Rutgers University is known as an academic, health, and research powerhouse. Read on to learn more about this university and how to join it.
Navigating the admissions process for Rutgers University can be exciting and stressful, but with the right knowledge and strategic approach, you can turn your aspirations into reality. We’ll explain everything you need to know about how to get into Rutgers University.
Rutgers University has an acceptance rate of 66%, meaning you have a high chance of getting into this school! Getting into this school is moderately competitive, so ensure you have a strong application.
Source: Common Data Set
Rutgers University doesn’t offer early decision acceptance, so students cannot apply at earlier deadlines.
WIth an acceptance rate of 66%, Rutgers University is somewhat selective. Students can increase their chances of admission by making their application more competitive.
While your cumulative GPA will be considered, ensure you receive the highest marks in these core courses to demonstrate your academic merit.
The average GPA for successful Rutgers University applicants is 3.7. Your weighted GPA will be considered heavily in the selection process. Here’s a table of the average GPA of admitted students for the past three years:
This table will give you an idea of the GPA you’ll need to get accepted.
The average SAT score at Rutgers University is 1375. This is higher than the national average SAT score of 1050.
While Rutgers is adopting a test-optional policy until 2024, students may still submit SAT scores if they believe it will strengthen their application. Although Rutgers is test-optional, those applying to the Rutgers-Camden BS/DO or Rutgers-Newark 7-year BA/MD joint-degree programs will be required to submit at least one standardized test score (ACT or SAT).
Here’s a table of Rutgers University SAT scores for the past three years:
Rutgers University doesn’t offer early decision acceptance, so students cannot apply at earlier deadlines.
WIth an acceptance rate of 66%, Rutgers University is somewhat selective. Students can increase their chances of admission by making their application more competitive.
Having a competitive GPA, extracurriculars, AP classes, and other achievements are all part of how Rutgers University evaluates applicants. In addition, having a compelling personal essay and other achievements can help you stand out. From the common data set, the most important factors are your GPA and the rigor of your courses.
Source: Rutgers University
From the Common Data Set, it’s evident that Rutgers University prioritizes academic factors for admissions, such as GPA and difficulty of courses. Other criteria used to assess students are their application essays, extracurricular activities, as well as character and personality qualities.
To get into Rutgers University, aim for an ACT score of at least 30 or an SAT score of 1375 or above. Maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher and engage in diverse extracurriculars to demonstrate your excellence beyond the classroom.
Rutgers requires its students to submit the following application materials to be considered for enrollment:
One of the principal factors determining your admission to Rutgers University is your academic profile. This includes to following:
Other subjective factors are taken into account. These include:
You should always remember that you’re more than a number. Consider Yui, who leveraged her skills despite having a 3.6 GPA. She applied to 10 colleges and was admitted to 6, including Rutgers, but ultimately chose to attend Cornell Engineering. By highlighting relevant community involvement, Quad was able to help her become a competitive candidate.
Source: Quad Education
Depending on the program you plan on applying to, there are certain credentials you’ll need to complete in high school:
A required non-refundable application fee of $70 is paid through either Rutgers Application or Common App. Rutgers must receive the fee or a fee waiver before an applicant’s application will be considered complete and ready for review.
Applicants who hold a GED diploma/certificate must provide their official GED results. Alongside these results, submitting transcripts documenting any high school coursework is essential.
If an applicant’s undergraduate education was in a non-English speaking country, you must submit a current TOEFL or IELTS score within two years. Exemptions apply to Permanent Residents, US citizens, or international applicants with at least three years of English-instructed undergraduate studies or a master's degree.
Minimum scores include:
Proficiency in English is essential, but some programs may have stricter language requirements; consult your program for details.
Admissions do not consider letters of recommendation, so there’s no need to ask for one. Instead, the Rutgers application offers various sections where applicants can highlight their achievements, activities, community service, and personal experiences.
On your Rutgers application, you’ll be required to fill out a section about the extracurriculars you pursued throughout high school. You’ll be asked to list up to five activities in order of importance.
There will also be an Awards section where you can list up to five awards received, a Volunteer section for any unpaid service you participated in, an Employment section, and a Pre-College Program section.
The final Natural Disasters and Emergency Situation section is optional and will ask you to check off all the boxes that apply to you. It will include prompts relating to COVID-19 and other circumstantial issues that may have affected your education.
Students interested in applying to the Mason Gross School of Arts will be required to submit an audition, interview, or portfolio as part of their application.
Without interim transcripts, the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) lets high school seniors report their academic details, including grades and GPAs. It's mandatory for current seniors but not for graduates or transfer students.
Applicants can use their high school transcript as a reference, covering grades 9-11 and indicating grade 12 courses in progress as 'In Progress.' Ensure accuracy, as discrepancies can impact admission. International students can use SRAR but must also send official records and certificates from an educational authority upon enrollment.
Transfer students must submit the application fee, college transcripts, and an essay (which is recommended).
