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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 Rutgers Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

Learn about our editorial policies

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

The Rutgers University essay prompts are ready and waiting! If your goal is to become a Scarlet Knight, then read on because we have a handy dandy guide on how to best respond to the Rutgers’ application prompts. Keep in mind that students can also apply to Rutgers through the Common Application , but our guide focuses on the Rutgers specific prompts. Ok, let’s learn how to best respond to the Rutgers supplemental essay prompts!

First, some background on Rutgers University

Rutgers University is the state university of New Jersey. As a diverse public research university. Rutgers offers three regional campuses in the following cities in New Jersey: 

• New Brunswick

Rutgers offers more than 150 undergraduate majors throughout their schools and colleges across all three campuses. Therefore, Rutgers has something for everyone! Let’s break down the Rutgers essay choices to make responding as clear as possible. 

The Rutgers University supplemental essay prompts

Rutgers requires applicants to complete only one essay – so it is your lucky day!  Applicants can choose from a list of five different topics or submit an essay on the topic of their choice. Therefore, be sure to select the prompt that most interests you. Essay responses should be up to 3800 characters (or 500 words).

Remember, do not select a prompt or write your own essay about a subject you have already written about for your Common App or in any other part of your application. You want Rutgers to get a good well-rounded sense of who you are so avoid repetition when possible! 

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“Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.”

For this prompt, think about a moment in your life that has changed you. If an event did not immediately pop into your mind, this may not be the prompt for you. However, if you read this prompt and said, “I have a profound story to share…,” think of the following questions to help you write your response. 

Questions to consider

• Who was involved and what happened during this experience? 
• What did you learn from this instance?
• How has this event changed you as a person? 
• What do you want someone to take away from this story of your life? 

The most important aspect of this essay response is to focus on how this experience demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. Don’t get too caught up in describing the experience in extreme detail. Connect back to Rutgers at the end of your response and show how you plan on using your experience to help you in your future endeavors. It will also demonstrate that you are the type of person who truly learns from the past and will continue to blossom while attending Rutgers.

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself  

“What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?”

For this prompt, it is important to focus on your main hobbies and interests. You want to be completely authentic in your responses to allow Rutgers to truly get to know you. Therefore, truly reflect on your passions and life and select the one that means the most to you. 

• What is something you are passionate about? 
• What have you learned from this passion/interest? 
• How did you become interested in this topic? 

After writing about your passion or interest, it is important to answer the second part of this question, “How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?” 

In order to answer the second part of this question, you will need to reflect deeply on this passion or interest you selected. 

• How has this interest changed you? 
• What have you learned about yourself through this passion? 
• Why is this an interest you have? 

The most important thing is that you are reflecting upon your passion and digging deep to discover what motivates you and how it has shaped you. 

Also see: What looks good on a college application?

“Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?”

To answer this prompt, choose a distinct time in your life where you had a positive impact on others. Be sure this is a very obvious event or time when you had a positive impact.  Once you decide what event to write about, make sure that you provide meaningful details. This includes setting the scene, describing what exactly happened, and how you had a positive impact.

After describing the time, dive into the challenges and rewards of this particular time in your life. In addition, write about what you have learned from this experience. 

• How did you make a positive impact on others? 
• Would you want to be in a similar situation again? 
• What were the responses of those around you? Positive or negative? 
• Why did you take on the role of being a positive impact on others? 
• What did you learn about yourself from this experience? 

“Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?”

To begin this prompt, think about a time in which you were questioned. This could be a time in which you realized your beliefs were right or even wrong!

Once you choose an example, set the scene and make that experience come to life. 

• What led up to your beliefs being questioned?
• Who questioned you? A stranger? A close friend? 
• Was this questioning of beliefs friendly? Or more confrontational? 
• Did this event make you question your beliefs? Or uphold these beliefs more strongly? 
• What did you learn from this event? 
• How will you demonstrate what you learned from this event while attending Rutgers? 

The most important part of responding to this prompt is your demonstration of growth and learning from this experience. Therefore, be sure to truly reflect on this experience and share how you will continue to take what you learned with you. 

“What success have you achieved or obstacles have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?”

For this response, choose to write about either a success you have achieved or an obstacle you have faced. No matter which option you choose to write about, it is important to describe what exactly happened. After describing either the success or obstacle, you should then describe what you learned from this experience. 

Then, you should detail advice you would give a friend or sibling that is going through a similar situation. This genuine advice should be that you would actually give a friend or family member. 

• What accomplishments mean the most to you?
• What obstacle have you had to overcome?
• Did anyone support your success or help you through a difficult time?

“Submit an essay on a topic of your choice”

The final topic example for the Rutgers supplemental essay is to just simply submit an essay on a topic of your choice. Select this option if none of the other options stood out to you. Remember, this is an admissions requirement, so you want to ensure that you are putting your best foot forward and not using an essay from another school.

The most important thing to note if you select this option is that you should not be repeating yourself in your application. Therefore, if your Common App essay is about your soccer career, this essay should not be about your soccer career! Rather, highlight one of your other amazing characteristics. Write about something that has not yet been discussed on your application.

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Wrapping up

Although Rutgers only requires one essay response, it can be quite daunting trying to choose between all of the options they provide. Therefore, try to pick the topic that most appeals to you–the one that makes you feel you could  write a novel about! Also, remember if none of the topics appeal to you, you can choose to write an essay on a topic of your choice. Remember, Rutgers is viewing your application as a whole, so it is important to be authentic and avoid repetition. Best of luck! 

