Reading Area Community College (RACC, RACC, Reading Area CC) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Founded in 1971, Reading Area Community College is a comprehensive, open-enrollment institution that provides diverse associate’s degree, certificate and diploma programs, in addition to vocational training, transitional coursework, training for businesses, and public service activities. Sponsored by the Berks County Commissioners, the college is accredited by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Commission, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, Committee on the Accreditation for Respiratory Care, and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The college’s Schmidt Training and Technology Center provides valuable training in senior leadership, information technology, manufacturing technology, workplace readiness and workplace literacy. The Community Education/Workforce Development division of Reading Area Community College offers programs that include Home Health Aide, Dental Assisting, Fire and EMS Training, and Veterinary Assisting.

Reading Area Community College offers flexible class schedules that include a full daytime schedule, extended evening hours, and online learning. Faculty academic advising is available to all students. Current students who have declared a major are assigned a specific academic advisor. The Center for Academic Success (CAS) includes the tutoring center, the career center, the transfer center, Disability Services, the Keys Program, Perkins Program, and the Advantage Program. Students may also visit the Tutoring Center, where peer and professional tutors are available in writing, math, science and information technology. Tutoring services are free for students who are currently enrolled at the college, and are available on a walk-in basis. Students may also use the center to study, type papers, set up tutor-facilitated study groups, or get help in improving their study skills. The academic facilitator provides a wide variety of services to help students succeed personally and academically.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 198th in Pennsylvania and 3139th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	49.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$7,380
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	58% / 47%
Enrollment Total (all students)	4,199

Admissions

Students who wish to apply to Reading Area Community College must complete the online or print application form. There is a no application fee to apply to this college. Each applicant must also submit an official high school transcript or GED score report, an official SAT or ACT score report (optional), and any AP or college credit transcripts (where applicable). Students must also schedule an appointment to take a placement test. They should also attend a group registration session and plan to attend a new student orientation. Letters of recommendation are not required. Certain programs also have additional requirements. While students are admitted to the college all year long, prospective students should contact the school for specific deadline dates.

Adult students, non-degree seeking students, transfer students, home-schooled students, and international students may need to use different procedures, so they should refer to the university’s website or contact the Office of Admission for more information about the admissions process and application requirements. Useful statistics and dates are listed on the college’s website.

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Financial Aid

The majority of the students at Reading Area Community College receive some form of state, federal, private or institutional financial assistance. Most of the students who applied for financial aid were awarded need-based financial assistance. Forms of aid that are available for students at Reading Area Community College include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. The college also offers a limited number of scholarships and grants for students. Some are based on merit; others require applicants to demonstrate evidence of financial need. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1st each year. The priority deadline date for completing the FAFSA application is May 1. If selected for verification, students will also need to complete a Federal Verification Worksheet and/or submit additional documents.

Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance with completing the financial aid application process. Students should also note that financial aid applications must be renewed each year. Reading Area Community College also offers a deferred payment plan to help students pay any tuition charges that are not covered by financial aid.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5891st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Pennsylvania.

Students

Reading Area Community College has a very diverse student body. The majority of the students who attend Reading Area Community College are in-state students. While the college does not offer on-campus housing, the website has housing information and resources for students seeking housing near the campus. All of the students, faculty, and staff at Reading Area Community College have access to the state of the art wellness center on campus.

There are plenty of academic and social support services to help students make the transition to college. There are plenty of diverse clubs, organizations, and activities that include academic, professional, political, social, talent, athletic, student government, media, religious, service, multicultural, special interest, and honor groups. Popular organizations include the Student Government, the Alpha Sigma Rho chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the Concert Choir, the Leadership Program, the Front Street Journal, the Health Professions Club, and the International Student Club. There are also interesting recreational and cultural events held on campus throughout the year. Some popular special events are the annual golf tournaments and the annual International Festival. A complete list of activities and events is listed on the school website.

Students may also be eligible to participate in the federally-funded Advantage Program, which provides students with cultural opportunities that include discounted or free tickets to performances or exhibits at places like the Sovereign Center, IMAX Theater, the Miller Center for the Arts, the Franklin Institute, the Genesius Theater, the Reading Public Museum, The GoggleWorks, and Hawk Mountain. The program also includes transfer trips to four-year colleges. Students can check the college’s website for more details and eligibility requirements.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The athletic teams at Reading Area Community College are known as the Ravens. The following sports can be found at this school:

Men’s Intercollegiate and Men’s Intramural Basketball
Men’s Intercollegiate and Women’s Intercollegiate Cross Country
Men’s Intercollegiate Soccer
Women’s Intercollegiate Volleyball

Bibliography

Reading Area Community College . Reading Area Community College . 2011. Web. 23 May 2011.

Schwartz, Jill. Two-Year Colleges 2010. Lawrenceville: Peterson’s, 2009.

Reading Area Community College