Rutgers New Brunswick: Tough Admissions?

Rutgers University New Brunswick is a moderately competitive school to get into, with an acceptance rate of 66.3%—the seventh-lowest in New Jersey. The school ranks #16 in the state for highest average GPA, with the average unweighted GPA for incoming freshmen being 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. For the 2019–2020 admissions cycle, Rutgers University received 41,263 applicants, of which 27,618 were accepted. The school tends to attract B+ average high school students who graduate in the top quarter of their class.

Rutgers University New Brunswick acceptance rate

Rutgers University New Brunswick is a moderately competitive school to get into, with an acceptance rate of 66%. This is the 7th lowest in New Jersey. The university is considered to be one of the best public universities in the state, and is the oldest, largest, and top-ranked university in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area. With over 150 undergraduate majors, 400+ graduate programs, and 300+ research centres, Rutgers offers a wide range of academic opportunities.

The university has a rolling application deadline and does not require the submission of SAT or ACT scores. However, students who do submit test scores have an average SAT score between 1270 and 1480, and an average ACT score between 28 and 33. To have the best chance of getting into Rutgers University New Brunswick, it is recommended that applicants have a high school GPA of 3.3 or above, earn B+ grades, and score 1380 on the SAT. The average unweighted GPA at Rutgers is 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

The university considers an applicant's GPA to be a very important factor in the admissions process, and also takes into account the applicant's high school class rank. Letters of recommendation are not considered. Most incoming freshmen at Rutgers graduate in the top quarter of their high school class, and 28% of those admitted chose to enrol at the school.

GPA and test scores needed

Rutgers University New Brunswick is a moderately competitive school to get into. The university has an acceptance rate of 66%, the 7th lowest in New Jersey. The GPA requirements for getting into Rutgers are to have around a 3.3 high school GPA. To achieve this average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89% on tests and assignments in high school. The average SAT score is 1380 out of 1600, and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1270-1480. The average ACT score is 30, while the middle 50% of students score between 28 and 33.

If you have a GPA of 3.3, you have a very good chance of getting in. A 1380 on the SAT and 30 on the ACT will further strengthen your application. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a test-optional school, meaning you do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. However, if you do choose to submit test scores, they will be considered with your application.

To increase your chances of getting into Rutgers, it is recommended to participate in extracurricular activities and volunteer work that aligns with the university's values. Additionally, it is important to prepare a strong application, including a well-written essay and teacher recommendations that speak to your character.

Application requirements

Rutgers University New Brunswick is a moderately competitive school with an acceptance rate of 66%. The application fee is $70. The university has a rolling application deadline and admits students for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students who apply for the fall semester should receive an admissions decision no later than February 28. The early action deadline is November 1, with decisions released no later than January 31.

To apply, all applicants must submit the following:

• A written essay or personal statement
• A transcript of their high school record
• An English proficiency test score if their secondary schooling was outside the U.S. in a non-English-speaking country
• A portfolio, audition, or interview demonstrating artistic talent if applying to the Mason Gross School of the Arts

Rutgers University New Brunswick is test-optional, meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, if submitted, these scores will be considered. For the SAT, a score of 1380 or above is considered competitive, with the middle 50% of admitted applicants scoring between 1270 and 1480. For the ACT, a score of 30 is considered competitive, with the middle 50% of admitted applicants scoring between 28 and 33.

The university typically accepts applicants with a high school GPA of 3.3 or better and B+ grades. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class.

Improving your chances

Rutgers University New Brunswick is a moderately competitive school to get into, with an acceptance rate of 66.3% or 67% for the 2019-2020 admissions cycle. The school ranks #16 in New Jersey for the highest average GPA. The average GPA for admission is 3.3 on the 4.0 scale, which corresponds to B+ letter grades and a score of 87-89% on tests and assignments. The average SAT score is 1380 out of 1600, while the average ACT score is 30.

• Aim for A's: While the average GPA of newly enrolled students at Rutgers New Brunswick was 3.7-4.1, taking honours, AP, or IB classes can give your GPA a boost. Challenging yourself and taking advanced classes will also show admissions officers that you are dedicated and hard-working.
• Submit Test Scores: Although Rutgers is a test-optional school, submitting SAT or ACT scores above the average for Rutgers students (1410 on the SAT or a 32 on the ACT) can give your application a boost.
• Extracurricular Activities: A strong portfolio of extracurriculars can help you stand out among other applicants. Rutgers is particularly interested in accomplishments that demonstrate academic talents and abilities, as well as how you have applied your skills outside the classroom. Aim for one to two "Tier 1" or "Tier 2" extracurriculars, which demonstrate exceptional talent, leadership, or merit.
• Write Engaging Essays: Rutgers requires a 3800-character response to one of their short essay prompts. This is your chance to showcase your strengths, character, and written eloquence. Make sure your essay is well-written and engaging.
• Apply Early: Consider applying early action. This can increase your chances of admission, as it demonstrates your interest in the school.
• Choose the Right School: Rutgers University has three distinct campuses in New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark, each with its own admissions standards and individual programs. Research each campus thoroughly and choose the one that best aligns with your interests and strengths.

How Rutgers evaluates applications

Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 66.3%, making it a moderately competitive school to get into. The university accepts students with a "B+" average and an average GPA of 3.3. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class.

Rutgers University makes decisions based on a holistic review of each applicant. The university evaluates applications based on the following criteria:

• 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 averages
• Cumulative rank, when available
• SAT and/or ACT scores (optional test score submission)
• English Proficiency Examination results, when required

Additionally, Rutgers 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

For transfer students, Rutgers University has specific requirements, including completing required high school subjects and having competitive grade-point averages. The admissions process also considers the available space in each class and the overall quality of the applicant pool.

Frequently asked questions