Additional resources

Scholarships360 is a great source that offers an abundance of assistance in the college application process! Check out our other helpful guides on how to write a great supplemental essay , how to respond to the Common App prompts , how to write an essay about yourself , and how to write 250 or 500 word essays. 

Other colleges to consider

• University of Delaware (Newark, DE)
• Cornell University (Ithaca ,NY)
• New York University (New York, NY)

Frequently asked questions about responding to the Rutgers supplemental essay prompts

Does rutgers care about application essays, how long should my rutgers essay be, how to i stand out when writing my rutgers essay, can i reuse essays from other applications for my rutgers essay, scholarships360 recommended.

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Rutgers University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Rutgers essay prompts? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Rutgers supplemental essays will show you how to write engaging Rutgers essays and maximize your admissions odds.

For more help crafting your Rutgers supplemental essays, click here to create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

Rutgers Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• According to U.S. News , the Rutgers University Ranking is #63 in National Universities.
• Rutgers has an acceptance rate of 66.9%.
• Rutgers requires one essay of 3800 characters through the Coalition Application or their Rutgers portal.
• We recommend completing the Rutgers supplement essay cohesively and thoroughly to maximize your admissions odds. Strong Rutgers essays can make a huge difference!

Rutgers University wants students who will be active members of their academic community and the Global Rutgers network . Rutgers looks for students who can clearly articulate their beliefs and values to others. This is why the Rutgers application essay is so important.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk Rutgers essays.

Does Rutgers have a Supplemental Essay?

Yes. Rutgers accepts applications through the Rutgers Application Portal or the Coalition Application. All applicants must complete one Rutgers supplement essay, which can be submitted either through the Coalition Application or through the Rutgers Application Portal.

The Rutgers-specific essay prompts are the same as those listed on the Coalition Application.

Check out the Rutgers admissions website for more specific details, including information about the Rutgers application essay and tips on how to write strong Rutgers essays.

How Many Essays does Rutgers Require?

Good news! There is only one Rutgers supplemental essay.

Rutgers requires one essay of 3800 characters including spaces (around 500 words). This essay should address one of four topics . Your Rutgers application essay can also be on a topic of your choosing.

Does Rutgers Care about Supplemental Essays?

Yes—all schools care about supplemental essays, and Rutgers is no exception.

The Rutgers essay is a great chance for applicants to show who they are and why they should be admitted. Additionally, your Rutgers application essay is your only chance to address the admissions team on your own terms. The Rutgers admissions team will read thousands of Rutgers essays, and you want yours to stand out. In your Rutgers supplement essay, then, you should do all you can to show what makes you unique.

How do I Write the Rutgers College Essay?

We have provided the prompts for the Rutgers supplemental essays 2021-2022 below. You’ll find a breakdown of how to approach the Rutgers essays as well as tips for creating a strong application narrative.

In your Rutgers supplemental essays, you’ll want to keep your application narrative in mind. An application narrative is the story that your application tells. Ideally, each part of your application will work together to form a full picture. For example, a student looking to study architecture may seek out recommendation letters from their math teachers. That student may also highlight a summer internship at a local architecture firm. Finally, they may write an essay on the moment that they discovered their interest in building design.

Unsure of what an application narrative would look like for you? Check out CollegeAdvisor’s article A Deep Dive into the Personal Narrative .

What are the Essays for Rutgers?

The Rutgers supplemental essays 2021-2022 are available on the main Rutgers website along with a full list of application requirements. You can also find the Rutgers application essays on the Coalition Application.

Additionally, we’ve outlined each of the Rutgers supplemental essays below. We’ve also included strategies on how to respond to each of the Rutgers essay prompts.

Have questions about how to approach supplemental essays for other applications? Then check out our FAQs on all things Supplemental Essays .

Let’s break down the Rutgers essay prompts!

Choosing one of the Rutgers essay prompts is one of the most important parts of the essay process. There are five Rutgers essay prompts. Not sure which to choose? Try thinking about the following questions as you approach each potential Rutgers supplemental essay topic.

For each potential Rutgers application essay topic, ask yourself:

• Do I have a specific story to tell?
• Why am I telling this story?
• How does my story connect to my interest in Rutgers?
• Can I address what I like about Rutgers that I can’t find anywhere else?

If you can answer these questions clearly, then you are ready to write your Rutgers application essay!

Need more inspiration? Then, check out CollegeAdvisor’s article 39 essay tips from Admissions Experts .

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 1 (Optional)

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

The Rutgers essay prompts are designed to help you introduce yourself to the admissions committee. In your Rutgers supplemental essay, you want to discuss an experience that is about YOU. This prompt asks you to tell a story about who you are or who you have become.

Consider what values and personality traits you hold. What story might reflect these traits? For example, you might have plenty of stories about going fishing with your grandpa. However, if none of these stories emphasize your patience or your passion for family, then we won’t learn much from your Rutgers application essay.

The first of the Rutgers essay prompts asks you to tell a “story.” This story should be a full narrative with a beginning, middle, and end. However, the most important part of this story is that it revolves around you. Don’t spend so much time in your Rutgers application essay discussing what happened that you don’t have the space to tell your reader why it mattered and how it relates to your identity.

