Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions/ Registration
Bookstore
Career Services
College at Home
International Students
Transcripts

Categories

Admissions and Registration

If I am taking only one course must I complete an application?
Yes. The application provides us with the necessary information to establish a permanent record for you.
Am I required to submit copies of transcripts?
If you applying as a degree candidate then you are required to submit an official copy of your high school or GED transcript and official copies of post secondary colleges or universities you attended.
If you are applying as a non-degree candidate, transcripts are not required for admission purposes. However, if you attended a college or university, an "unofficial" copy should be brought with you at the time of registration.
Do I have to take the college placement test?
The Placement test is required for all incoming students who have not had freshman college English and Math and received a "C" grade or higher. Students must provide proof of completion of both courses either prior to or at the time of registration in order to be waived from taking the placement test.
I am a transient student enrolled at another college what do I need to provide in order to register?
You will need to bring with you one of the following at the time you register: An unofficial copy of your transcript or grade report that has a freshman English and Math course with a C grade or higher or a course approval form from your college indicating that a representative from your college/university has approved your course for transfer.
How long will it take for my acceptance?
Because the college has an open admission policy, all students are accepted to the college. A formal acceptance letter is mailed within two weeks of receipt of your application. Acceptance to selective programs of study e.g., Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing, are based on completion of application materials and review by a nursing selection committee.
Must I attend orientation?
All new students (with the exception of applicants applying for the summer term) are required to attend orientation. Orientation if a very important part of your college experience. At orientation you will be provided with an overview of services, student ID Card and parking permit.
Will the course(s) I take at Reading Area Community College transfer?
Reading Area Community College is a fully accredited institution of higher learning. The College has transfer agreements with a number of colleges and universities. It is in the best interest of the student to contact the college/university he/she is thinking about transferring to and request information on transfer. To secure your academic passport e-mail our Transfer Center or call 610-372-4721 x5067.
What are the office hours of the admissions office?
The Admissions Office hours are:
Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM, and Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The office is located in Berks Hall, Room 121.

Transcripts

What is the procedure for getting an official copy of my transcript?

Please visit this link for complete details

Bookstore

Can I use my financial aid to purchase books?
Yes.
When are bookstore charges available?
Bookstore charges usually begin about one week prior to the start of every term.
Does the bookstore sell/buy used books?
Yes. We will buy back books and pay up to 50% of the retail book price providing the textbook: 1) has been requested by faculty for next term; 2) is needed to fulfill next terms enrollment; 3) is in reusable condition. Our goal is to buy back as many of your books at 50% as possible.
Does the bookstore rent videos for the telecourses?
Yes, there is a $75.00 deposit for the rental, and $60.00 is returned to you if the tapes are returned within two weeks of the end of the term and the tapes are reusable.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes.

Career Services

I am undecided about my career choice. What should I do?
We recommend that you meet with a counselor and use the DISCOVER interest inventory. The inventory will give you some career suggestions. Talk to a counselor to discuss these options and determine your next steps.
Can I still use the services provided by the Career Services Office after I graduate?
Of course. RACC graduates can use the Career Center library, see a career counselor, access the weekly job list, have their resumes critiqued, and take advantage of any other services offered by the Career Services staff.
My company would like to hire some of your students. How can we recruit at RACC?
To schedule a visit to the campus or send us a job opening - email or call 610-607-6246, or fax 610-607-6238.

International Students

What are the Housing accommodations at Reading Area Community College (RACC)?
RACC is a commuter college with no dormitories. Students find local housing of all types through Realty services and referrals. The Reading area is one of the most affordable housing markets in the country, and most students can walk or take a bus to campus. There is a regular bus service in the area and to major cities.
How much will a RACC education cost? Is there any financial aid available?
There is no financial aid available, but students find part-time positions on campus. However, the cost for a year at RACC is far less than most universities, and students find an economical way to earn an associate's degree or transfer credits toward as bachelor's degree.
Can I transfer to another college to pursue higher degrees from RACC?
Yes. Your degree form RACC will transfer to any bachelor's degree granting university. Additionally, RACC has articulation agreements with four neighboring colleges - Albright College, Alvernia College, Kutztown University, and Penn State University - guaranteeing acceptance into their bachelor's degree programs form RACC.
Will I find international students and services at RACC?
Yes. RACC has an active and growing international student community, from all over the world. There is an International Student Advisor in the Admissions Office devoted to assisting you in your application, answering your questions about your stay in Pennsylvania, and advising you in your academic program. There are monthly International Forums, a Multicultural Festival, a busy International Students club, and numerous grocery stores, restaurants, and local international organizations serving the thriving ethnic communities of Reading.
I am already in this country on another visa. Can I change to a student visa?
Yes. Your RACC International Student Advisor can assist you with the proper procedures to file a change-of-status or reinstatement application with the US Immigration and Naturalization Service. Your advisor can also assist holders of visas other than student visas on course selection and admission to RACC.
What kinds of degree programs are available at RACC?
RACC has dozens of degree programs. Some with the largest enrollments are: Registered Nursing, Business Administration, Psychology/Social Work Transfer, Computer Information Services, Liberal Arts transfer, and pre-professional programs such as Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Premedical, and Pre-pharmacy transfer.
What is the Eastern Pennsylvania region like?
RACC is nested at the edge of Reading, a city of 80,000 people, alongside the Schuylkill River. The city is home to a diverse resident community with a thriving cultural life. You will find international menus in Reading restaurants and shops! Additionally, RACC is surrounded by lovely suburban towns and the whole is ringed by beautiful farmland. Berks County is known as the "Outlet Capital of the World" and lies within the Pennsylvania Dutch heartland. RACC is one hour from Philadelphia, and two hours from either New York City or Washington, DC.

College @ Home (telecourses)

Do I need Comcast Cable Services to receive RACC telecourses?
No. This is the most popular method of viewing them. Some students videotape the cablecasts and later view them at their own convenience. The LRC has copies of all tapes which may be viewed in the LRC. Tapes are also available for rental in the Student Bookstore. A $75 deposit is required. $60 is refunded upon timely return of the tapes.
When do the courses begin and how long do they last?
The broadcasts purposely begin one week later then regular classes to accommodate all students. The course runs for ten weeks.
Are courses transferable?
Telecourses transfer the same as an on campus class. As with any course, you should consult the college to which they are being transferred.
How does the student ask questions of the instructor?
Each course is facilitated by a RACC instructor who holds regular office hours for call-in questions and personal appointments. There are also several on-campus sessions in which the class meets the instructor as well as fellow students.
How much does a telecourse cost?
A telecourse costs the same an on-campus course with an additional $20 Telecourse fee.
Are there written assignments?
Depending on the professor, there are usually written assignments which are either mailed, faxed, emailed, or handed in personally.
Are there tests and exams?
Yes. Exams and tests are taken in the Yocum Library Testing Center. The testing center has varied hours during the week and Saturday to accommodate all students, schedules.
Whom should I contact with further questions?
Coordinator of Special Programs.
610-607-6219 or 1-800-626-1665 ext. 6219

Reading Area Community College
Ten South Second Street, P.O. Box 1706
Reading, PA 19603-1706, 610-372-4721 or 800-626-1665
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680, 215.662.5606