Rutgers New Brunswick Rolling Admissions Policy

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers rolling admissions for undergraduate programmes. The university has an acceptance rate of 66% and offers a vast catalogue of majors to choose from, renowned professors, and opportunities to take part in deeply funded research. For first-year and transfer students, the first step is completing and submitting the application and required credentials. Applicants will be notified online about admissions decisions. The Common Application is specifically for fall, first-year students applying for full-time degree study, while the Rutgers Application is for transfer applicants, those interested in spring or summer entry, part-time enrollment, off-campus locations, or online or non-degree study.

Application deadlines for Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has a rolling admissions policy, meaning that the university reviews applications as they are submitted as opposed to after a set deadline. However, there are recommended application dates for each semester.

For Spring 2024 entry, applications are recommended to be submitted by October 1, 2023, for first-year and transfer applicants. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a space-available basis.

For Fall 2024 entry, the recommended application deadline for first-year applicants is December 1, 2023. Applications submitted after this date will be considered after those submitted by the deadline have been notified. The deadline for transfer applicants for Fall 2024 entry is February 1, 2024.

The Rutgers Application Portal will display updates after required credentials are received. Notifications will be posted online via the Rutgers Application Portal no later than the online decision date if the applicant applies and submits all required credentials by the application due date.

For Spring 2024 entry, the candidate's reply date is December 7, 2023. Applicants admitted after this date must respond within one week of their date of admission to enrol. For Fall 2024 entry, the candidate's reply date is June 1, 2024, with the same conditions applying to those admitted after this date.

Application requirements for first-year students

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has a rolling admission policy. This means that the university accepts applications all year round, but only until the available spaces are filled. The application deadlines for each semester are posted on the Rutgers Application Portal.

Application Platforms

Use either the Common App or the Rutgers Application. The Common App is specifically for fall, first-year students applying for full-time degree study. The Rutgers Application is for transfer applicants, those interested in spring or summer entry, part-time enrollment, off-campus locations, or online or non-degree study.

Application Fee

A $70 non-refundable application fee is required for all applicants, regardless of the application platform. Official fee waivers are available for students who meet certain criteria, such as military service or financial hardship.

Credentials

First-year applicants are required to complete the Rutgers Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). This includes information on courses, grades, grade-point averages, and other academic information.

Standardized Testing

The SAT and ACT test submissions are optional for undergraduate applicants. However, if you feel your scores will benefit your application, you may submit them. If you have already graduated from high school, you must submit your official results.

English Proficiency

An English proficiency test score is required for applicants whose secondary schooling has been outside the U.S. in a non-English-speaking country.

Essay

Whether applying with the Common App or Rutgers Application, first-year applicants must provide a short, original essay. The essay must be included in the designated space on the application and is limited to 3,800 characters for the Rutgers Application and 650 words for the Common App.

Extracurricular Activities

Information about extracurricular activities, such as academic clubs, sports, learning an instrument, etc., are considered in the application. This information must be included in the designated space on the application.

High School Course Requirements

Each school at Rutgers requires the completion of at least 16 high school academic courses. This may include a combination of English, math, science, and/or foreign language. Specific course requirements vary depending on the school and major.

Additional Requirements for Certain Schools

The Mason Gross School of the Arts requires a portfolio, audition, or interview demonstrating artistic talent.

The Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy is extremely competitive and has specific course requirements for successful transfer candidates.

International Applicants

International applicants should refer to the "International F-1 Visa Holders" column on the school availability chart for information on application requirements and deadlines.

Application requirements for transfer students

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers rolling admissions and has an acceptance rate of 66%. The university considers a student's GPA to be an important factor in the admissions process. While letters of recommendation are not considered, an applicant's high school class rank is.

• Transfer applicants must have graduated high school and completed 12 or more college credits at an accredited postsecondary institution.
• Students transferring from two-year institutions may receive a maximum of 60 credits, while those transferring from four-year institutions may receive a maximum of 90 credits.
• Transfer students who have completed less than 24 college credits after high school graduation are required to provide their high school transcript(s).
• Transfer students who have completed 24 or more college credits may submit their high school transcript(s) as it is recommended but not required.
• Transfer applicants must submit a college transcript from each college attended, including all courses attempted and grades earned through the end of August (spring applicants) or through the end of December (fall applicants).
• An English proficiency test score is required for applicants whose secondary schooling has been outside the US in a country where English is not the principal language.
• The SAT and ACT test submissions are optional for undergraduate applicants.
• A non-refundable $70 application fee is required.
• The admissions essay is recommended for transfer applicants. The essay must be included in the space provided on the application form and is limited to 3,800 characters, including spaces.
• Students transferring from another Rutgers University School with a minimum of 24 Rutgers credits by the end of the spring semester can apply to RBS New Brunswick for the subsequent fall semester using a school-to-school transfer application.

Application requirements for international students

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has a rolling application deadline for undergraduate admissions. The university welcomes applications from students all over the world. Here are the application requirements for international students:

Application Timeline

It is important to start the application process early. You will need to research the institution and meet the application deadlines, which may be up to ten months before the beginning of the school term. For Rutgers University–New Brunswick, the application deadlines vary depending on the semester and program you are applying for.

Standardized Tests

Most U.S. colleges and universities require international students to take one or more standardized admissions tests. For Rutgers University–New Brunswick, SAT and ACT scores are considered but are not required. However, international students are required to demonstrate English language proficiency.

English Language Proficiency

International applicants are usually required to take an English as a second language exam such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum TOEFL score required by most American schools is a 78, which is in the 40th percentile. However, more competitive universities will demand higher scores.

Credentials and Transcripts

You will need to submit official academic transcripts and other required credentials. For Rutgers University–New Brunswick, current high school seniors are required to complete the Rutgers Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR).

Student Visa

International students need to apply for a student visa. Once accepted by a U.S. school, the university will enroll you in the Students and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You will then receive one of two forms, depending on the type of visa you are eligible for. For a four-year school, you will typically fill out the F-1 form.

Recommendations and Personal Statements

You will need to request recommendations from teachers or others who know you well. Additionally, you will need to write personal statements as part of your application.

Scholarships

International students may be eligible for scholarships. Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a wide range of scholarships, and some countries provide education loans to their citizens.

School-Specific Requirements

Each university may have specific requirements for international applicants. For Rutgers University–New Brunswick, international students need to refer to the "International F-1 Visa Holders" column on the school availability chart for information on which schools are accepting applications.

The decision-making process for Rutgers University admissions

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 66%. The application deadline is rolling, meaning that applicants can apply for admission after the official deadline has passed. However, if the application is submitted after the deadline, the applicant will be withdrawn from admissions consideration if their chosen school of application meets its enrollment goals before the Office of Admissions reviews their application.

Additionally, Rutgers considers qualitative factors such as participation in college preparation programs, extracurricular activities, community and volunteer work, U.S. military service, honors, awards, and other achievements. The number of applicants admitted to each school or college is determined by the quality of the applicant pool and the space available in the entering class.

For transfer students, the decision-making process is similar, with a comprehensive review of each completed application. The primary emphasis is placed on the student's academic promise, as demonstrated by the strength of their academic program, cumulative grade-point average (GPA), number of credits completed, and English Proficiency Examination results (when required).

Qualitative factors such as community, volunteer, or U.S. military service are also considered. Transfer students are expected to have completed specific required high school subjects and a certain number of college-level credits.

Frequently asked questions