Paving the Way to Higher Education: Direct Admissions at RHS

Excitement is brewing once again as Richfield High School enters its second year of participation in the Direct Admissions program, in partnership with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. As they prepare to graduate this spring, seniors at Richfield High School have the opportunity to apply to various colleges and universities for free – knowing they have already been accepted! 

Direct Admissions is a collaborative effort between the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, the Minnesota Department of Education, selected high schools and participating colleges and universities. It is designed to make college more accessible and simplify the journey to higher education. Its mission is clear: to ensure that all graduating high school students understand that they qualify for admission to a range of Minnesota colleges and universities. 

What's the catch? There isn't one! In this program, students who are on track to graduate are automatically accepted into a selection of colleges and universities based on their academic performance. For these colleges and universities, students no longer need to worry about hefty application fees or receiving rejection letters.

The path to college couldn't be smoother. During the first week of October, all eligible seniors received an email with a list of the colleges to which they've already been granted admission. 

Seniors: what’s next?

1. Knowledge is Power: Learn more about Direct Admissions on the Career & College Readiness web page and the MN Office of Higher Education website. Here, you'll find everything you need to know about the program's details and its immense benefits.
2. Explore Your Options: Read through your personal list of colleges that have granted you admission. Research the colleges you are interested in attending, and consider using the college search tool at MyHigherEd.mn.gov to compare colleges, program offerings, institution sizes, tuition and more. Schedule campus visits to your top choices and don't hesitate to ask questions. Finally, pick one or more of the colleges that spark your interest, and prepare to take the next steps.
3. Confirm Your Interest: To cement your place at these institutions, head over to the Google form linked in the notification email. This is where you'll confirm your intent to enroll. It's a simple step but a significant one. 
4. Get Prepared: Monitor the email account that you used when you completed your Direct Admission Google form. You can expect that the colleges that you expressed interest in will email you within a week or so with next steps. While you wait, keep in mind that different colleges may require different application materials, such as essays or transcripts. Request that your transcript be sent on your behalf by completing this Google form. 
5. Time to Apply: Follow the next steps provided to you by the colleges you indicated on your Google form, and make sure to complete your application! Remember that, while application fees are waived through Direct Admissions, application deadlines remain in place. Review each college's application deadline and ensure you submit your applications on time.
6. Review Your Financial Aid Options: Worried about the cost of college? Financial assistance is within reach through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act. Completing your FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application will open doors to financial aid opportunities that can ease the burden of college expenses. RHS will host a financial aid night in December where a financial aid expert will be available to answer questions and walk families through the application processes. Keep an eye on the school calendar and Spartan News for more information.

Ms. Whalen in the Career & College Readiness Center and the class of 2024 counselor, Ms. Jastrow, are available to answer any questions and support you in every way possible.

In the end, Direct Admissions isn't just about college acceptance; it's about opening doors to a world of possibilities, providing students with every opportunity for success, and proving that each and every one of our seniors is, indeed, college material.