<p>How hard is it to obtain a job as an RA? What all does an RA do?</p>
<p>It varies a LOT from college to college. At some places RAs are actively enforcing campus policy - the RAs are the unpopular kids who will break up the party and 'write you up' for being too loud. The job often comes with a requirement to be physically present in the dorm at certain times, which might mean that you cannot go out on weekends. </p>
<p>At my college RAs don't have that sort of duty. Our RAs are just another general resource. E.g. if two roommate are having a problem, the RA might function as a mediator, she organizes dorm meetings (to address dorm-wide issues) and dorm teas, and she can refer you to the appropriate campus office if you are not sure where to get help for a specific problem. Well, you might also have to deal with a suicidal girls who knocks on your door at 3 am. On the downside, our RAs earn only $2000 a year in contrast to the full room & board benefits at some colleges where RAs are an extension of the campus police.</p>
<p>At mine it pays for your room (like 1800-2200 a semester) and gives you $55 a week...</p>
<p>Dude. You're not even in college yet. (As discussed before) You're totally going to get all psyked up and it's going to be a big let down for you.</p>
<p>JUST ENJOY THE SUMMER, RELAX, AND WORRY ABOUT YOUR FIRST YEAR!!! Then think about the future later on.</p>
<p>if it's your 1st year, you really can't/shouldn't be a RA; you don't really know how it all works</p>
<p>I don't think any schools would even allow freshmen to be RA's.
you'll find out all about what RA's do next year, and then be able to decide if it's something you're interested in.</p>
<p>At Rice RA's are not even students. RA's here are usually faculty. They are usually selected from a search committee that includes students and the previous RA's and they stay RA's anywhere from 4-7 years. My college(dorm) had to find two new RA's for next year since are current RA's have been here for 6 years and decided it was time for them to go, but they will still be involved with us as Associates(faculty/community members/alumni). So we had a search committee this year and over months we finally selected two new RA's. Also our RA's are not mean or anything like that. They are probably some of the best people you will ever meet. They are like friends because they are young and really are only there with our best interest in mind. We can go to them whenever we want. They always have events and study breaks. One RA would host nights to watch Project Runway, Dexter, Entourage among many others. They are even known to party with students from time to time. I can keep on going, but I'm too tired haha...</p>
<p>most RAs are at least third years. it's an incredible responsibility and commitment (depending on the school, of course). you shouldnt be an RA just for the free room/board or money, you gotta have some interest in it, or else it will suck and you wont do a good job.</p>
<p>my school pay RAs full tuition, food, room/board, some book money, plus extra money</p>
<p>I was an RA once and it can be either really fun, or living hell. Writing up drunk kids playing basketball in the hallway was fun though.</p>