In addition, you’ll want to connect this story with the kind of student you’d be at Rutgers. Among other things, the Rutgers essay prompts are designed to assess how you’d “fit” at Rutgers. You should use your Rutgers application essay, then, to show how your priorities align with Rutgers’ offerings and values.

Have you read the Rutgers mission statement? Check out their about page for more info.

Rutgers Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your essay emphasize your core identity?
• Do you clearly showcase your values and personality traits?
• Does your essay show how you would embody Rutgers’ ideals?

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 2 (Optional)

Describe a time you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution.

This Rutgers supplement essay topic has two parts. Firstly, it asks you to describe a meaningful contribution you made to others. This contribution can be large or small-scale. What matters most is that the contribution you discuss in your Rutgers application essay reflects something important about you.

With prompts like this, writing can sometimes feel like bragging—this makes some students downplay their achievements out of self-consciousness. In your Rutgers supplement essay, however, don’t discount the value of your contribution. Your Rutgers application essay should show that you care about the common good and have actively dedicated yourself to others. In your Rutgers supplement essay, you should foreground what’s important to you and how you’ve served the world around you.

The second part of this Rutgers supplement essay question asks you to discuss the challenges and rewards of your contribution. When you talk about challenges, don’t undermine yourself. Avoid sentences that start with “I didn’t do…” or “I failed at…” Instead, focus on how you solved these challenges or how you would have solved them if you were to do it over again. The strongest Rutgers essays will use specific details to discuss how you contributed to your community, the impact you made, and any complications that you faced.

• Does your essay respond to both parts of the question?
• Do you clearly state the impact of your contribution?
• Do you avoid fixating on the challenges and shortcomings of your contribution?

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 3 (Optional)

Has there been a time when you’ve had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs?

As you approach this Rutgers supplement essay, start by finding a clear and concise way to describe your belief. A belief can be anything as serious as your religion or as simple as the belief that hot dogs are also sandwiches (controversial, I know). In both scenarios, your readers need to understand what your belief is and where it came from.

The story you tell in your Rutgers supplement essay should reveal something deep about your character and values. The best Rutgers essays, then, will use an instance of a belief being challenged to reveal something essential about how a student deals with conflicting perspectives.

Once you’ve established your belief, then discuss how it felt for this belief to be challenged. How did this conversation affect you? Did it force you to reconsider your perspectives? Did it create an emotional response? As you write, describe how you felt specifically. Ask yourself if you felt attacked by this challenge or if it opened your eyes to the viewpoints of others. Finally, describe how your belief system changed. Discuss any realizations you had and how you changed as a result of the situation. Overall, your Rutgers supplement should discuss what kind of student or thinker this conversation helped you become.

• Do you describe your belief and its origins?
• Does your Rutgers supplement essay describe how you were emotionally affected by this situation?
• Do you share how this challenge changed you as a student and thinker?

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 4 (Optional)

What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or friend (assuming they would listen to you)?

This Rutgers essay may seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. The key to this Rutgers supplemental essay is to be honest. You don’t need to spend your Rutgers supplemental essay describing big-picture issues. Instead, just make sure your Rutgers supplement essay speaks clearly and deeply about something that matters to you.

Additionally, make sure you describe how these issues directly impact your life and shape the person you’re becoming. Discuss both the positives and the negatives, and make sure you use clear language.

Finally, remember that your Rutgers supplemental essays should be about you. In this Rutgers supplement essay, don’t just focus on general struggles and triumphs that teenagers face. Instead, make sure you tie these experiences to your own development. The best Rutgers essays will use a student’s view of the world to relate to their own experiences.

• Do you speak honestly about your experiences?
• Does your Rutgers supplement essay clearly define the positives and negatives of the teenage experience?
• Do you focus equally on the positives and negatives?
• Is your essay about you?

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 5 (Optional)

Submit an essay on the topic of your choice.

Not interested in any of the other Rutgers essay prompts? This is a perfect chance to show Rutgers who you are on your own terms.

However, make sure you don’t use this Rutgers application essay to tell a story about someone else. If you choose your own topic for your Rutgers supplement essay, make sure that it reflects an important aspect of yourself that you can’t discuss anywhere else. If you read your essay and it can apply to any other topic above, choose another of the Rutgers essay prompts.

Moreover, if your essay says a lot about a topic but nothing about you, then you should change your topic. This comes from the scope of your question. If your topic is something like “why I like bread,” then your reader will learn a lot about bread and nothing about you. However, if your topic is “why baking bread with my grandma taught me to value patience,” then your reader will learn about your experiences and insights. The strongest Rutgers essays will use specific details to tell a story that your reader couldn’t learn from any other part of your application.

• Does your Rutgers application essay topic reflect something not shown elsewhere in your application?
• Does your topic not fit with any of the other Rutgers essay prompts?
• Do you discuss what kind of student or person you are?

Additional tips for writing your Rutgers Supplemental Essays

Choose your topic wisely.

Do not choose a Rutgers application essay topic that does not speak to you. At the end of the day, your response to the Rutgers essay prompts needs to connect to your own experiences. Many essays might be well-written, but they would still be ineffective if they tell us nothing about the writer. In your Rutgers essays, the admissions team wants to understand what kind of person and student you are. Don’t make up a story in order to seem more interesting. Instead, just be yourself and thoroughly explain why your topic matters to you.

