Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the FAQ page for the online application. Please read this page to learn about using the RTS Online Application system.
- Why do I need an RTS ID to apply?
- Why do I see red letter text at the top of the page?
- What is the preferred internet browser?
- I forgot my password, how can I get it reset?
- How do I submit the application?
- What if my references don't receive their email?
- Why did my references information disappear?
- How do I begin the Online Application process?
- Do I have to pay by credit card or can I pay by check/money order/etc.?
- What if I don't have an academic reference?
- When will I hear whether or not I am accepted to a degree program?
- How will I know if my transcripts have been turned in?
1. Why do I need an RTS ID to apply?
An RTS ID is required to apply because this is the first step that initiates your
application record and allows the admissions staff to better help guide you in your
application process based on the degree of your interest.
It also serves as a means to better protect the overall application experience for
those who are serious about coming to Reformed Theological Seminary.
2. Why do I see red letter text at the top of the page?
On all the pages exist field validation checks. This ensures that certain
elements are filled out in the correct format, or required text boxes were not left
blank.
If you see the red letters appear the page has not saved your information. Please fill in the missing boxes and then try to save again.
3. What is the preferred internet browser?
The RTS Online application was designed to have the most compatibility with Internet
Explorer. Although other browsers can access and utilize the online application,
there have been reports that certain formatting or elements may behave differently
in other browsers.
If anything out of the ordinary is encountered that prevents you from filling out
the online application forms while using other browsers, if possible it may be best
to change to Internet Explorer. If this is not possible, please contact the
admissions department. You may also fill out a hard copy application and mail
/ fax / email to admissions staff.
4. I forgot my password, how can I get it reset?
The online application has a built in function to email a temporary, one time use
password to your email address on file. When you login with this password
it will ask you to input a new permanent password. Please visit this page
to request a temporary password:
Forgot Password Page
Please note that we cannot manually reset your password or retrieve old passwords.
5. How do I submit the application?
To submit the application all steps must be completed and payment must be processed.
Please note that the payment step and the submission step are two separate events.
A Pay Fee button is present on the final step. If you have processed your
payment you will be able to see the submit button in its place.
6. What if my references don't receive their email?
There are two primary methods in which reference emails are sent. The first
is a standalone page that can be accessed at any point in the application process.
A button to get to this page exists at the top and bottom of every page along with
the step / save navigation menus. If this page is used, the send checkbox
must be checked. If it is, the email will send to the reference the instant
it is clicked. This can be repeated, so please only be sure to click the button
once, or uncheck the send checkbox to prevent those references from getting additional
emails.
The other method is by waiting until step 5 of the application. When this method is done, the reference emails will be sent when the application is submitted.
Admissions staff can also have the system send an email to the references as well. If you have submitted your application and your reference has not received the email, please contact Admissions and ask them to try sending the email to the references again.
Time to time certain email addresses may deliver the reference email into a spam box. Please alert the reference to check those locations.
Lastly, if all else fails, please visit the downloadable forms section on the online application splash page. You can find reference forms for all three reference types here. Some of them are bundled into a complete application packet as well. These forms can be sent to your references and they can fill them out and return them to RTS Admissions at the campus in which you are applying.
7. Why did my references information disappear?
If you alter the email address for any of the three references you had previously
entered, any data that was originally filled out for the reference you altered will no longer be associated with
your application and will no longer be accessible by Admissions. Please be
sure to only update those references if you know for a fact they have not been filled
out.
8. How do I begin the online application process?
In order to access and complete the online application, you will need an RTS Application ID number. You can request your RTS Application ID by clicking "Request RTS Application ID" on the online application. If you are admitted, the RTS Application ID number will become your student identification number.
9. Do I have to pay by credit card or can I pay by check/money order/etc.?
If you do not wish to pay the application fee by credit card, you may pay by check, money order, or cashier's check. However, in order to complete and submit the online application, you must fill in "dummy" information in the credit card section of the online application. (i.e. X's for your name, 0's for your credit card number, etc.) Once you have completed and submitted the online application you may mail your alternate form of payment to your Admissions office.
10. What if I don't have an academic reference?
If you do not have an academic reference, a second pastor or employer who can speak to your academic abilities may fill out your academic reference.
11. When will I hear whether or not I am accepted to a degree program?
The review committee's normal turn-around on reviewing completed applications is 2-4 weeks.
12. How will I know if my transcripts have been turned in?
You can keep track of whether or not all of your application pieces have been received by logging onto IQ Web using your ID number and password. Please note: You have to newly create an account at IQ.Web. The same login information is not valid at IQ.Web that you would use at Online Application since these are two different systems.
