Preparatory Enrollment Program

Student outside RIC building with backpack on

The Preparatory Enrollment Program (PEP) was established on RIC’s campus in 1972. The program supports Rhode Island first-generation high school seniors in their admission to the college and throughout their development as a RIC student.

Learn More About How to Apply for the Program

Students can apply to the program via RIC's Common Application. The deadline to apply is March 15th of your senior year. Students must confirm their enrollment in PEP by May 1st.

Apply Through the RIC Common Application

To be considered for PEP, Rhode Island high school seniors can indicate their interest on the student status tab under the questions section on the common app.

To apply for the application waiver, students will select PEP on the question, “do you qualify for any of the following Rhode Island College application fee waivers?”

Get More Details about PEP

The Preparatory Enrollment Program places a strong emphasis on first-year support services to lay the foundation for student success. PEP students engage in a summer transition program, individual advising, and weekly programming in an affirming environment that values the diversity of individual experiences and honors the legacy of first-generation students.

To confirm your enrollment in the program once you have been accepted, please fill out the survey.

“The PEP program provided me with a community and the support I needed at RIC during my first year. I made a bond with other students during the summer, and my advisor is helpful whenever I have questions or need assistance with anything.”
– PEP Student

Enrollment Activities in 3 Phases

April/May During Senior Year

Group Enrollment Meetings

Incoming PEP Scholars will participate in a group enrollment meeting to review essential information regarding the transition to college. Students may bring a parent or guardian to the enrollment meeting and are encouraged to ask any questions that they have about the program or about RIC. The meeting is an opportunity for scholars to begin to meet their peers and build a community.

Early June

PEP Welcome Day and New Student Orientation

Attend the PEP Welcome day which is an experience where students participate in team building activities to get to know their peers, take the math placement test, and pick their summer courses. Students will also attend New Student Orientation designed to familiarize students with the campus facilities, college resources and services. Students will also select their fall classes during Orientation.

End of June–First Week in August

Summer Bridge Program

The Summer Bridge Program includes these courses, services, and events:

Math 010

Based on the Math Placement results; students will have the option to enroll in Math 010 at no cost. PEP will provide the textbooks and materials for the course.

General Education Courses

Students will have the opportunity to take a general education course(s) during the summer. Based on their Math placement students will either take one college general education course or two. The courses offered are FYW 100, Psych 110, Math 139, and Math 120.

Pre-Fall Advising

Students meet with their PEP advisor to review fall course schedules and set goals, as well as discuss financial aid and/or billing questions.

PEP Community Events

During the summers you will participate in community meetings, the Annual Summer BBQs, and other weekly team building activities to ensure students have the chance to form a connection to each other and the RIC community.

Please Note: The Summer Bridge program is funded by Rhode Island College and is at no cost to the student. To be fully enrolled as a PEP student you must participate in Summer Bridge.