Students must submit a Rutgers-specific application through the school’s online portal. They must identify their campus, school, and program preferences and complete all sections to be considered for admission. Rutgers University decision date
Keep these Rutgers University decision dates in mind to avoid any delays with your application:
Source: Rutgers’ Application Deadlines
Ensure that you meet the Rutgers University application deadline. While students can submit their applications past the suggested deadlines, doing so will limit their chances of admission, as Rutgers accepts students on a rolling basis.
Students who submit past the suggested deadlines will also receive their decisions later than the listed notification deadlines.
The suggested deadline for regular Rutgers University applicants is early December. Students should have their application ready by the end of the year.
Students applying to Rutgers University as early action applicants should apply by early November to meet the deadline. Having your application ready at this time will ensure you’re able to apply for early action.
The most effective strategy to boost your chances of getting into Rutgers University is to increase your academic promise. This can be done by achieving a high GPA while handling a challenging course selection and having a competitive SAT/ACT score. You can also focus on several other qualitative factors:
Your application will ask you to separate your extracurricular participation, work, and volunteer experiences. You should pursue activities from each section. While you don’t have to participate in five extracurriculars or pick up a new job each year, you should stick to at least one activity per section for several months or preferably years.
Your supplemental essay will give the committee insight into your writing skills and help them connect with you more.
Choose a topic you feel most compelled to write about, and keep your answer simple! Use language you understand and focus on the topic at hand. Proofread your essay several times before submission to show off your impeccable writing skills.
Considering the stress you’ll already be under trying to apply to your top choices on time and graduating from high school with the necessary GPA, you should only write the SAT or ACT if you believe it’ll strengthen your application.
In other words, if your GPA is not quite high enough to be considered competitive, receiving an SAT or ACT score in or above the expected range can make up for this weak spot in your application.
However, if you already have a competitive GPA, you can avoid the added stress and opt out of writing the SAT/ACT, as it will not give you any additional advantage.
Students will have to submit an essay addressing one of the following subjects:
It’s important to note that unless you apply through Rutgers Application, these Rutgers University essay prompts are actually Common App personal statements.
If you’re unsure how to get started, take a look at this video, where one of our admissions experts breaks down her top tips for writing standout college essays:
Rutgers University has a list of interviewing tips that applicants can follow. One key theme to remember is to understand yourself as an applicant. This means being able to confidently articulate your strong suits and explain any shortcomings in your profile. In extension, you should have a prepared list of questions that you’re interested in about Rutgers University.
Consider some interview tips from Marina, Wharton and Booth School of Business alumni, who’s been a member of the admissions committee at the University of Chicago as well as an interviewer at UChicago and UPenn.
She suggests diving in with mock interviews right away as a method of improving communication:
“Sometimes you just need to practice articulating things clearly to someone else…sometimes it can be even more helpful than writing things down to just like immediately engage in a mock interview.”
Also, being genuine and authentic can help foster a more collaborative atmosphere with your interviewer:
“Remember to be friendly and smile, and try to engage the person as you would in like real life if you came across somebody interesting to talk to.”
Rutgers is considered an affordable university with lower tuition costs than many similar-ranking institutions. Here’s a breakdown of its annual tuition:
Source: Rutgers Tuition and Fees
To help students cover these costs, Rutgers offers comprehensive financial aid to its students in the form of merit and needs-based grants.
Rutgers provides financial aid through FAFSA to help you pay for tuition. Students may be offered financial aid packages—a combination of various types of aid, such as Rutgers University merit scholarships, awards, grants, loans, and work-study.
For any remaining questions about how to get into Rutgers University, read on to find your answers.
Considering its high acceptance rate, Rutgers is relatively easy to get into.
Yes, a 3.0 GPA will put you within the median competitive range for the majority of Rutgers’ programs. This equates to a weighted GPA of around 3.7.
Ensure you earn a high GPA, even a 4.0 wouldn’t hurt! It always helps to aim high and be as competitive an applicant as possible.
A 2.4 unweighted GPA will put you at around a 3.3 weighted GPA. This GPA is considered to be on the lower end, but you may still be considered a competitive applicant for certain programs.
No, Rutgers is not an Ivy League school.
Yes, Rutgers is considered one of the top public research schools in the nation. It is well known for its distinguished faculty, academics, and health-related programs.
Yes, students must submit one essay as part of the Rutgers application process. Students are given seven essay topics to choose from for this admission material.
Rutgers does not require letters of recommendation as part of the application process. The application process provides adequate opportunity for students to describe the accomplishments, activities, honors, awards, and experiences that would otherwise be shared through recommendation letters.
Resident tuition at Rutgers is around $17,000. Students who are not residents of New Jersey will pay around $35,000.
The Rutgers University transfer acceptance rate is around 55%. On the other hand, the Rutgers University yield rate for this year is 28%. Compared to last year, the number of applicants has decreased by 3.49% (1,507).
Now that we’ve covered how to get into Rutgers University, you’ll be set when applying! Rutgers prides itself on being students’ home away from home, where they’re immersed into a supportive yet academically rigorous environment! Keep the deadlines, admission requirements, and tips shared in this guide to ensure you too, can join Rutgers’ renowned community!
