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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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Rutgers University 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Guide

Regular Decision: 

Rutgers University 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: One essay of 500 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Personal Statement

If you are interested in applying to become a Scarlet Knight, you should know that Rutgers University has its very own application. There is good news though! The essay prompts on the Rutgers application are exactly the same as those listed on the Coalition Application! For thorough breakdowns of each prompt, visit our Coalition Essay Prompt Guide !

Rutgers requires that you provide a short essay that is your original work. Please address one of these topics. Answer in 3800 characters (which is about 500 words).

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it., 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., 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, 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), submit an essay on the topic of your choice..

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How to Get Into Rutgers University: Admissions Stats + Tips

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How hard is it to get into rutgers, average academic profile of accepted rutgers students, what is rutgers university looking for, how to improve your chances of getting into rutgers.

Founded in 1766 and the eighth-oldest college in the U.S., Rutgers University is a public research university in New Jersey with three distinct campuses in New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark. The New Brunswick campus, the oldest and main campus, regularly appears in top 30 colleges on lists for best public universities and best value colleges. With 17 schools and colleges, over 100 majors, and home to over 50,000 students, Rutgers—New Brunswick is an active hub of academic activity and a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds and interests. 

While the Camden and Newark campuses are part of the same Rutgers umbrella and use the same applications system, the campuses each have their own admissions standards and individual programs. In this article we’ll be referring mostly to Rutgers—New Brunswick, though the application materials will apply to all Rutgers applicants. 

For the 2019–2020 admissions cycle, Rutgers University at its main New Brunswick campus received 41,263 applicants, of which 27,618 were accepted. Last year, Rutgers’ acceptance rate was 67% , making it an unselective school. Rutgers does not have a binding early decision application option, but it does have a non-binding early action option .  

Want more insight into your personal chances of admission into Rutgers? Our free chancing calculator can help you better understand your chances of acceptance into any college. By taking into account multiple elements of your profile, including your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile! 

Most students in last year’s admitted class at Rutgers—New Brunswick had a GPA between 3.7 and 4.1.  

Of the 19% of Rutgers’ class of 2024 who submitted class ranks, 30% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, and 66% graduated in the top 25%. 91% graduated in the top half. 

While standardized test scores are normally required for applicants, Rutgers is test-optional for students applying for Spring or Fall 2022 admission. Of the students who enrolled in Fall 2020, the top 25% of students scored above a 1410 on the SAT , or a 32 on the ACT.

With more than 100 majors and ten undergraduate schools, Rutgers New Brunswick wants students who are eager to seize the opportunities in the classroom and those offered by the wide and global Rutgers network. With faculty in departments from aerospace engineering to criminal justice, Rutgers can open up possibilities for any student.  

How the Rutgers Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set , Rutgers University—New Brunswick considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores

These factors are “important” :

• Extracurricular activities 

These are “considered” :

• Class rank 
• Application essay
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• First generation
• Geographical residence
• State residency
• Racial/ethnic status
• Volunteer work
• Work experience 

And these are “not considered” :

• Alumni/ae relation
• Recommendation letters
• Religious affiliation/commitment
• Level of applicant’s interest 

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

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

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 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)

Learn more about Rutgers University 

What Are the Big 10 Schools? Should You Attend One?

15 Summer Programs at Rutgers University for High Schoolers

Student Life at Big 10 Schools: What It’s Really Like

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Get Into Rutgers University: Admission Guide

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 10/03/23

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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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, rutgers honors college essay examples.

Hey everyone, I'm applying to Rutgers Honors College and I'd like some help with the essay. Any examples of successful essays or tips on writing them would be super helpful! I really want my application to be strong. Thanks a lot!

Hi! It's great that you're aiming to make your Honors College application as strong as possible. While I can't share specific examples of successful essays (partly because sharing someone's unique essay may breach their privacy), here are some general tips on writing a stand-out Honors College essay for Rutgers. Keep in mind that the purpose of the essay is to showcase your abilities, accomplishments, and depth of thought in a way that separates you from other applicants.

