Rutgers New Brunswick: Application Strategies

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a moderately competitive school to get into, with an acceptance rate of 66.3%. The average GPA for admitted students is 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, and the average SAT score is 1300. The average ACT score is 28. To increase your chances of getting into Rutgers, you should aim for mostly A's in challenging classes, participate in extracurricular activities, and write engaging application essays.

GPA and test scores

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a moderately competitive school to get into. The average high school GPA for admitted students is 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, with some sources stating the range is between 3.42 and 3.78. The average SAT score is 1300, with a range of 1190-1480 for the middle 50% of accepted students. The average ACT score is 57, with a range of 49-66 for the middle 50% of accepted students.

The SAT and ACT test submissions are optional for undergraduate applicants. If you feel your standardized test scores will benefit you in the admissions process, you can submit them. If you are unable to submit a test score, or choose not to, you will still receive full admission consideration.

If you are an average applicant with a 3.3 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1380 on the SAT and 30 on the ACT will further lock in your application.

How to Get Into Rutgers University-New Brunswick

• Join extracurricular activities that align with Rutgers University's values.
• Volunteer in your community.
• Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities, and other less quantifiable characteristics.
• Write a stellar essay that showcases something unique about yourself that isn't shown in the other parts of your application.
• Get teacher recommendations that speak to your character.
• Apply before the deadline.

Application requirements

The application requirements for Rutgers, New Brunswick are as follows:

• A $70 non-refundable application fee (with an option to request a fee waiver)
• Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
• SAT or ACT scores (optional for 2022 enrollment)
• GED Results (for students with a GED diploma/certificate)
• Extracurricular activities list

Optional materials include:

• Talent assessment for applicants to the Mason Gross School of the Arts
• English proficiency test score (for applicants whose secondary schooling has been outside the U.S. in a country where English is not the principal language)

Rutgers accepts applications through the Rutgers Online Application Portal, as well as the Coalition Application.

Rutgers University makes decisions based on a holistic review of each applicant. For early action applicants, Rutgers guarantees a decision by 15 February. For regular decision applicants, a decision is guaranteed by 31 March.

For first-year applicants, applications are reviewed as soon as they are complete with all required credentials. Decisions are based on a holistic review, with primary emphasis on an applicant's academic promise as demonstrated by:

• Completion of required high school subjects
• Academic performance in high school or its equivalent: strength of the academic program (number/type of academic, honors, or advanced placement courses completed), grades and grade trends, weighted grade-point average(s), and cumulative rank (when available)
• SAT and/or ACT scores (optional test score submission)
• English Proficiency Examination results, when required

Rutgers also considers the following factors:

• Participation in programs designed for college preparation
• Extracurricular activities, including community and volunteer work
• U.S. military service
• Honors, awards, and other achievements

The number of applicants Rutgers admits to each school/college is determined by the quality of the applicant pool and the space in the entering class.

Essay

Rutgers University, New Brunswick, is a moderately competitive school to get into. The acceptance rate is 66.3%, and the average GPA is 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. The average SAT score is 1300, and the average ACT score is 28.

• Write engagingly and eloquently. This is your chance to show your strengths, character, and authenticity to the admissions committee.
• Demonstrate your academic talents and abilities, and show how you have applied your skills outside the classroom.
• Discuss any awards or recognition you've received, research you've conducted, or notable leadership positions you've held.
• If you're a junior, sophomore, or freshman, focus on pursuing your intellectual interests and aim for local or regional awards or recognition.
• Include extracurricular activities that demonstrate exceptional talent, achievement, leadership, or merit. Examples include holding school-wide leadership positions, winning regional competitions or awards, and local recognition as a student athlete or musician.
• Show dedication and excellence by including one to two "Tier 1" or "Tier 2" extracurricular activities.
• Demonstrate your personal passions and interests by including a few "Tier 4" activities, such as regular volunteering or general membership in clubs.

Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities are an important part of your college application and can help you stand out from other applicants. When deciding on extracurriculars to include in your application, consider activities that align with Rutgers' values and demonstrate your personal passions, interests, and skills.

Tier System

Extracurricular activities can be divided into four "tiers," with Tier 1 being the most impressive and Tier 4 being the least.

Tier 1

Tier 1 activities demonstrate exceptional talent, achievement, leadership, or merit. They include activities and roles that have gained national or international recognition. Examples include:

• Winning a national award
• Qualifying for international competition
• Starting a nonprofit that gains national traction

Tier 2

Tier 2 activities show high levels of achievement and potential. They are more common than Tier 1 but still indicate significant accomplishments. Examples include:

• Holding school-wide leadership positions, such as student government president
• Winning regional competitions or awards
• Gaining local recognition as a student athlete or musician

Tier 3

Tier 3 activities demonstrate sustained participation rather than exceptional achievement. They are frequently seen in applications and include:

• Holding minor positions in school clubs
• Being a member of a Varsity team

Tier 4

Tier 4 activities have the lowest entry bar and demonstrate interest without particular dedication. They are still important to include, especially if you have higher-tier activities, as they showcase the diversity of your interests. Examples include:

• Regular volunteering
• General membership in clubs or organizations
• Taking music or art lessons over several years

Recommendations

When choosing extracurriculars to include in your application, aim for a mix of Tier 1 and Tier 2 activities, as these show dedication and excellence. It is better to have a few impressive activities than many scattered Tier 4 activities.

Additionally, consider activities that align with Rutgers' values and demonstrate your personal growth, leadership qualities, and community involvement. For example, you could join your school band or a sports team, or volunteer in your community.

Remember, extracurriculars are an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and interests outside of the classroom, so choose activities that genuinely interest and engage you.

College prep

Rutgers University, New Brunswick is a moderately competitive school to get into. Here are some tips to help you get into Rutgers:

• Rutgers requires a high school GPA of 3.3 or better. The average GPA at Rutgers is 3.73, so you will need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.
• The average SAT score at Rutgers is 1300 on the 1600 SAT scale. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1190, and the 75th percentile score is 1410. If your SAT superscore is currently below a 1300, consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it.
• The average ACT score at Rutgers is 28. If you apply with a 28 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in.
• Rutgers will require you to write a 3800-character response to one of the Rutgers short essay prompts. You will also have the option of submitting an essay on a topic of your choice.
• Rutgers considers the following factors "very important": standardised test scores. These factors are "important": extracurricular activities. These are "considered": character/personal qualities, geographical residence, and racial/ethnic status.
• Aim for As while taking the most challenging classes available.
• Report your SAT scores if they are above 1410, and your ACT scores if they are above 32.
• Cultivate a strong portfolio of extracurriculars. When your academics are as strong as many other candidates, extracurriculars are where you have a chance to stand out and help admissions officers form a better idea of who you are.
• Rutgers requires completion of specific high school subjects for admission. These include:
• Foreign Language: 2 years of one language
• Mathematics: 3 years (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
• Science: 2 years (one year each of Biology and Chemistry for the School of Nursing)
• Other Courses: 5 other academic courses
• Total: 16 academic courses

Frequently asked questions