<p>Hi, I am a sophomore and have a strong interest in becoming an RA for next year. I really want the position but I am not certain how competitive it is to become an RA. My RA won't tell me other than "you should try if interested." But I want to have at least some kind of expectation before I sign up for EDCO and drop my other 2-unit course. If anybody is or is familiar with the precedure to become an RA, please help me out. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I'm an RA, and whether or not it is "difficult" to get into is rather subjective. It is a long process that requires many steps, and many students won't get through all of them. </p>
<p>First you need to take EDCO 030x. This class teaches basic counseling skills, and also helps make students aware of the diversity on their campus. Instructors of this course end the semester by telling their students how much they are recommended as an RA. They will be honest and tell you how likely it is that you will get a job. </p>
<p>Some of the people who take EDCO will decide that they don't want to be an RA. Thus, the application rate can be lower for that reason.</p>
<p>In January and February there is a paper application with a variety of essay questions to answer. The responses to those questions paired with the recommendations of EDCO instructors selects who will be interviewed for the job. </p>
<p>If you are selected for an interview, they you will meet with several members of the residential education staff and go through a variety of interview questions. The total is about an hour of interviewing.</p>
<p>After that, you get to fill our a preference form for where you would like to be an RA. At this point, Resident Coordinators go through a selection process in which they choose the RAs for their buildings. Some RAs who are qualified but weren't chosen will be alternates, to fill in for RAs who drop out for some reason throughout the year.</p>
<p>There are no published statistics about how hard or easy it is to actually get the job. As you can see, it is quite a lengthy application process, which weeds out many people. If you need any more information, feel free to PM me!</p>
<p>Do we have to take EDCO030x this semester?</p>
<p>No you can take EDCO in either the Fall or Spring</p>