How To Apply

Welcome to Admissions at Carteret Community College.
The first step to becoming a college student is to be admitted. Follow these steps to get started.

Step One: Obtain Your Residency Certification Number (RCN)

A Residency Certification Number (RCN) is required to submit a Carteret Community College application for admission. Community colleges in North Carolina cannot validate residency status for in-state or out-of-state tuition charges or make changes to residency status. The Residency Determination Service (RDS) can only determine residency. RDS is extremely secure and it is important that students enter correct information and complete all the questions to avoid errors and an out-of-state determination. The most common reasons students receive out of state determination is incorrect SSN or DOB entered, not providing enough information, and identifying information is not keyed correctly (Driver License Number). Upon completion of RDS, RDS will give you an RCN number which you will need to use to submit your application to the college in Step 2.

To begin the residency process, enter the RESIDENCY DETERMINATION SERVICE (RDS) and select COMPLETE RESIDENCY DETERMINATION. For documents that you may need to complete the RDS process, click on the INITIAL CONSIDERATION link.

The Carteret Community College Admission’s staff is able to assist with the initial RDS process and provides access to a scanner/fax system for the submission of requested documentation. Carteret Community College cannot provide assistance with the completed RDS interview, password resets, or a reclassification/appeal status.

For assistance with these type issues, please refer to:

RDS – STUDENT FAQs

RDS CALL CENTER / HOURS OF OPERATION:
(844) 319-3640 (toll free)
(910) 835-2427 (fax)
Monday – Thursday (8:00 AM until 8:00 PM)
Friday (8:00 AM until 5:00 PM)

MAILING ADDRESS:
RDS
PO Box 41940
Raleigh, NC 27629-1940

EMAIL:
rdsinfo@ncresidency.org

Step Two: Complete an Online Application for Admission

See Programs of Study to select the program to which you are applying. View our Curriculum Programs.
If you are unsure of a program and would like to explore various careers, go to Plan for a Career or go here for some career videos.
Complete an Online Application for admission.
For further information, contact the admissions office via admissions@carteret.edu or call (252) 222-6154.
Request Official Transcripts/Test Scores if you have graduated from high school, previously earned developmental course credit, or have successfully completed a college level English or math course within the past 10 years. Request Official Transcripts

Step Three: Finance Your Education

Complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The financial aid office will send an email to your school email account listing additional required documents. Submit all supporting documents by the college deadline.
The school code for Carteret Community College is 008081.
For further information, contact the financial aid office via financialaid@email.carteret.edu or call (252) 222-6293

Step Four: Determine Course Placement

Students may be exempted from the placement test if they meet certain criteria. View Placement Test Information to see if you meet these criteria.
If you are not exempt, schedule your placement test with the MAPS Center.
For further information, contact the MAPS Center at MAPS@carteret.edu or call (252) 222-6236.

Step Five: Attend Orientation

Schedule your New Student Orientation. New students must attend a New Student Orientation BEFORE registering for classes. Students have a choice of completing orientation online or face-to-face.*Due to COVID-19 Carteret CC is only offering New Student Orientation ONLINE at this time.
Students will access the online orientation through Moodle (an online learning platform). Your log-in will be your Carteret Community College email address, which is your first name, middle initial, and the last four digits of your student ID. Example: Name: John Kevin Smith Student ID: 0568426 email: johnk8426@carteret.edu. If you don’t have a middle name or did not enter it in your college application then your e-mail login for the example above would be “john8426” and your e-mail address would be john8426@student.carteret.edu. For more information, refer to the Welcome Letter you received, which also contains your log-in information. You must complete the entire online orientation in order to receive credit and finish this step in the admissions process.

Online New Student Orientation

Step Six: Select Classes & Register

Active students attending college for the first time should schedule an appointment to see an advisor in the MAPS Center for educational planning and registration. Contact the MAPS Center at maps@carteret.edu or (252) 222-6236.
Current students should contact their assigned program advisor to schedule an appointment for advising and approval to register.
After schedule approval with an advisor, students can register for courses using Carteret Compass.
For information on how to use Carteret Compass, access the video below or document provided here.