Do Your Research

Don’t forget to read the official Rutgers materials. In these materials, the school explains what makes Rutgers unique. This should be in your mind while you write your essay. Ultimately, your answers to the Rutgers essay prompts should work in conversation with Rutgers’ own values.

Connect it back to Rutgers

Although you are writing an essay about yourself, remember that this is a school-specific application. For this reason, you should probably mention Rutgers at least once. Your responses to the Rutgers essay prompts should describe something specific about Rutgers you couldn’t find elsewhere.

Rutgers Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

Your Rutgers application should connect yourself to the school. Remember that Rutgers wants to admit students who have a clear definition of why they need to be at Rutgers specifically. Spend time on the Rutgers website, and focus your essay on values related to the school. Finally, don’t forget to proofread your work. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Rutgers was written by Joy Nesbitt , Harvard ’21. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click here . Want help crafting your Rutgers supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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A Good Rutgers Essay Example

What’s covered:, essay example , where to get feedback on your essay .

With over 60,000 students, Rutgers University is the largest higher education institution in New Jersey. With such a large school, there is something for everybody, which is why it might seem that everybody applies. In order to make your Rutgers application stand out from the crowd, you need to have well-written essays. In this post, we’ll share a real essay a student submitted to Rutgers, and outline its strengths and areas of improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Since the Rutgers essay prompts are the same as the Coalition Application prompts, we recommend checking out our guide to the Coalition Application essays for a comprehensive breakdown on how to write these supplemental prompts.

Prompt: Has there been a time when you’ve had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs? (No word count given)

I was about to eat the last cookie when I heard a low growl. I looked up at my friend, her cheeks flushed red, and her brow pinched in a tight dip. She didn’t make eye contact with me when I extended my hand to give her the cookie. She pushed it away, and I kept insisting until she finally gave in. Growing up, family was extremely important to me. I was taught to treat others like my family, a mantra we would repeat. Sharing that cookie, despite not having lunch that day, was like sharing the last tortilla with my brother.

As much as I would like to say family is important to me now, it’s not. At least not the accepted concept of family which is the people you are related to by blood. The problem with this concept of family is that you don’t get to choose the people in your family, no matter how good or bad of a person they are. 

Unfortunately, I learned this through my dad’s death. Before this tragedy, my family was inseparable. We would have parties every weekend to celebrate the big game or just see each other. Now, those parties only frequent the occasional birthday. It was weird for me to lose my closeness with my family, but this closeness was quickly replaced by relationships with my friends. I’ll never forget the heartfelt discussions I had with my friend Nick, who would give his shoulder for me to cry on and tell a joke that would make me wheeze in laughter.

Two years have passed, and I stand towering over my dad’s grave. There’s a flag pierced in the dead grass, and my hands are frozen. It’s quiet, and I think about the detrimental truth my mom whispered in my ear. It took me so long to realize this, blind to the hints he left behind. He would have improved his chances of surviving cancer if he took care of himself. He didn’t care about my brother and me, and at his grave I accepted that. I talked to him genuinely one last time, touched his tombstone, then walked away. I moved on.

This truth of my dad not caring for his health dawned the realization that my family was just a bunch of people who didn’t know me. I coped through isolation as I was comfortable being alone, but my family tried to force me out to go places and surround myself with people who weren’t emotionally available. In response, I instead surrounded myself with the people I chose to be my family, such as Nick. We would often go to the mall and browse each store or go to the Rollercade and spend hours falling. I would steal sips from his red ICEE, and he would always try to catch me but slip on the floor. These moments meant more than scarce instances I had with my dad. 

Every day I message my friends, some new and others old. I cherish these people who are not bound by blood, but for my personality, my laughter, my jokes, and my intelligence. I’ll never forget how my reformed belief of family allowed me to make friends who have made long lasting impressions and positive influences in my life.

What the Essay Did Well

The first thing that jumps out at you is how vulnerable this essay is. The author wasn’t afraid to let the reader into their personal life, and because of that, the essay is stronger. So much more is revealed about who this student is and how they respond to difficult situations because they were honest with us.

Another thing that this essay does well is describing what family means to this student. Taking an accepted concept like family and boiling it down to the little moments helps us see what they value. For them, seeing each other frequently, celebrating together, having a shoulder to cry on, sharing the last bite of food, and losing track of time by just being in each other’s company is what makes a family. Sprinkling in all these examples and anecdotes shows us what their definition of a family is, without explicitly needing to tell us.

There’s a nice balance in this essay between what this student accepted as the traditional idea of family and how they now see family. For this prompt, it’s important to have that balance so you can show what the long-cherished belief was, as well as how a challenge to that belief changed your perspective. This essay does a good job of encompassing both.

What Could Be Improved

Although a really vulnerable topic can be great for revealing personal details and creating empathy, it can also backfire and make the reader uncomfortable. This isn’t a guarantee, but it’s something to keep in mind when choosing a deeply personal and somewhat traumatic topic. For the most part, the author did a good job of keeping the story focused on themselves and their emotions, but it’s always a possibility that someone reading the essay lost someone close to them and finds this essay too hard to read.

In terms of the structure of the essay, it wavered back and forth between focusing on the student’s dad and their friends. To make it a little easier to follow, they should have started with how their traditional family was important to them until their dad died, and then explain how they found a new definition of family among their friends. This structure is more concise and clearer than starting with the dad, jumping to Nick, going back to the dad, and then going to Nick once again.

