How We Make Decisions

Rutgers University makes decisions based on a holistic review of each applicant. Learn about our decision-making process.

• Rutgers University–Camden
• Rutgers University–Newark
• Rutgers University–New Brunswick

First-Year Applicants

How Rutgers–Camden Makes Decisions

Applications are reviewed as they become complete with all required credentials. For early action applicants, we guarantee a decision by February 15. For regular decision applicants, we guarantee a decision by March 31.

Decisions are based on a holistic review and with primary emphasis on an applicant's academic promise as demonstrated by:

• Completion of required high school subjects
• Academic performance in high school or its equivalent:
• Strength of academic program (number/type of academic, honors, or advanced placement courses completed)
• Grades and grade trends
• Weighted grade-point average(s)
• Cumulative rank, when available
• SAT and/or ACT scores (optional test score submission)
• English Proficiency Examination results, when required

We also consider the following factors:

• Personal essay
• Participation in programs designed for college preparation
• Extracurricular activities, including community and volunteer work
• U.S. military service
• Honors, awards, and other achievements
• Employment history

The number of applicants Rutgers admits to each school/college is determined by the quality of the applicant pool and the space in the entering class. Please refer to our admissions profile of previously admitted students.

Transfer Applicants

How Rutgers–Camden Makes Decisions

As with first-year applicants, transfer admission decisions are based upon a comprehensive review of each completed application. The number of applicants Rutgers admits to each of our schools/colleges is determined by the quality of the applicant pool and the space in the entering class. Please refer to our admissions profile of previously admitted students.

Decisions are based on a holistic review and with primary emphasis on an applicant's academic promise as demonstrated by:

• Strength of academic program
• Grade trends
• Cumulative grade-point average (GPA)
• Number of credits completed
• English Proficiency Examination results, when required

We also consider the following factors:

• Personal essay
• Extracurricular activities, including community and volunteer work
• U.S. military service
• Honors, awards, and other achievements
• Employment history

Transfer students are expected to have completed specific required high school subjects; if necessary, completed college courses may be used to satisfy high school course requirements.

High School Course Requirements

For admission to all schools and colleges at Rutgers University–Camden (Camden College of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers School of Business–Camden, and Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden), your high school record must show that you will graduate or have graduated with at least 16 academic units:

• English: 4 years
• Foreign Language: 2 years of one language
• Mathematics: 3 years (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
• Science: 2 years (one year each of Biology and Chemistry for the School of Nursing)
• Other Courses: 5 other academic courses
• Total: 16 academic courses

Transfer students are expected to have completed the specific required high school courses noted above. If you are a high school graduate who will have completed at least 12 college credits before your expected date of entry into Rutgers–Camden, we will make decisions based on your college and high school transcripts or your GED results.

There is no minimum GPA required to apply as a transfer student to Rutgers–Camden. Your GPA from previous institutions do not transfer. Certain programs, such as social work, require an additional application and have additional admission criteria.

Rutgers–Camden Admissions Profile

View the admissions profile of previously admitted students.

This chart indicates the academic profile of admitted students, that is, the approximate SAT and ACT score ranges and grade-point averages for the middle 50% of high school students regularly admitted to Rutgers for fall 2024.

Please note: "Middle 50%" means that 25% of regularly admitted first-year students exceeded these ranges and 25% had scores and grade-point averages below these ranges. Rutgers conducts a holistic review of each student's application that takes into consideration many factors beyond test scores and cumulative grade-point average.

First-Year Applicants

How Rutgers–Newark Makes Decisions

We notify applicants as soon as our decision(s) for any of their schools of application is final.

• For early-action applicants, we guarantee notification by January 31.
• For regular action applicants, notification of our admissions decision will be by February 28.

Decisions about which students to admit are based upon our comprehensive review of each application. Primary emphasis is placed on the student’s academic promise as demonstrated by:

• Completion of required high school subjects
• Academic performance in high school or its equivalent:
  • Strength of academic program (number/type of academic, honors, or advanced placement courses completed)
  • Grades and grade trends
  • Weighted grade-point average(s)
  • Cumulative rank, when available
  • See exceptions to this policy
  • SAT/ACT scores are required for students applying to 7-year BA/MD program

  We also consider such qualitative factors as:

  • Personal essay
  • Participation in programs designed for college preparation
  • Extracurricular activities, including community, volunteer, and/or U.S. military service
  • Honors, awards, and other achievements
  • Special talents
  • Employment history
  • Family obligations
  • Socioeconomic background

  The number of applicants Rutgers admits to each of our schools/colleges is determined by the quality of the applicant pool (which changes from year to year and may vary for each college/school of application) and the space in the entering class. Please refer to our admissions profile of previously admitted students.

