Accepted To Rutgers: My Personal Story

Getting accepted into Rutgers University–New Brunswick was a dream come true. As a leading US public university, Rutgers–New Brunswick offers a premier education in a diverse community. The university is known for its academic excellence and vast opportunities to prepare for a meaningful career. With a reasonable tuition fee, generous financial aid programs, and a wide range of majors to choose from, Rutgers–New Brunswick provides an excellent value education. The application process involves submitting an application form, along with the required credentials, and applicants are notified of the admission decision online. I was thrilled to receive my acceptance and begin my journey as a Scarlet Knight.

Application process and requirements

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for prospective students. The application process and requirements for admission vary depending on the student's status and desired programme. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the application process:

• Application Platforms: Rutgers University–New Brunswick accepts applications through the Common App or the Rutgers Application. If you are a first-time applicant for full-time degree study in the fall semester, use the Common App. For other scenarios, including transfer applicants, spring or summer entry, part-time enrolment, or online/non-degree study, use the Rutgers Application.
• Application Deadlines: The university has different deadlines for each semester and student category. For the spring semester, the application deadline for first-year and transfer students is October 1. For the fall semester, the early action deadline is November 1, and the regular decision deadline is December 1. Transfer applicants for the fall semester have a deadline of February 1.
• Required Credentials: Rutgers University–New Brunswick requires specific credentials for your application. Current high school seniors, for instance, must complete the Rutgers Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). Additionally, international applicants may have specific visa requirements and additional documentation to submit.
• Decision-Making Process: The admissions team considers multiple factors when making decisions. While specific requirements may vary across programmes, Rutgers University–New Brunswick considers high school course results, test scores, and other factors in their holistic evaluation of applicants.
• Acceptance and Enrollment: Once you receive an offer of admission, you must accept it and pay a non-refundable $150 acceptance fee through the Rutgers Application Portal. After paying the fee, you will access your myRutgers Dashboard to learn about course registration, housing, financial aid, and other important steps to complete your enrollment.
• Immunization Requirement: Admitted students must submit their immunization documentation by the specified deadline. For Fall 2024, the deadline was June 1, 2024. Please refer to the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal for detailed information.

The benefits of attending Rutgers

Rutgers University is an excellent choice for prospective students and employees alike. The university offers a plethora of benefits to its community, including:

Competitive salaries and benefits

Rutgers University is committed to offering its employees competitive salaries and a generous benefits package. The university's total compensation model is designed to support employees' personal and professional growth and well-being.

Work-life balance

Rutgers understands the importance of work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements to help employees maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. The university also provides generous paid time off, including vacation time, paid holidays, personal days, and administrative leave. In addition, Rutgers offers comprehensive health and wellness resources, such as medical, prescription, dental, and vision care plans, as well as mental health support services.

Retirement benefits

Rutgers offers competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution retirement plans such as the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), Alternate Benefit Program (ABP), and Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS). The university also provides voluntary tax savings plans, including 403(b) and 457 plans, to help employees secure their financial future.

Professional development opportunities

Rutgers is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of its employees. The university offers a range of programs and services, including self-directed and formal learning opportunities, supervisor and leadership development programs, performance management processes, and executive coaching programs.

Respectful and diverse workplace

Rutgers prioritises providing a respectful workplace and values diversity and inclusion. The university is committed to supporting veterans and creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Employee discounts

Rutgers employees can take advantage of discounts from thousands of local and national vendors through the university's Employee Discount Program.

The diverse community at Rutgers

Rutgers University is committed to building an inclusive community that values and respects the complexities and diversity of its members. With a total enrollment of approximately 50,411 students, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the most diverse school in the Big Ten, with a near balance of male and female students. The student population is made up of 50% women and 50% men, while the graduate student population is predominantly female, with 61% women and 39% men. The university also has a high level of faculty racial and ethnic diversity, with a significant number of female teachers.

Rutgers University embraces diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, religion, language, disability status, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and geographic region. The university promotes understanding and learning across differences and encourages its community to engage deeply and develop respect for various identities and backgrounds. Rutgers University-Newark, in particular, offers interdisciplinary programs focused on diversity and equity, such as Africana Studies, Gender Studies, a minor in LGBTQ Studies, and more.

The Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement (DICE) plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. DICE leads cooperative efforts to implement the RU-NB Diversity Strategic Plan, aligning academic and administrative units to promote awareness and share progress toward the university's diversity goals. The university also offers various programs and initiatives to support first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students, such as the McNair Scholars Program and the Upward Bound and Upward Math-Science programs.

Rutgers University's commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond the classroom. The university provides resources and programming to help students, staff, and faculty achieve their goals and build a beloved community. The Diversity Education Network, for example, amplifies and expands equity, diversity, inclusion, access, and justice capacity building across the university. Rutgers University also encourages its community to speak up against bigotry and personal bias through initiatives like the Speak Up! University-wide Bias Prevention Campaign.

The university's efforts toward equity and inclusion are evident in its focus on eliminating barriers and ensuring access, opportunity, and advancement for all. Rutgers University recognizes the importance of addressing biases and disrupting personally held biases to create an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. The university's dedication to diversity and inclusion is a testament to its commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for its diverse community.

The different campuses at Rutgers

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is made up of five distinct campuses, each with its own unique character and offering a different college experience. With centuries-old structures, leading-edge facilities, environmentally-friendly design, and cutting-edge technology, Rutgers–New Brunswick provides an exciting and one-of-a-kind educational experience.

The Busch Campus is home to Rutgers' high-tech and health schools, as well as research centres. The Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, School of Engineering, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, and Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology are all based here. Additionally, the campus boasts SHI Stadium and an Olympic-sized swimming pool at the Werblin Recreation Center. The Visitor Centre welcomes all guests, and the Scarlet Knights football team calls this stadium home.

The College Avenue Campus is the historic heart of Rutgers, with Federal architecture and tree-lined lawns. It's a lively, urban community with cafes, shops, and a world-class art museum. The School of Arts and Sciences, the largest school at Rutgers, and the Honors College, which houses 500 top students, are located here. The campus also includes a variety of academic departments, ranging from art history to urban studies.

The G.H. Cook Campus, also known as the Cook/Douglass Campus, offers tranquil, wide-open green spaces, including a pastoral pond and a working organic farm. With 142 acres of woods and lawns, it is known for its natural beauty. The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences is based here and has its own state-of-the-art laboratories and a research farm.

The Douglass Campus, named after Douglass Residential College, has a strong focus on supporting women's success and addressing global humanitarian issues. It is home to many academic departments in the School of Arts and Sciences and the Mason Gross School of the Arts. This campus also features the Eagleton Institute of Politics, the Institute for Women's Leadership, Nicholas Music Center, and Levin Theater.

Finally, the Livingston Campus is a centre for business and professional studies, with the Rutgers Business School and the School of Management and Labor Relations. It offers a range of amenities, including a movie theatre, an athletic centre, and a solar array providing a significant portion of the campus power.

The next steps after acceptance

Congratulations on your acceptance to Rutgers University–New Brunswick! Here are the steps you need to take to finalise your admission and prepare for your academic journey:

• Accept your offer of admission: Log in to your Rutgers Application Portal and accept your offer of admission by paying the non-refundable $150 acceptance fee. This step confirms your intention to enrol at the university.
• Activate your Rutgers NetID: Your Rutgers NetID is essential for accessing various electronic services and resources at the university. Set up your NetID as soon as possible to explore the tools and information available to you as a student.
• Enroll in a two-step login with Duo: To protect the university's data and information security, Rutgers requires all students to use a two-step login process with Duo to access most services and tools that require a NetID login.
• Access your myRutgers Dashboard: Within 2-3 business days of paying the acceptance fee, log in to your myRutgers Dashboard to learn about the next steps, including course registration, housing and dining options, financial aid, billing, new student orientation, and more.
• Register for new student orientation: Orientation is a great way to transition to university life, meet other new students, and familiarise yourself with the campus and its resources.
• Submit immunization documentation: Admitted students are required to submit all necessary immunization records to the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal by the specified deadline (e.g., June 1, 2024, for Fall 2024 admits).
• Explore financial aid options: Rutgers is committed to accessibility and affordability. Familiarise yourself with financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, to ensure you can fund your education. The Office of Financial Aid hosts virtual workshops to help students understand their financial aid offers.
• Take a campus tour: The best way to get to know Rutgers is to visit the campus. Attend a virtual or in-person tour to explore the facilities, residences, and vibrant community that Rutgers–New Brunswick offers.

Frequently asked questions