Want feedback like this on your Rutgers essay before you submit? We offer expert essay review by advisors who have helped students get into their dream schools. You can book a review with an expert to receive notes on your topic, grammar, and essay structure to make your essay stand out to admissions officers.

Haven’t started writing your essay yet? Advisors on CollegeVine also offer expert college counseling packages . You can purchase a package to get one-on-one guidance on any aspect of the college application process, including brainstorming and writing essays.

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Rutgers Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Rutgers's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Rutgers and build a strong application.

School location: Piscataway, NJ

This school is also known as: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Admissions Rate: 66.3%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Rutgers is 66.3% . For every 100 applicants, 66 are admitted.

This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Rutgers GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.73

The average GPA at Rutgers is 3.73 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)

With a GPA of 3.73, Rutgers requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll 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. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.73, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Rutgers hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Rutgers will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Rutgers SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1300

The average SAT score composite at Rutgers is a 1300 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Rutgers Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.

Rutgers SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1190, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1410. In other words, a 1190 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1410 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Rutgers has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Rutgers will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Rutgers forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1300, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Rutgers ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Rutgers likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 28

The average ACT score at Rutgers is 28. This score makes Rutgers Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 28, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

Even though Rutgers likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 28 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 28 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Rutgers, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 28.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Rutgers considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Scoring a 1410 SAT or a 33 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 66.3% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%.

If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 3.73. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone.

But if your score is a 1190 SAT or a 28 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Rutgers here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Recommended for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $70
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies
• Electives 5

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes December 1 February 28
• Yes November 1 January 31

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 65 New Brunswick, NJ 08854-8097
• Phone: (848) 445-1000 x1000
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Rutgers, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Rutgers.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Rutgers. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Rutgers, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Rutgers, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Rutgers is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Rutgers University Guide

The Ivy Scholars guide to Rutgers University’s culture, admissions, and other essential information for prospective students and their families.

Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey

Mascot: Scarlet Knight

Type: Public Research Institution

Population: 50 ,000 (36,000 undergrad)

Jump to Section:

Statistics  

Natl. Rankings  

Admissions Info

Academics  

Special Programs

Student Life  

Financial Info  

Fun Facts     

About Rutgers University

Situated midway between NYC and Philadelphia, Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, is the 8th oldest institution for higher education in the nation. Split into four “campuses”, Rutgers offers urban and rural atmospheres, which allows for both the exciting experiences offered by big schools and the intimacy of smaller colleges.

Rutgers Statistics

Year Founded: 1766

4 Year Graduation Rate: 61%

Gender Distribution: 50% male, 50% female

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Residency: 81% in state, 7% out of state, 12% international

Location Type:  Urban

Schedule System:  Semesters

Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1

Average Class Size: 25

Demographics: 40% Caucasian, 26% Asian, 13% Hispanic, 7% Black

Need assistance with the college admissions process?

National rankings.

US News Rankings:

• #22 Public Schools
• #35 Best Colleges for Veterans
• #49 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
• #62 National Universities

Self-Reported Rankings:

• #12 Public Universities per QS
• #20 Public Universities per The Chronicle of Higher Education
• #29 Public Colleges per Forbes
• #33 Best School for Business Majors
• #34 Public Schools per The Wall STreet Journal
• #41 National Universities per QS
• #50 National Universities per Money Magazine

Rutgers Admissions Information

Application Deadlines:

• Early Action: November 1st
• Regular Decision: December 1st
• Transfer Deadline: February First

Notification Dates:

• Early Action:  January 31st
• Regular Decision: End of February
• Transfer: April 15th

Acceptance Rates:

• Transfer: 55%

Average Applicant Pool: 38,400

Average Number of Applicants Accepted: 22,200

Average Number Enrolled: 6,300

Application Systems:  Coalition App or Rutgers App

Average GPA: 3.9 weighted

SAT Scores: 25th% – 1190, 75th% – 1410

ACT Scores: 25th% – 25, 75th% – 31

*Test mandatory. Writing sections are not required.

Demonstrated Interest:

Rutgers does not consider demonstrated interest.

Recommendation Letter Policies:

Rutgers does not require or accept letters of recommendation.

Rutgers Essay Prompts:

• Common App Personal Statement (3800 Characters)

Rutgers Essay Writing Tips

Special Notes:

• Each college has its own entrance requirements, in terms of courses which must be taken during high school. 
• Students applying to the School of Arts must complete an additional talent assessment alongside the regular application. The school will not send notifications of admission until April 1st.
• Required credentials are due two weeks after the application due date. The due dates are not hard cut-offs, but if the application remains incomplete by the time required credentials are sent in, the application will not be considered.
• Rutgers accepts a maximum of 60 credits for students transferring from 2-year institutions, or 90 form 4-year institutions. Students must have completed at least 12 college credits to count as a transfer student.
• Students are required to use the Rutgers own application site.
• While the essay is not required for transfer students, it is recommended.
• Students must submit a high school transcript if they have completed less than 24 college credits, and always must submit a college transcript.
• Standardized test scores are generally not required for Rutgers.
• Students applying to the School of the Arts will be required to audition or submit a portfolio.
• Letters of recommendation are not required.

Rutgers Academics

• Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
• Mason Gross School of the Arts
• Rutgers Business School
• School of Arts and Sciences
• School of Communication and Information
• School of Engineering
• School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
• School of Management and Labor Relations
• School of Social Work
• Transferring between schools requires completing an online application.

