Part of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, Rutgers University is ranked amongst the top public universities. It is one of America’s highest-ranked and most diverse public research universities. It is situated at three prime locations in New Jersey- New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark. Here’s everything you need to know about Rutgers University’s acceptance rate, popular courses, and application process.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rutgers University-New Brunswick can be found in New Brunswick, NJ, a public college which focuses on only a select few programs offered. Rutgers University-New Brunswick has over 52,000 students enrolled annually.
Students can submit either the ACT or SAT exam scores at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. A score in the range of 1210 – 1430 on the SAT exam, or 25 – 32 on the ACT exam is among the 25th – 75th percentile range among accepted students. By applying sampled GPA data from over 150 schools, we are able to estimate that the Rutgers University-New Brunswick average GPA ranges from 3.42 to 3.78 for accepted students. This school has an acceptance rate of around 61% with 29% of applicants deciding to continue on and enroll. When applying historical data, we have projected that the Rutgers University-New Brunswick acceptance rate 2021 will be around 56%. You can get more information from the admissions office website at .rutgers.edu.
Overall Rutgers University-New Brunswick Acceptance Rate – Fall 2020
61.2%
The overall acceptance rate for Rutgers University-New Brunswick was reported as 61.2% in Fall 2020 with over 41,300 college applications submitted to Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Both in state and out of state applicants are included in these figures. We do not have data on transfer acceptance rates currently.
Accepted Applicants Profile
- ACT Scores: 25 – 32
- Average GPA: 3.42 – 3.78
Applicant Selectivity: High
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has a very competitive selection process for applicants, where most students accepted have a higher than average high school GPA and scored in the top percentiles on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT exam.
Historical Trend and Acceptance Rate 2021 Projection
20162017201820192021
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 56.9 |
| 2017 | 57.8 |
| 2018 | 60.1 |
| 2019 | 61.2 |
| 2021 | 55.5 |
The historical trend chart shows acceptance rates from the previous years, from which we have projected the acceptance rate for the 2021-2022 school year. The overall acceptance rate trend for Rutgers University-New Brunswick has been on an upward trend when compared to previous years.
Acceptance Rate By Year
- 2016-2017: 56.9%
- 2017-2018: 57.8%
- 2018-2019: 60.1%
- 2019-2020: 61.2%
- Projected Acceptance Rate 2021-2022: 55.5%
How Does Rutgers University-New Brunswick Compare?
61.2%This School56.7%National Avg
The acceptance rate for Rutgers University-New Brunswick is eight percent higher than the national average of all colleges which is around 56.7%.
Nearby Similar College Acceptance Rates
| School | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Kean University | 68.6% |
| Seton Hall University | 73.6% |
| Rutgers University-Newark | 71.9% |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | 72.8% |
| Pace University-New York | 78.7% |
Admissions Rates & Enrollment Rates – Details
General Recommendations & Requirements for Admissions
- High School GPA Scores are Required
- School Records are Required
- College Prep Classes are Required
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT,ACT,…) are Required
- TOEFL Exam (Foreign Language Students) are Required
Number of Applicants, Percent Accepted, and Enrolled Students (Fall 2020)
| Total | Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 41,286 | 46.8% | 53.2% |
| Admitted | 25,277 | 47.7% | 52.3% |
| Enrolled | 7,315 | 51.5% | 48.5% |
Average ACT/SAT Scores of Applicants to Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Fall 2020)
| SAT® Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Critical Reading | 590 – 680 |
| Math | 620 – 750 |
| Total Score | 1210 – 1430 |
| ACT® | Score Range |
|---|---|
| English | 24 – 34 |
| Math | 26 – 32 |
| Composite Score | 25 – 32 |
Rutgers University GPA Requirements
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. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests.
You must take either the SAT or ACT to submit an application to Rutgers. More importantly, you need to do well to have a strong application.
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 New SAT score is 1190, and the 75th percentile New SAT score is 1410. In other words, a 1190 on the New SAT places you below average, while a 1410 will move you up to above average.
Here’s the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 665 | 600 | 730 |
| Reading + Writing | 635 | 590 | 680 |
| Composite | 1300 | 1190 | 1410 |
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.How does superscoring change your test strategy?(Click to Learn)
For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:
| Section | R+W | Math | Composite |
| Test 1 | 700 | 300 | 1000 |
| Test 2 | 300 | 700 | 1000 |
| Test 3 | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| Superscore | 700 | 700 | 1400 |
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.
Exclusive: Want to learn how to improve your SAT score by 160 points?
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 25, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 31.
