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Undergraduate Admissions
Rutgers logo
Undergraduate Admissions
Rutgers logo
Undergraduate Admissions
Rutgers logo
Undergraduate Admissions

Required Credentials for First-Year Applicants

Who is a First-Year Applicant?

You are a first-year (or freshman) applicant if:

  • You are currently enrolled in high school, even if you've completed college credits while in high school, or
  • You've graduated from high school and have never attended college, or
  • You've been enrolled in college but will have completed fewer than 12 academic post-high school graduation college credits by the time you enroll at Rutgers.

Note: Current high school students taking college courses during high school should apply as first-year applicants, regardless of the number of college credits earned while in high school. If you are graduating from high school after three years, earning a high school equivalency diploma, or are home-schooled, please review the required credentials for non-traditional applicants. 

Creating Your Rutgers CommunityID

If you are using the Rutgers Application, you will create your CommunityID upon beginning the application. If you are using the Common App, you will receive an email with instructions for creating your Rutgers CommunityID approximately 24-48 hours after submitting your application. Do not attempt to create your CommunityID until you receive this email. Your CommunityID will allow you to access your Rutgers Applicant Portal, where you can view your application status and track required credentials. 

Using Your Rutgers Community ID

Getting Started

  • Complete and submit your undergraduate application
  • Pay application and enrollment fees
  • First-year Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) candidates can access the EOF application
  • Access your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) - current high school seniors only
  • View schools of application
  • View a list of credentials that are still required
  • View a list of received credentials
  • View official admissions decisions
  • Admitted students can accept their offer of admission and change their enrollment status
  • Rutgers–New Brunswick Mason Gross School of the Arts candidates can access the Supplemental Application 

Self-Service

  • Change your account email (note this does not change the email address used to log into your application portal)
  • Change or reset your password
  • Update your mailing address
  • Update your phone number
  • Add a school to your application
  • Semester Change Form (request change from spring to fall)

Changes in legal name, date of birth, as well as corrections to or the addition of a social security number, must be done with documentation (a government issued photo ID for name change or date of birth update and a signed copy of a social security card to update or change social security number). Send a request to make these types of changes to our admissions offices. The student's application portal can then be updated to request the needed documentation and such documentation can then be uploaded directly to the application portal.

Always include your full name, RUID, and email address used on your Rutgers application, when sending communications about your application.

Online Application

Complete the Rutgers Application or Common App carefully as it can’t be changed after it has been submitted.  

You should submit only one application.

Please note, older versions of Internet Explorer are not supported. We recommend using the latest versions of EDGE, Google Chrome, or Firefox for your browser when accessing your applications.  

Extracurricular Activities

  • Information about activities, employment, community service, and other personal experiences, though not required, can enhance your application.
  • To be considered, information about extracurricular activities must be included in the space provided on the application.
  • A list of extracurricular activities may not be submitted separately.

Essay

Whether applying with the Common App or Rutgers Application, Rutgers requires that first-year applicants provide a short, original essay. The essay must be included in the space provided on the application and submitted on the application form. The essay may not be submitted separately. Be sure to clear any formatting before pasting your essay into the online application. If you do not clear formatting, the punctuation in your essay may change. 

Please address one of the following topics or submit an essay on a topic of your choice.

  • 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.

The Rutgers Application essay is limited to 3,800 characters, including spaces.  

The Common App essay is limited to no more than 650 words. The application will not accept a response with less than 250 words. Please note there are no supplemental essays required for the Common App. A short statement is required if you decide to be considered for honors. 

Application Fee

A $70 non-refundable application fee is required whether applying with the Rutgers Application or Common App. (Find fee information for the School of Health Professions.) Rutgers must receive the fee or a fee waiver before your application will be considered complete and ready for review.