Core Requirements:

• These vary depending on school.
• Comprehensive Degree Requirement Information

Courses of Study: 

• 120 Majors Offered
• Option to double major
• Popular majors include Human Resource Management, General Psychology, Health & Physical Education, Nursing, and Communications.
• Minors Offered
• Course Catalog

AP Credit Policies:

• Rutgers awards credit for scores of 4 or 5 on most AP exams.
• Comprehensive AP Credit Information

Honors Programs:

• The Honors College hosts 500 students each year, and offers expanded opportunities for funding, research, faculty mentorship, and experiential learning.
• The School of Arts and Sciences has its own Honors Program , which offers mentorship, special housing, study abroad opportunities, and research opportunities.
• The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences has its own Honors Program , consisting of first year seminars and mentorship, and a senior-year honors thesis project involving original research.
• The School of Engineering Honors Academy offers participation in honors courses, residential housing, research opportunities, and scholarships.
• Departmental Honors (contact individual departments for more information)
• Academic Honors Societies

Research Availability:

• The Aresty Research Center serves to coordinate research opportunities for undergraduates in all disciplines.

Study Abroad: 

• Study Abroad Options

Business Options: 

• The Business School offers a BS degree with six possible majors (Accounting, Business Analytics, Leadership, Finance,Marketing, and Supply Chain Management)
• Mentoring Programs are offered, pairing undergraduates with faculty, MBA students, and industry professionals.
• Accelerated MBA Program offers undergrads a jump start on an MBA, granting two degrees in 5 years total.

Pre-Med Options:

• There is no dedicated pre-med major, but there is an advising program , which guides students through the necessary courses and helps them find a complementary major to their intended course of study.
• BA/MD Robert Wood Johnson Medical School 7 year program (3+4) open to high achieving sophomores.
• BA/MD New Jersey Medical School 7 year program (3+4) open to high achieving sophomores.
• Pre-Health Advising

Pre-Law Options:

• Pre-Law Advising Program
• Poli-Sci Pre-Law Advising

Computer Science Options: 

• The Department of Computer Science offers both a BA and a BS in the field. They also offer a Minor for interested students.
• An Honors Track is available to talented students, which allows for graduation with honors.
• There are a number of tracks within the major for students who want to specialize in one facet of computer science.

Additional Specialty Programs: 

• Certificate Programs
• BA/DMD Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
• Engineering Accelerated Master’s Programs
• Criminal Justice Dual Degree
• Teacher Certification
• Public Policy Dual Degree

Programs for High Schoolers:

• Pre-College Summer Programs allow gifted high school students to experience life and learning on Rutgers’ campus. These are either courses for credit, or help preparing for college and the application process.
• Life-Long Learning offers programs for high schoolers and younger children as well, either exploring academic interests or helping with the college process.
• Aresty Research Center offers opportunities for high school students to get involved with research with Rutgers faculty and grad students.
• Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) runs through the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, and offers high school students a place to explore careers in medicine.

Student Life at Rutgers

School Motto: Sun of righteousness, shine upon the West also

Mission and Values:

• Mission: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, has the threefold mission of providing for the instructional needs of New Jersey’s residents through its undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs; conducting the innovative research that contributes to the medical, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of the state, as well as aiding the economy and the state’s businesses and industries; and performing public service in support of the needs of the residents of the state and its local, county, and state governments.
• Additional Information

Residential Housing System:

Across its five interconnected campuses, Rutgers University operates one of the largest collegiate housing programs in the country, with more than 50 housing options.

• Residence Halls – ( Busch , College Avenue , Cook/Douglas , Livingston )
• Living-Learning & Interest-Based Communities
• Residential Colleges – ( Honors College , Douglass Residential College )

Housing Statistics:

• 85% of freshmen live on campus
• 43% of undergraduates live in on-campus housing for the entirety of their stay

Campus & Surrounding Area :  

• The Rutgers University New Brunswick campus is broken up into five smaller interconnected campuses each with its own distinct atmosphere: Busch, College Avenue, Douglass, George H. Cook, and Livingston.
• Check out the Zimmerli Museum to see amazing soviet, post-soviet and early modern Russian/Slavic art. 
• Explore one of the largest old growth forests in the state at the Rutgers Ecological Preserve .
• Paddle the D&R Canal in a canoe from the Outdoor Center to enjoy the beautiful foliage and scenery that Rutgers has to offer.
• Attend a performance in the Rutgers Theatre District
• Stroll among the various monuments and houses that date back to pre-revolutionary war times in a guided Old Queen’s Campus Tour.
• Safety information: ( Rutgers , College Factual )
• Virtual Tour , Virtual Visits

Transportation:

• The New Brunswick campus consists of 4 separate campuses that require the use of some form of transportation to go between them.
• Campus Bus transportation is readily available for free on all campuses.
• Bike paths are available and the university is working on expanding their use and safety.
• Walking paths connect each campus. 
• Parking information

Traditions:

• School songs resonate throughout the years dating all the way back to 1873.
• In 1875, the Cannon War between Princeton and Rutgers began with Rutger’s sophomores stealing their cannon back, thus beginning the tradition’s significance.
• New Jersey Folk Festival   and Rutgers Agricultural Field Day gathers local vendors every year on the Rutgers New Brunswick campuses.
• Football games have many traditions from chants to their mascot . The Scarlet Knight and the noble steed grace every football game.

