Steps to Become an RCTC Student

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Here are the steps to complete your Rochester Community and Technical College enrollment. Remember, there are application and enrollment deadlines, so earlier is better!

Complete these steps to become a student at RCTC.

1. Apply to Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC)

All those who have earned a high school diploma or GED will be admitted to Rochester Community and Technical College. We encourage you to apply for admission up to one full year before the semester you plan to enroll at RCTC. Early applicants get priority for testing and registration. There is NO application fee at RCTC!

If you need assistance choosing a program of study (academic major), be sure to check out our Focus2 platform to find a pathway for you.

NOTE: PSEO and International Student Application deadlines are different than the deadlines stated above. Please refer to the Application Deadlines page for more specific information.

Persons who are in the United States as permanent residents (“Green Card” holders) or hold refugee/asylee status may follow the General Application for Admission process.

2. Activate your StarID

The StarID is a username with the goal of replacing your many login IDs with one ID, one password, everywhere. Once you activate it, you can use your StarID and password anywhere that accepts StarID. It is unique across the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, so you can use it at more than one school.

If you have problems activating or accessing your StarID, please contact the Technology Support Help Desk at 507-536-5555 or stop by their office in the Welcome and One Stop Center. Please do NOT create a new StarID.

3. Provide Course Placement and Eligibility Materials

All new students need to be placed in the proper English, Reading, or Math courses.

To help place you in the appropriate courses, please submit one or more of the items listed below. This is a required step before attending Thrive in the Hive orientation.

Test Scores less than 5 years old (ACT, SAT, MCA): You can email us a copy of your unofficial scores, or request official scores from ACT or College Board (SAT). Minnesota students with MCA test scores can retrieve unofficial scores from your high school portal. PSEO students should submit 10th Grade Reading MCA scores.

High School Transcript (contact your high school for instructions to request a transcript): Submit your transcript with GPA visible. If your transcript does not include test scores, be sure to submit those separately. If you have already submitted a final transcript, you won’t need to send another one.

College Transcripts: If you’ve completed college-level English, Reading, or Math, send your official transcripts. Evaluations take about 2 weeks and you’ll receive an email once your placement is updated.

Students who do not have placement materials listed above need to take an Accuplacer placement test through RCTC’s Testing Center. Details, including the placement testing calendar, are located on the Testing Center’s webpage.

4. Complete Thrive in the Hive (orientation)

All new, degree-seeking students for Fall 2026 must complete the New Student Orientation course through D2L (Desire 2 Learn/Brightspace) called Thrive in the Hive. Admitted students will be enrolled in the course once placement materials are on file. Steps 1-4 must be completed prior to receiving the required advising/registration appointment. PSEO students for Fall 2026 will be required to complete the PSEO Thrive in the Hive.

Students will receive an email notification when they have been added to the course. Summer 2026 students will receive notifications starting mid-February 2026; Fall 2026 students will receive notifications starting late March 2026.

To access Thrive in the Hive, click on this link: D2L Login. If you cannot see the THRIVE IN THE HIVE banner, please contact the Welcome and One Stop Center at 507-285-7557 or email [email protected].

5. Register for Classes

Following completion of steps #3 and #4 above, students will be directed to schedule a required registration appointment with their Academic Advisor. This information will come to the student’s personal email address provided on their application for admission.

6. Apply for Financial Aid

Federal and State Financial Aid is available to students who qualify based on past tax information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can apply online at www.studentaid.gov or visit the RCTC Financial Aid website at www.rctc.edu/financialaid.

7. Activate Student Email Account

All official College communication is sent to your RCTC student email. Email accounts are activated 90 days prior to the start of the semester (typically late May for fall semester, November for spring semester, and March for summer semester).

Students who have registered for classes and are within the 90-day time period can log into their student email using the instructions found on the Technology Services website.

8. Get a Student ID Card

Stop by the Welcome and One Stop Center between 10am and 2pm Monday through Friday with a copy of your class schedule and a government-issued ID to get your student ID card.

9. Pay Tuition

Tuition Deadlines

Financial Aid Disbursements

10. Buy Books

Once you’ve registered for your classes you can take your schedule to the RCTC Bookstore and buy your textbooks, lab equipment, and other supplies, you may also go online and order your books and other supplies. You should always have your books and supplies before classes begin.

11. Get Involved!

Going to class is, well, the best way to ensure your own success in college. But class is only part of the college experience. Don’t bypass all of the other activities and opportunities you have to make your college years the best they can be! Be adventurous, get involved with Student Life!

Need Assistance? Have Questions?

The Welcome and One Stop Center is available to walk you through the steps to enroll at Rochester Community and Technical College.

Join the beeline to meet with Welcome and One Stop Center staff in person or by phone. Click the icon below to get started!