  We review applications when they are complete with all required credentials and we review first the applications submitted by these due dates.

  Transfer Applicants

  How Rutgers–Newark Makes Decision

  We notify applicants as soon as our decision(s) for any of their schools of application is final.

  • A transfer student who submits an application with all required credentials by February 1, will receive notification via an admissions decision by April 15 for fall enrollment.
  • A transfer student who submits an application after February 1, will receive notification via an admissions decision on a rolling basis for fall enrollment.

  Rutgers admissions decisions are based upon a comprehensive review of each completed application. The number of students we can admit is determined by the available space in each class and the quality of the overall applicant pool. These change from year to year and vary for each of our schools of application.

  We place primary emphasis on an applicant's academic promise as demonstrated by:

  • Strength of academic program
  • Grade trends
  • Cumulative grade-point average (GPA)
  • Number of credits completed
  • English Proficiency Examination results, when required

  We also consider such qualitative factors as:

  • Community, volunteer, or U.S. military service
  • Employment history
  • Special talents
  • Essay

  Transfer students are expected to have completed specific required high school subjects:

  • Transfer students must have satisfactorily completed two college level English courses and one college level math course.
  • If necessary, completed college courses may be used to satisfy high school course requirements.

  High School Course Requirements

  Your high school record must show that you will graduate or have graduated with at least 16 academic units.

  Entrance to an undergraduate school at Rutgers–Newark (School of Arts & Sciences-Newark, Rutgers Business School–Newark and New Brunswick, School of Criminal Justice, and School of Public Affairs and Administration) requires the following:

  • English: 4 years
  • Foreign Language: 2 years of one language
  • Mathematics: 3 years (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
  • Science: 2 years
  • Other Courses: 5 other academic courses
  • Total: 16 academic courses

  The School of Nursing-Newark requires all applicants complete the following coursework at the high school level to be considered for admission:

  • English: 4 years
  • Foreign Language: None required
  • Mathematics: 3 years (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
  • Science: 1 year each of Biology and Chemistry
  • Other Courses: 7 other academic courses
  • Total: 16 academic courses

  Transfer students are expected to have completed the specific required high school courses noted above. If necessary, college courses may be used to satisfy high school course requirements.

  Rutgers–Newark Admissions Profile

  View the admissions profile of previously admitted students.

  Rutgers–Newark	SAT Score (M+ERW)	SAT-Math	SAT-ERW	ACT Score	High School GPA	H.S. Percentile Rank	Cumulative College GPA
  Newark College of Arts and Sciences	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	3.4-3.9	65-93	3.1-3.8
  Rutgers Business School	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	3.3-3.9	59-86	3.1-3.7
  School of Criminal Justice	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	3.2-3.7	55-86	2.9-3.6
  School of Public Affairs and Administration	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	2.9-3.7	36-85	3.5-3.6
  University College–Newark	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	3.1-3.5	N/A	3.3-3.9

  This chart indicates the academic profile of admitted students, that is, the approximate SAT and ACT score ranges and grade-point averages for the middle 50% of high school students regularly admitted to Rutgers for fall 2024.

  Please note: "Middle 50%" means that 25% of regularly admitted first-year students exceeded these ranges and 25% had scores and grade-point averages below these ranges. Rutgers conducts a holistic review of each student's application that takes into consideration many factors beyond test scores and cumulative grade-point average.

  Maximum Consideration Program

  Accordion Content

  The Rutgers University Maximum Admission Consideration program allows applicants to be automatically considered for another Rutgers choice if they are not admissible to the schools selected on their submitted application. This provides students the ability to attend Rutgers University in a different location and, in many cases, complete a program in their major of choice and graduate with a prestigious Rutgers University degree.