Student-Run Organizations:  

• Organization Database
• Sample Organizations ( Creation of Games Society , Women In Business , Creative Writing Club , Muggle Mayhem )
• D1 Athletics Big 10 Conference (Good men’s lacrosse and women’s basketball)
• Intramural Sports
• Club Sports
• Main Rival: Princeton

Greek Life:  

• There are 80 Fraternities and sororities at Rutgers , however only a small population of students participate in them.
• Rutgers has a flourishing underground music scene. Several nights a week, numerous “basement shows” are thrown that require around 5$ for admission. To find out where the shows are one can a.) ask around. b.) do a quick google search or c.) look at the many event boards scattered around campus which usually have fliers for upcoming shows. Most bands want as many people in attendance as possible so advertisements for them should be easy to find.
• New Brunswick has an excellent offering of Jazz music. Most shows are put on by the New Brunswick Jazz Music Project .
• Rutgers’ excellent Robert A. Schommer Astronomical Observatory is equipped with a high powered telescope that is open to the public for viewing your favorite planets, constellations and stars.
• Take the charming Ravine Bridge, also called the “ Kissing Bridge ,” across the scenic ravine to the Mason Gross Performing Arts Center. Besides being a great romantic spot for engaging in the aforementioned activity, it is a great spot to hang out and enjoy nature.
• Passion Puddle is a beautiful pond on Douglas Campus that is lit at night making it a perfect place to hang out with friends while watching the stars.
• The Stress Factory comedy club is one of the most famous venues in the country and has hosted some of the most renowned comics currently performing.
• Bars and Restaurants in New Brunswick

Financial Information

Yearly Cost of Attendance:

• Total: $51,718
• Tuition: $28,595
• Fees: $3,114
• Room & Board: $13,512
• Books: $1,350
• Travel: $1,416
• Personal Expenses: $3,731

Financial Aid:

Rutgers offers some need-based aid in the form of grants. All students are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for any financial aid awards. Most financial aid awards also come with work-study options, which allows students to earn money to pay towards personal expenses.

Additional Financial Aid & Student Loan Information

Scholarships: 

Scholarships are offered for both need and merit. Scholarships are divided by type, those available to Rutgers students generally provided by the university, and those from outside sources . Finally, merit scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement.

• Among the ten oldest colleges in the US, and one of 9 founded before the American Revolution.
• The first classes at the school were held in a tavern.
• A proposed measure to merge the school with Princeton in the early 1800s failed by 1 vote.
• Considered the birthplace of college football, as the first ever collegiate game was played on campus between Rutgers and Princeton. Rutgers won 6-4 (the rules were slightly different then).
• Rutgers’ grease trucks serve their invention: fat sandwiches .
• The campus hosts the 2nd oldest college newspaper in the nation, the Daily Targum.
• Their mascot used to be a rooster, but now is a Scarlet Knight.
• The largest bus system in New Jersey.
• Scenes from the 1982 movie, The World According to Garp were filmed on campus.
• Notable alumni include Milton Friedman, Elizabeth Warren, and actor Sebastian Stan.

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Rutgers University–New Brunswick | Rutgers

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

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How to Get Into Rutgers University: Admission Guide

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

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.

Whether you're a high school student crafting your college application or a prospective transfer student looking to transition, understanding the complexities of Rutgers' admissions process and requirements is essential. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps, strategies, and insider tips to help you successfully achieve your goal of gaining admission to Rutgers University. 

From academic achievements and standardized tests to extracurricular involvement and personal statements, we'll delve into every aspect of the application process, ensuring you have the tools and insights you need to maximize your chances of becoming a Scarlet Knight!

Rutgers University Acceptance Rate

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. 

The Rutgers University transfer acceptance rate is around 55%. Whereas, Rutgers University Early Decision acceptance rate is non-existent because the school doesn’t offer it. 

Rutgers University Yield Rate?

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).

Rutgers University Supplemental Essays with Examples 

Students will have to submit an essay addressing one of the following subjects:

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

It’s important to note that unless you apply through Rutgers Application, these Rutgers University essay prompts are actually Common App personal statements.

Here are some examples of well-written supplemental essays. 

Essay Example #1

Prompt: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

I was about to eat the last cookie when I heard a low growl. I looked up at my friend, her cheeks flushed red, and her brow pinched in a tight dip. She didn’t make eye contact with me when I extended my hand to give her the cookie. She pushed it away, and I kept insisting until she finally gave in. Growing up, family was extremely important to me. I was taught to treat others like my family, a mantra we would repeat. Sharing that cookie, despite not having lunch that day, was like sharing the last tortilla with my brother.

As much as I would like to say family is important to me now, it’s not. At least not the accepted concept of family which is the people you are related to by blood. The problem with this concept of family is that you don’t get to choose the people in your family, no matter how good or bad of a person they are. 

Unfortunately, I learned this through my dad’s death. Before this tragedy, my family was inseparable. We would have parties every weekend to celebrate the big game or just see each other. Now, those parties only frequent the occasional birthday. It was weird for me to lose my closeness with my family, but this closeness was quickly replaced by relationships with my friends. I’ll never forget the heartfelt discussions I had with my friend Nick, who would give his shoulder for me to cry on and tell a joke that would make me wheeze in laughter.