Please choose one of these fee payment options:

    • When you submit the online application, you may use the secure payment gateway to pay the application fee with a valid credit card.
    • You also may pay the fee online with a credit card via the link on your Rutgers CommunityID account, but only after 24-72 hours have passed since you submitted the application.
    • You can mail us a check made payable to "Rutgers University." Please include your full name and RUID.
    • Students who participate in the National School Lunch Program receive a waiver of the application fee.
    • Applicants who are currently serving in the U.S. Military, are Military Veterans, or Military Dependents who plan to apply for educational benefits under the GI Bill receive a waiver of the application fee.
    • We also accept official College Board, NACAC, ACT, and EOF fee waivers.
    • If you are currently in high school and paying the application fee would pose a financial hardship, see your high school counselor for an official waiver.
    • If you have already graduated from high school, please ask a social service agency or other third party familiar with your financial situation to provide you with a letter requesting a waiver based on your specific circumstances.
    • Be certain your full name and RUID are clearly printed on the form or letter.
    • If, after submitting your admissions application, you see the application fee is required, and you believe you are eligible for an official fee waiver due to financial hardship or military service, please contact us after submitting your admissions application. If you email our office, please attach your waiver form or letter to your email. You can also mail the waiver to any of the campuses you have applied to. Please include your RUID on your waiver form or letter. You only need to submit your waiver once.

GED Results

Students with a GED diploma/certificate are required to submit their official results. A transcript of any and all high school work attempted is required in addition to the GED results.

EOF Candidates

The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program is open to eligible New Jersey residents. Interested students should review the eligibility requirements and select the EOF option on the Rutgers Application or Common App. Students selecting the EOF option and submitting an undergraduate admissions application will then continue to the EOF application.

English Proficiency Examination Requirements

An English proficiency test score is required for applicants whose secondary schooling has been outside the U.S. in a country where English is not the principal language, regardless of U.S. residency or citizenship.

Talent Assessment for Mason Gross School of the Arts

A portfolio, audition, or interview demonstrating artistic talent is required of all Mason Gross School of the Arts applicants. Mason Gross applicants will be emailed a supplemental application five business days after submitting the application for admission. To learn more about the talent assessment requirements and deadlines, visit the school’s website for audition and portfolio information.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are not used for admissions consideration. The Rutgers application provides multiple opportunities for applicants to describe their accomplishments, activities, community service, and personal experiences. Students should be certain to complete all sections of the Rutgers application to describe themselves.

How to Apply

Get more information on How to Apply, including application and decision dates, admissions profile, and how we make decisions.

Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)

Part 2 of the application process for first-year students who are currently enrolled in high school requires submission of the SRAR.

The Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) allows students to self-report their courses, grades, grade-point averages, and other academic information. When applicants submit an SRAR, they do not need to provide interim transcripts prior to graduation. Preview the SRAR.

  • The SRAR is required for all current high school seniors. High school graduates and transfer students do not complete the SRAR.
  • Students should obtain a copy of their high school transcript from their school counselor and use the transcript as a reference when completing the SRAR.
  • The SRAR must include all courses and final grades earned from grades 9 through 11, as well as grade 12 courses in progress.
  • Enter scheduled or in-process 12th grade courses as ‘In Progress.’
  • If you have already completed a 12th grade course and received a final grade, please indicate the grade you received.
  • Discrepancies between a student's SRAR and official transcript can result in a student's admission to Rutgers being rescinded.
  • International students may use the SRAR. Upon enrollment, please mail us official academic records directly from an educational authority such as the SSC, HSSC, WAEC, GSEC (Tawjihiyah), GXE, GCE, or Bagrut, in addition to other results and certificates.

How to Submit Your SRAR

After you submit your Rutgers Application or Common App, you’ll need to link your SRAR to your application. To do this, log in to your Application Portal using your Community ID. If you applied using the Common App, you will receive an email approximately 24-48 hours after submitting your application, with instructions for creating your Rutgers CommunityID. Once logged in to the Application Portal, click on either SRAR buttons located on the welcome page or your status screen under “Required for Application Review.” 

  1. If you already have a SRAR account created for use with another participating college/university, log in with your SRAR email address and password to complete the linking process for Rutgers. 