1. Read the prompt carefully: Ensure you understand what the prompt is asking of you. Address all aspects of the prompt and use it to shape your essay’s narrative.

2. Be genuine: Be honest about your experiences, goals, and passion. Your genuine voice will resonate with the admissions committee, making your essay more memorable.

3. Show, don't tell: Instead of listing your accomplishments, delve into one or two meaningful experiences and describe them in detail—what happened, your role, and how it impacted you. Use descriptive language and examples that paint a vivid picture for the reader.

4. Connect your experiences: Draw connections between your achievements, experiences, or skills, and the values or qualities required for success in the Honors College. Demonstrate how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities within the program.

5. Keep it concise: While you may have a lot to share, focus on the most relevant examples and ensure that you maintain a clear structure throughout the essay. You want the reader to easily follow your thoughts and grasp the key points you’re making.

6. Proofread and revise: Allow yourself enough time to revise your draft multiple times. Ask friends, family, or teachers to review your essay, provide feedback, and check for errors. This will not only help you polish your essay, but it will also demonstrate your commitment to submitting a quality application.

Remember to maintain your unique voice while writing and focus on demonstrating your genuine interest in the Honors College at Rutgers. By showcasing what makes you stand out and connecting your experiences to the program, you'll build a compelling essay that will leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Should college essays touch on race? Some feel the affirmative action ruling leaves them no choice

CHICAGO — When she started writing her college essay, Hillary Amofa told the story she thought admissions offices wanted to hear. About being the daughter of immigrants from Ghana and growing up in a small apartment in Chicago. About hardship and struggle.

Then she deleted it all.

“I would just find myself kind of trauma-dumping,” said the 18-year-old senior at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago. “And I’m just like, this doesn’t really say anything about me as a person.”

When the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in higher education, it left the college essay as one of few places where race can play a role in admissions decisions. For many students of color, instantly more was riding on the already high-stakes writing assignment. Some say they felt pressure to exploit their hardships as they competed for a spot on campus.

Amofa was just starting to think about her essay when the court issued its decision, and it left her with a wave of questions. Could she still write about her race? Could she be penalized for it? She wanted to tell colleges about her heritage but she didn’t want to be defined by it.

In English class, Amofa and her classmates read sample essays that all seemed to focus on some trauma or hardship. It left her with the impression she had to write about her life’s hardest moments to show how far she’d come. But she and some of her classmates wondered if their lives had been hard enough to catch the attention of admissions offices.

“For a lot of students, there’s a feeling of, like, having to go through something so horrible to feel worthy of going to school, which is kind of sad,” said Amofa, the daughter of a hospital technician and an Uber driver.

This year’s senior class is the first in decades to navigate college admissions without affirmative action . The Supreme Court upheld the practice in decisions going back to the 1970s, but this court’s conservative supermajority found it is unconstitutional for colleges to give students extra weight because of their race alone.

Still, the decision left room for race to play an indirect role: Chief Justice John Roberts wrote universities can still consider how an applicant’s life was shaped by their race, “so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability.”

“A benefit to a student who overcame racial discrimination, for example, must be tied to that student’s courage and determination,” he wrote.

Scores of colleges responded with new essay prompts asking about students’ backgrounds. Brown University asked applicants how “an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you.” Rice University asked students how their perspectives were shaped by their “background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity.”

WONDERING IF SCHOOLS 'EXPECT A SOB STORY'

When Darrian Merritt started writing his essay, he knew the stakes were higher than ever because of the court’s decision. His first instinct was to write about events that led to him going to live with his grandmother as a child.

Those were painful memories, but he thought they might play well at schools like Yale, Stanford and Vanderbilt.

