Advice for getting into Rutgers University?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and Rutgers University is one of my top choices. Can anyone share some tips or experiences on how to make my application stand out? What do they typically look for in a candidate? Thanks!

Hi there! It's great to see you taking an interest in Rutgers University. To maximize your chances, you'll want to focus on a few key areas of your application: academics, extracurricular activities, essays, and possibly letters of recommendation.

1. Academics: Rutgers values strong academic performance, so ensure you're taking a rigorous course load with honors/AP classes when possible, along with maintaining a strong GPA.

You'll also ideally want to aim for an SAT or ACT score that falls within or above the middle 50% range for the university (for the 2024-2025 application cycle, SAT: 1270-1480, ACT: 28-33). If your test scores aren't within this range, don't be discouraged, as Rutgers has a holistic admissions process and will consider other aspects of your application too.

You also technically don't have to submit your SAT/ACT score, as Rutgers is currently a test-optional institution. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

2. Extracurricular Activities: Rutgers looks for well-rounded students with a variety of interests. Make sure to be involved in extracurriculars that showcase your passions and leadership skills. Aim for a mix of school clubs, community involvement, and potentially a part-time job or internship if you can find one that aligns with your future career goals.

3. Essay: Your essay is where you have the opportunity to make your application more personal and unique, by focusing on aspects of your life and character that aren't evident from the rest of your application. This is your chance to share your story, highlight your interests, and demonstrate how you would contribute to the Rutgers community. For guidance on how to tackle your personal statement for Rutgers, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/

Lastly, if you have the opportunity, visit the campus or participate in virtual admission events to learn more about the university and what it has to offer. Acquiring insider knowledge about Rutgers can help you tailor your essays and application materials to better align with the school's values and culture. Good luck with your application process!