Two years have passed, and I stand towering over my dad’s grave. There’s a flag pierced in the dead grass, and my hands are frozen. It’s quiet, and I think about the detrimental truth my mom whispered in my ear. It took me so long to realize this, blind to the hints he left behind. He would have improved his chances of surviving cancer if he took care of himself. He didn’t care about my brother and me, and at his grave I accepted that. I talked to him genuinely one last time, touched his tombstone, then walked away. I moved on.

This truth of my dad not caring for his health dawned the realization that my family was just a bunch of people who didn’t know me. I coped through isolation as I was comfortable being alone, but my family tried to force me out to go places and surround myself with people who weren’t emotionally available. In response, I instead surrounded myself with the people I chose to be my family, such as Nick. We would often go to the mall and browse each store or go to the Rollercade and spend hours falling. I would steal sips from his red ICEE, and he would always try to catch me but slip on the floor. These moments meant more than scarce instances I had with my dad. 

Every day I message my friends, some new and others old. I cherish these people who are not bound by blood, but for my personality, my laughter, my jokes, and my intelligence. I’ll never forget how my reformed belief of family allowed me to make friends who have made long lasting impressions and positive influences in my life.

Rutgers University Admissions Requirements

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: 

High School Course Requirements

Depending on the program you plan on applying to, there are certain credentials you’ll need to complete in high school:

• Four years of English 
• Zero to two years of a foreign language
• Three to four years of Mathematics (including Algebra, Geometry, and for some programs, Precalculus) 
• Zero to two years of Science (of Biology and Chemistry or Physics and Chemistry, depending on your program)
• Five to nine other academic courses

While your cumulative GPA will be considered, ensure you receive the highest marks in these core courses to demonstrate your academic merit.

Rutgers University GPA Requirements

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. 

Rutgers University SAT Requirements

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 ). 

Rutgers University Average SAT

Here’s a table of ​​Rutgers University SAT scores for the past three years: 

This table will give you an idea of the SAT scores over the past few years. 

Rutgers University ACT Requirements

Like the SAT, the ACT isn’t required but will be considered if admitted. Ensure that you do well to be considered a strong applicant. 

Rutgers University Average ACT

Here’s a table of ​​Rutgers University ACT scores for the past three years: 

This table will give you an idea of what to aim for when taking the ACT exam. 

Application Fee

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.

GED Students Requirements

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.

English Proficiency Test Requirements For International Students

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:

• Paper-based TOEFL: 550
• Computer-based TOEFL: 213
• Specific section requirements for IBT TOEFL, or an IELTS score of 7. 

Proficiency in English is essential, but some programs may have stricter language requirements; consult your program for details.

Letters of Recommendation

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.

Extracurricular Activities

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. 

Talent Assessment

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.

Self-Reported Academic Record 

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 Student Requirements

Transfer students must submit the application fee, college transcripts, and an essay (which is recommended). 

Rutgers University Tuition and Fees

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.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

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. 

Rutgers University Application Process and Deadlines

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.

Tips for Getting Into Rutgers University

Now that you know the basics of how to get into Rutgers University, you may be curious about how you can elevate your application to maximize your chances of acceptance. Since Rutgers has such a high acceptance rate, you can follow a few simple tips to impress the admissions committee:

Participate In Various Extracurriculars

You’ll be asked to separate your extracurriculars , work, and volunteer experiences on your application. 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.

Choose Your Essay Topic Wisely

Your supplemental essay will not only give the committee insight into your writing skills but will also 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.

Only Write the SAT/ACT if Necessary

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.

If you already have a competitive GPA however, you can avoid the added stress and opt out of writing the SAT/ACT as it will not give you any additional advantage. 

FAQs: Getting Into Rutgers University

For any remaining questions about how to get into Rutgers University, read on to find your answers.

1. How Hard Is It to Get Into Rutgers University?

Considering its high acceptance rate, Rutgers is relatively easy to get into. 

2. Can I Get Into Rutgers With a 3.0 GPA?

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.

3. Can I Get Into Rutgers with a 2.4 GPA?

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.

4. Is Rutgers an Ivy League School?

No, Rutgers is not an Ivy League school.

5. Is Rutgers Prestigious?

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.

6. Do You Need to Write an Essay for Rutgers?

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.

7. How Many Letters of Recommendation Do I Need to Submit to Apply to Rutgers?

Rutgers does not require letters of recommendation as part of the application process. The application process provides adequate opportunity for students to describe the accomplishment, activities, honors, awards, and experiences that would otherwise be shared through recommendation letters.

Final Thoughts

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!

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Martin and Colleagues Discuss the Intersection Between Civil and Criminal Law

Posted: 5/9/2024 (CSDE Research)

CSDE Affiliate Karin D. Martin (Evans School of Public Policy & Governance) released an essay with colleagues in Punishment and Society , entitled “ Access to justice at the intersection of civil and criminal law “. Martin’s essay is part of a special issue of the journal focused on Access to Justice that she co-edited with Kathryne Young at The George Washington University Law School and Sarah Lageson at Rutgers University. Most people in the criminal legal justice system are also dealing with civil legal issues, creating unique consequences. Yet, there is a scholarly separation between criminal and civil law, meaning that this criminal-civil nexus remains understudied. In this essay, authors discuss the root of this separation and the importance of research on interactions between the criminal and civil legal systems.

• Martin, Karin