“I feel like the admissions committee might expect a sob story or a tragic story,” said Merritt, a senior in Cleveland. “And if you don’t provide that, then maybe they’re not going to feel like you went through enough to deserve having a spot at the university. I wrestled with that a lot.”

He wrote drafts focusing on his childhood, but it never amounted to more than a collection of memories. Eventually he abandoned the idea and aimed for an essay that would stand out for its positivity.

Merritt wrote about a summer camp where he started to feel more comfortable in his own skin. He described embracing his personality and defying his tendency to please others. The essay had humor — it centered on a water gun fight where he had victory in sight but, in a comedic twist, slipped and fell. But the essay also reflects on his feelings of not being “Black enough” and getting made fun of for listening to “white people music.”

“I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to write this for me, and we’re just going to see how it goes,’” he said. “It just felt real, and it felt like an honest story.”

The essay describes a breakthrough as he learned “to take ownership of myself and my future by sharing my true personality with the people I encounter. ... I realized that the first chapter of my own story had just been written.”

A RULING PROMPTS PIVOTS ON ESSAY TOPICS

Like many students, Max Decker of Portland, Oregon, had drafted a college essay on one topic, only to change direction after the Supreme Court ruling in June.

Decker initially wrote about his love for video games. In a childhood surrounded by constant change, navigating his parents’ divorce, the games he took from place to place on his Nintendo DS were a source of comfort.

But the essay he submitted to colleges focused on the community he found through Word is Bond, a leadership group for young Black men in Portland.

As the only biracial, Jewish kid with divorced parents in a predominantly white, Christian community, Decker wrote he constantly felt like the odd one out. On a trip with Word is Bond to Capitol Hill, he and friends who looked just like him shook hands with lawmakers. The experience, he wrote, changed how he saw himself.

“It’s because I’m different that I provide something precious to the world, not the other way around,” he wrote.

As a first-generation college student, Decker thought about the subtle ways his peers seemed to know more about navigating the admissions process . They made sure to get into advanced classes at the start of high school, and they knew how to secure glowing letters of recommendation.

If writing about race would give him a slight edge and show admissions officers a fuller picture of his achievements, he wanted to take that small advantage.

His first memory about race, Decker said, was when he went to get a haircut in elementary school and the barber made rude comments about his curly hair. Until recently, the insecurity that moment created led him to keep his hair buzzed short.

Through Word is Bond, Decker said he found a space to explore his identity as a Black man. It was one of the first times he was surrounded by Black peers and saw Black role models. It filled him with a sense of pride in his identity. No more buzzcut.

The pressure to write about race involved a tradeoff with other important things in his life, Decker said. That included his passion for journalism, like the piece he wrote on efforts to revive a once-thriving Black neighborhood in Portland. In the end, he squeezed in 100 characters about his journalism under the application’s activities section.

“My final essay, it felt true to myself. But the difference between that and my other essay was the fact that it wasn’t the truth that I necessarily wanted to share,” said Decker, whose top college choice is Tulane, in New Orleans, because of the region’s diversity. “It felt like I just had to limit the truth I was sharing to what I feel like the world is expecting of me.”

SPELLING OUT THE IMPACT OF RACE

Before the Supreme Court ruling, it seemed a given to Imani Laird that colleges would consider the ways that race had touched her life. But now, she felt like she had to spell it out.

As she started her essay, she reflected on how she had faced bias or felt overlooked as a Black student in predominantly white spaces.

There was the year in math class when the teacher kept calling her by the name of another Black student. There were the comments that she’d have an easier time getting into college because she was Black .

“I didn’t have it easier because of my race,” said Laird, a senior at Newton South High School in the Boston suburbs who was accepted at Wellesley and Howard University, and is waiting to hear from several Ivy League colleges. “I had stuff I had to overcome.”

In her final essays, she wrote about her grandfather, who served in the military but was denied access to GI Bill benefits because of his race.

She described how discrimination fueled her ambition to excel and pursue a career in public policy.