  I do not remember applying to Rutgers University–Newark. Why did I get admitted?

  Rutgers University offers Maximum Admission Consideration to all applicants. If you indicated on your application that you would like to be considered for another program if not admitted to your school of choice, you will automatically be admitted if you qualify for admission.

  Do I need to apply separately for this program?

  You do not need to apply separately and will be reviewed automatically if you have indicated this option on your application.

  Are there any materials I need to submit?

  You do not need to submit any additional materials to be considered. Since you’ve already submitted your application and documents, we can review your previously submitted documents.

  What if I didn’t check off the box during my application? Can I be considered for this program after submitting my application?

  You can log in to your Rutgers Application Portal and add a school to your application in the “Manage Your Account” section. If you’re unable to complete this step via your status screen, you can contact us to ask for a program to be added to your application.

  Can I transfer to my first choice option at a later date?

  You can seek transfer to another Rutgers school using the school-to-school transfer application. Please review the criteria for the school-to-school transfer process closely as each school has specific criteria in terms of when a student can seek transfer.

  First-Year Applicants

  How Rutgers–New Brunswick Makes Decisions

  Applicants are notified as soon as the admission decision process is complete. For qualified early action applicants, we guarantee notification by January 31. For qualified regular decision applicants, notification will be made by February 28.

  Decisions are based upon a comprehensive review of each application. Primary emphasis is placed on the student’s academic promise, as demonstrated by:

  • Completion of required high school subjects
  • Academic performance in high school or its equivalent:
    • Strength of academic program (number/type of academic, honors, or advanced placement courses completed)
    • Grades and grade trends
    • Weighted grade-point average(s)
    • Cumulative rank, when available

    We also consider such qualitative factors as:

    • Personal essay
    • Participation in programs designed for college preparation
    • Extracurricular activities, including community, volunteer, and/or U.S. military service
    • Honors, awards, and other achievements
    • Special talents
    • Employment history
    • Family obligations
    • Socioeconomic background

    The number of applicants Rutgers admits is determined by the quality of the applicant pool, which changes from year to year and varies by college/school, and the space in the entering class. For more information, please refer to our admissions profile of previously admitted students.

    Applications must be completed with all required credentials, and we review first the applications submitted by these due dates.

    Early action applicants will receive one or more of the following notifications no later than January 31: admitted, not admitted, wait list, or deferred to regular decision. Students deferred to regular decision remain in the applicant pool for final notification no later than the end of February. Rutgers encourages students deferred to regular decision to update their Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) with senior year grades by the first week in February.

    The Rutgers University Maximum Admission Consideration program allows applicants to be automatically considered for another Rutgers school if they are not admitted to the school selected on their application. This provides students the ability to attend Rutgers in a different location and, in many cases, complete a program in their major of choice and graduate with a prestigious Rutgers University degree.

    Transfer Applicants

    How Rutgers–New Brunswick Makes Decisions

    As with first-year applicants, transfer admission decisions are based upon a comprehensive review of each completed application. The number of students Rutgers can admit is determined by the available space in each class and the quality of the overall applicant pool, which changes from year to year and varies by school.

    Primary emphasis is placed on the student's academic promise, as demonstrated by:

    • Strength of academic program
    • Grade trends
    • Cumulative grade-point average (GPA)
    • Number of credits completed
    • English Proficiency Examination results, when required

    We also consider such qualitative factors as:

    • Community, volunteer, and/or U.S. military service
    • Employment history
    • Special talents
    • Essay

    General Transfer Recommendations

    • 24+ college-level academic credits completed by expected semester of entry
    • 3.0+ cumulative GPA
    • No grade declines in recent coursework (no grades of D or F within the last 12-15 credits completed and most recent term GPA ≥ 2.6)
    • Any remedial coursework completed (not in progress) by application due date
    • English Comp I completed or in progress by the application due date*
    • College prep curriculum completed in high school
    • New Jersey community college students are advised to follow the curriculum for their major at NJtransfer.org under “Transfer Programs.”
    • Students not attending a NJ community college should view Rutgers Catalogs and follow the curriculum for their intended major.

    Transfer students must be in good standing at their current/previous schools to be considered for admission, and are expected to have completed specific required high school subjects. If necessary, completed college courses may be used to satisfy high school course requirements.