Even though Rutgers likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 25 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.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Rutgers
1. Aim for A’s while taking the most challenging classes available
As the average GPA of newly enrolled Rutgers students on the New Brunswick campus last year was 3.7—4.1, in order to be a competitive candidate, you should aim to get mostly A’s. Though a 4.1 GPA may be intimidating, many of these students are likely taking advanced honors, AP, or IB classes, which gives them a weighted GPA. Taking honors classes will show admissions officers that you’ve challenged yourself, while also giving your overall GPA a boost. However, do not take such challenging classes that your grades suffer.
If your GPA is lower, and you’re still a freshman or sophomore in your high school, check out our tips for increasing your GPA. If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.
2. Report your SAT scores if above 1410, and ACT if above 32
While standardized test scores are optional for students applying for 2022 enrollment, Rutgers will still consider your test scores if you submit them. Students who do not submit test scores won’t be at a disadvantage from those who do, and will receive full admission consideration. That being said, a high standardized test score is a valuable way to display your academic aptitude in addition to your transcript. If you do take the SAT or ACT and score above average for Rutgers students, which is around a 1410 on the SAT or a 32 on the ACT, reporting your scores will likely give your application a boost.
If you’re trying to improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:
- How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
- How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
- More SAT Info and Tips
- More ACT Info and Tips
3. Cultivate a strong portfolio of extracurriculars.
When your academics are as equally strong as many other candidates for a college, extracurriculars are where you have a chance to stand out and help admissions officers form a better idea of who you are and what you might bring to their campus.
As a research university that values its ability to propel students into successful professional tracks, Rutgers is most interested in accomplishments that demonstrate particular academic talents and abilities, or how you have applied your skills outside of the classroom. If you are a senior, highlight any awards or recognition you’ve earned, research you’ve done alongside a high school teacher or family member, as well as any notable leadership positions. If you’re a junior, sophomore, or freshman, continue working on pursuing any intellectual interests you have, and aim to win local or regional awards or recognition.
In general, extracurricular activities can generally be divided into four “tiers.” To increase your chances at Rutgers, you should have one to two “Tier 1” or “Tier 2” extracurriculars.
- Tier 1 activities demonstrate exceptional talent, achievement, leadership, or merit. Activities and roles on the national level or which garner field-wide recognition count as Tier 1 activities. This may include winning a national award, qualifying for international competition and therefore gaining prestigious recognition, or starting a nonprofit that gains national traction. Having a Tier 1 activity marks you as a distinguished youth in the field of your activity, so having Tier 1 activities is rare.
- Tier 2 activities are more common than Tier 1, but still show high levels of achievement and potential. Holding school-wide leadership positions like student government president, winning regional competitions or awards, and local recognition as a student athlete or musician are all considered Tier 2.
- Tier 3 activities demonstrate sustained participation rather than exceptional achievement, and are frequently seen in applications, both across the board as well as in any given individual student’s application, as some students may have more than one Tier 3 activity. These activities can include holding minor positions in school clubs or being on a Varsity team.
- Tier 4 activities are the most common and have the lowest entry bar; they demonstrate interest without particular dedication. However, they are still important to include, especially if you have higher tier activities, because they can help show the diversity of your interests. Tier 4 activities can include regular volunteering, general membership in clubs or organizations, or taking any kind of music or art lesson over several years.
Having extracurricular activities on your application shows colleges that you have personal passions and that you can take your skills beyond the classroom. While colleges are happy to see any kind of interest you’ve taken, you’re going to be a much more competitive candidate if you have a few Tier 1 or 2 activities that show dedication and excellence rather than many scattered Tier 4 activities.
4. Write engaging essays
Rutgers will require you to write a 3800-character response to one of the Rutgers short essay prompts. You will also have the option of submitting an essay on a topic of your choice. The essay is to help the admissions committee get a sense of your personality and for you to speak directly to your reader. It is the perfect place for you to show your strengths, character, authentic voice, and written eloquence.
How to Apply to Rutgers
Deadlines
Planning on applying to Rutgers? Here are some dates to keep in mind for the 2021–2022 application cycle for first-year students applying for 2022 fall enrollment.
| Application Timeline | Admissions Application Due | Notification Date |
| Early Action | November 1 | January 31 |
| Regular Decision | December 1 | February 28 |
Application Requirements
Rutgers accepts applications through the Rutgers Online Application Portal, as well as the Coalition Application. To apply, you will need the following materials:
- Online application
- $70 non-refundable application fee (option to request fee waiver)
- Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
- SAT or ACT scores (optional for 2022 enrollment)
- GED Results (for students with a GED diploma/certificate)
- Extracurricular activities list
- Short essay
Optional materials include:
- Talent assessment for applicants to the Mason Gross School of the Arts
- English proficiency test score (for applicants whose secondary schooling has been outside the U.S. in a country where English is not the principal language)
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