  1. If you do not have a SRAR account, select "Create SRAR Account" and follow the on-screen instructions. We recommend you use the same email address you used to apply to Rutgers. 

Your Application Portal will reflect receipt of the SRAR within 24-72 hours of linking and submitting your SRAR.  

Standardized Testing Requirement

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, maintains test-optional and test-blind policies through 2026. Students who are currently enrolled in high school or graduated from high school less than two years ago and do not have 12 or more subsequent college credits completed with grades by the application due date and who wish to submit a standardized test score with their application may still do so.

Please visit the sections below for additional information on the submission of SAT and ACT standardized test scores for spring or fall admission to Rutgers–New Brunswick, Camden, or Newark. 

  • The SAT and ACT test score submissions are optional for undergraduate applicants. 

    If you feel your standardized test scores will benefit you in the admissions process, we encourage you to submit them. If you are unable to submit a test score, or choose not to, you will still receive full admission consideration.

    Students applying to the Rutgers-Camden BS/DO program are required to submit at least one standardized test score (ACT or SAT) to complete their Rutgers–Camden application for admission. For students who choose to submit their ACT scores, the new composite score will now only include English, math, and reading. The science section is optional and not required.

  • The SAT and ACT test submissions are not required for most undergraduate applicants.

    The following applicants will be required to submit at least one standardized test score (ACT or SAT) to complete their Rutgers-Newark application for admission: Students applying to the Rutgers-Newark 7-year BA/MD joint-degree program.

  • The SAT and ACT test submissions are optional for undergraduate applicants.  

    If you feel your standardized test scores will benefit you in the admissions process, we encourage you to submit them. If you are unable to submit a test score or choose not to, you will still receive full admission consideration.

    Please note that enrolling students with an Evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW) SAT score of 650 or higher or an ACT reading score of 28 or higher will be exempt from taking the English placement exam. These exemptions are granted only if scores have been sent to Rutgers. For students who choose to submit their ACT scores, the new composite score will now only include English, math, and reading. The science section is optional and not required.

Submitting Test Scores

All SAT and ACT scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to Rutgers. Unofficial test scores cannot be accepted. The SAT essay and ACT writing component are not required.

When requesting scores, use our SAT code 2765 or our ACT code 2592. We recommend including Rutgers as a receiving institution when registering for the SAT and/or ACT.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you are not able to, or c­hoose not to submit SAT or ACT scores, you will not be disadvantaged in our application review process. Your application will be considered on the basis of the other important credentials you have presented that demonstrate to Rutgers your promise and potential. 

  • For students admitted to Rutgers, the submission of SAT or ACT scores after admission will not impact the decision. Scores submitted after admission may be considered in the honors or merit-based scholarship selection processes, but only if the scores serve to aid the student to earn an honors invitation or scholarship. A student’s admission, merit-based scholarship award, or honors invitation will never be impacted negatively by submitting SAT or ACT scores after offers have been issued.

    For students who received a decision that they were not admitted to Rutgers, and who then wish to submit SAT or ACT scores for reconsideration for admission, please contact us to request reconsideration. Be sure to include your name and RUID in the online form.

  • If your standardized test scores fall within or above the 50 percentile found on our Rutgers-New Brunswick Admissions profile and Rutgers-Camden Admissions profile, we highly encourage students to submit them.

  • Please contact us within one week of submitting your application to let us know that you want to update your application to have your scores considered as part of your application review. Please include your name, RUID, and test date. Please note that you can change your decision only once during the application process.

  • Please contact us within one week of submitting your application requesting that your test scores not be considered as part of your application review. Please include your name, RUID, and test date. Please note that you can change your decision only once during the application process.

  • Rutgers-Newark does not require submission of SAT and ACT standardized test scores for most undergraduate student applicants. Please note that SAT/ACT scores ARE required for students applying to the  Rutgers-Newark 7-year BA/MD joint-degree program .

  • Yes, SAT/ACT scores are required for students applying to the Rutgers-Newark 7-year BA/MD program.