    The New Jersey State-Wide Transfer Agreement (PDF) provides additional information about transferring from a New Jersey community college.

    School-Specific Factors & Recommendations

    The following school-specific criteria are also taken into account during our decision-making process for transfer students.

    Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy

    • Sophomore status by application due date
    • Specific course requirements vary by major (must be completed with a grade of C or better):
      • Health Administration: English I & II and Statistics
      • Planning and Public Policy: English I & II, Microeconomics, and Statistics
      • Public Health: English I & II, Statistics, Biology or Human Ecology, and Chemistry
      • Public Policy: English I & II
      • Urban Planning and Design: English I & II

      Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

      • Successful transfer candidates are expected to place into the third year of the Pharm.D. curriculum. That means successful candidates have completed a minimum of 60 college credits and all prerequisite mathematics, science, social science, and English composition courses within a liberal arts and sciences context.
      • From among that group who has completed all of the prerequisite courses for placement into Year Three, we interview the most competitive, as determined by overall grades and demonstrated ability to perform well in the context of a full-time semester of 16 to 18 credits. Successful candidates present competitive scores on the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), which will be optional for fall 2023 applicants.
      • The entering class is chosen based on the candidates’ interview results, academic record, and overall experience. For a complete listing of the pharmacy curriculum, including prerequisites for third-year entry, visit the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy website. (These prerequisites are available at most accredited colleges and universities in the United States.)

      Please keep in mind the following:

      • If your college does not offer a specific Systems Physiology course, we will consider two semesters of Anatomy & Physiology or one semester of either Human or Mammalian Physiology. Comparative or Cell Physiology is not appropriate.
      • The Physics course offered by Rutgers is a specially designed, one-semester course. To satisfy this requirement at other universities, we recommend two semesters of General Physics.
      • English composition courses must be completed at a college or university in the United States. English proficiency exams and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses do not satisfy the English writing requirement.
      • Technical pharmacy programs in the U.S. and pharmacy programs in other countries generally do not include the required liberal arts and science prerequisites for the Rutgers Pharm.D. program. Graduates of these programs are encouraged to complete the pre-professional prerequisites before applying.
      • Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exam results may be used for a maximum of two courses.
      • CLEP and other examinations are not eligible for credit.

      Course Recommendations for Transfer Students

      • Complete all pre-professional courses or be in the process of completion at time of application (See courses at pharmacy.rutgers.edu/programs/prerequisites.)
      • 60 or more credits completed by expected semester of entry
      • Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) (optional for 2023)
      • Interview may be required
      • Learn more about course recommendations.

      Mason Gross School of the Arts

      • 12+ college-level academic credits
      • A competitive portfolio, audition, or interview. Learn more about the talent assessment.

      Rutgers Business School–New Brunswick

      • 3.2+ cumulative GPA
      • Pre-Calculus (4-credit) and two pre-business courses OR.
      • Calculus (4-credit) and at least one pre-business course (Calculus is strongly recommended if transferring with 40 or more credits.)
        • Pre-business courses include: Intro to Financial Accounting, Computer Applications for Business, Intro to Microeconomics, Intro to Macroeconomics, and Introductory Statistics for Business.
        • Students are advised to complete all pre-business courses as soon as possible.

        School of Arts and Sciences

        • See General Transfer Recommendations listed in section above.
        • We strongly recommend that computer science majors take a 4-credit Calculus course.
        • Read more about transfer course recommendations for School of Arts and Sciences.

        School of Engineering

        • Calculus I and Calculus II (4 credit), calculus-based Physics I, and Chemistry I
        • Previously awarded transfer credit by AP exam must be accompanied by AP scores of 4 or 5.
        • Previously awarded transfer credit by institutional proficiency or placement exams, including CLEP, does not fulfill the requirement.
        • No grades of D or F in key courses (math, physics, other sciences and engineering courses)
        • Learn more about transfer course recommendations for School of Engineering.

        School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

        • Biology I and Biology II (taken at the same college), Chemistry, and Pre-Calculus or higher level math
        • Learn more about transfer course recommendations for School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.

        School of Management and Labor Relations

        • Sophomore status by application due date
        • Learn more about transfer course recommendations.

        School of Nursing