“So, I never settled for mediocrity,” she wrote. “Regardless of the subject, my goal in class was not just to participate but to excel. Beyond academics, I wanted to excel while remembering what started this motivation in the first place.”

WILL SCHOOLS LOSE RACIAL DIVERSITY?

Amofa used to think affirmative action was only a factor at schools like Harvard and Yale. After the court’s ruling, she was surprised to find that race was taken into account even at some public universities she was applying to.

Now, without affirmative action, she wondered if mostly white schools will become even whiter.

It’s been on her mind as she chooses between Indiana University and the University of Dayton, both of which have relatively few Black students. When she was one of the only Black students in her grade school, she could fall back on her family and Ghanaian friends at church. At college, she worries about loneliness.

“That’s what I’m nervous about,” she said. “Going and just feeling so isolated, even though I’m constantly around people.”

The first drafts of her essay focused on growing up in a low-income family, sharing a bedroom with her brother and grandmother. But it didn’t tell colleges about who she is now, she said.

Her final essay tells how she came to embrace her natural hair . She wrote about going to a mostly white grade school where classmates made jokes about her afro. When her grandmother sent her back with braids or cornrows, they made fun of those too.

Over time, she ignored their insults and found beauty in the styles worn by women in her life. She now runs a business doing braids and other hairstyles in her neighborhood.

“I stopped seeing myself through the lens of the European traditional beauty standards and started seeing myself through the lens that I created,” Amofa wrote.

“Criticism will persist, but it loses its power when you know there’s a crown on your head!”

Ma reported from Portland, Oregon.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .

• Secondary Essay Prompts

Secondary Essay Prompts – Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Secondary Essay Prompts for the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Below are the secondary essay prompts for the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, NJ.

2019 – 2020

• If you have participated in any program(s) affiliated with NJMS (i.e. summer programs, research, high school programs, internships, volunteering, graduate school, etc.), please indicate below. Please provide name(s) and date(s) of program participation:
• If you have any relatives currently enrolled or who have graduated from NJMS please provide name(s), relationship to you and graduation year in the space provided below:
• If you have any other connections to NJMS, or Rutgers University, please provide details below:
• If you previously applied to NJMS through AMCAS or an accelerated program, please provide the following: Program name(s) and Application year(s):
• Please indicate below if you previously met with either Dr. Heinrich or Ms. Rivero (prior to July 1, 2018). With whom did you meet and date(s):
• NJMS recognizes the importance of diversity in the medical profession. We understand that the applicant pool is multidimensional and as such we would like to learn more about you:
• How do you self-identify Racially
• How do you self-identify Ethnically
• How do you self-identify Culturally
• Integrity is a core value at NJMS. Please share your thoughts on Integrity. Additionally, we seek students who are self-aware, resilient and adaptable. Discuss a personal or professional challenge you have experienced and how you resolved it.
• NJMS is committed to fostering a collaborative and cohesive environment. With this in mind, how will you contribute to our medical school community?
• Please discuss any additional information you feel may help us in our review of your candidacy. Feel free to elaborate on any gaps (educational or experiences), discrepancies in academic history, institutional actions, etc.

2018 – 2019

Below are the secondary essay prompts for the rutgers new jersey medical school., 2017 – 2018.

• The Rutgers New Jersey Medical School strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. Please describe how your personal characteristics or life experiences will contribute to the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School community and bring educational benefits to our student body. (1000 characters)
• Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? (1000 characters)
• Why have you chosen to apply to the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and how do you think your education at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (1 page, formatted at your discretion, upload as PDF)

2016 – 2017

• We value qualities of integrity, humanism, diversity, and cultural competency in our student body. What would you bring to our medical school community? Please limit to 1500 characters.
• Please discuss additional information not addressed in your application that you feel is important for the screening committee to know in reviewing your application (i.e. personal experiences, examples of resilience, discrepancies in academic history, etc…).
• If there is any other information you feel enriches your candidacy, please feel free to share it here.
• If you don’t currently reside in NJ, please share connections (if any) you may have.
• If you will not be a full time student between June 2016-August 2017, please describe in detail your planned activities, including chronology and time commitment.

