or 504, along with other required documentation. What you need will depend on your specific disability. Students with IEPs can contact your HHS case manager to get copies of diagnostic testing results from your most recent testing.
Honors College
RVCC has an excellent Honors College that provides challenging courses, a dedicated advisor, and a close-knit group of students who take classes together.
Admission Criteria: You must have two of the following:
Rank in top 20% of your graduating class (weighted GPA around 98+)
An unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.50+ (90+)
A cumulative SAT score of 1100+ (including 550+ in Math & 450+ in Evidence-Based Reading & Writing); an aggregate ACT score of 26+ (including a 24+ in Reading and a 23+ in Math) or satisfactory score on the RVCC Math & English Placement Test. NOTE: For the Fall 2022 application cycle, the Honors College will be test-optional. For applicants who either did not test or choose not submit ACT/SAT scores, additional emphasis will be placed on the student’s co-curricular activities and/or volunteer participation.
Application Deadline: June 1, but apply ASAP.
How to Apply: Click here for details. You will need 2 letters of recommendation.