Secondary essay webcast with Dr. Jessica Freedman, founder and president of MedEdits Medical Admissions.   Read more about Dr. Freedman.

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Secondary Application

Topics covered in this presentation:

• When should I submit my secondary essays?
• Pay attention to the word/character limits.
• Can I recycle secondary essay prompts for multiple schools?
• Identify topics that you left out of your primary application.
• And, much more.

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Admissions Requirements

Learn more about this school:

Secondary Essay Prompts for Other Schools

Do you want to see secondary essay prompts for other medical schools?

Select a school below:

Secondary Essay Prompts By School

*Data collected from MSAR 2022-2023, 2022 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book, and institution website.

Disclaimer: The information on this page was shared by students and/or can be found on each medical school’s website. MedEdits does not guarantee it’s accuracy or authenticity.

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Secondary Essay Prompts – Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN

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Is a robot writing your kids’ essays? We asked educators to weigh in on the growing role of AI in classrooms.

Educators weigh in on the growing role of ai and chatgpt in classrooms..

Remember writing essays in high school? Chances are you had to look up stuff in an encyclopedia — an actual one, not Wikipedia — or else connect to AOL via a modem bigger than your parents’ Taurus station wagon.

Now, of course, there’s artificial intelligence. According to new research from Pew, about 1 in 5 US teens who’ve heard of ChatGPT have used it for schoolwork. Kids in upper grades are more apt to have used the chatbot: About a quarter of 11th- and 12th-graders who know about ChatGPT have tried it.

For the uninitiated, ChatGPT arrived on the scene in late 2022, and educators continue to grapple with the ethics surrounding its growing popularity. Essentially, it generates free, human-like responses based on commands. (I’m sure this sentence will look antiquated in about six months, like when people described the internet as the “information superhighway.”)

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I used ChatGPT to plug in this prompt: “Write an essay on ‘The Scarlet Letter.’” Within moments, ChatGPT created an essay as thorough as anything I’d labored over in AP English.

Is this cheating? Is it just part of our strange new world? I talked to several educators about what they’re seeing in classrooms and how they’re monitoring it. Before you berate your child over how you wrote essays with a No. 2 pencil, here are some things to consider.

Adapting to new technology isn’t immoral. “We have to recalibrate our sense of what’s acceptable. There was a time when every teacher said: ‘Oh, it’s cheating to use Wikipedia.’ And guess what? We got used to it, we decided it’s reputable enough, and we cite Wikipedia all the time,” says Noah Giansiracusa, an associate math professor at Bentley University who hosts the podcast “ AI in Academia: Navigating the Future .”

“There’s a calibration period where a technology is new and untested. It’s good to be cautious and to treat it with trepidation. Then, over time, the norms kind of adapt,” he says — just like new-fangled graphing calculators or the internet in days of yore.

“I think the current conversation around AI should not be centered on an issue with plagiarism. It should be centered on how AI will alter methods for learning and expressing oneself. ‘Catching’ students who use fully AI-generated products ... implies a ‘gotcha’ atmosphere,” says Jim Nagle, a history teacher at Bedford High School. “Since AI is already a huge part of our day-to-day lives, it’s no surprise our students are making it a part of their academic tool kit. Teachers and students should be at the forefront of discussions about responsible and ethical use.”

Teachers and parents could use AI to think about education at a higher level. Really, learning is about more than regurgitating information — or it should be, anyway. But regurgitation is what AI does best.

“If our system is just for students to write a bunch of essays and then grade the results? Something’s missing. We need to really talk about their purpose and what they’re getting out of this, and maybe think about different forms of assignments and grading,” Giansiracusa says.

After all, while AI aggregates and organizes ideas, the quality of its responses depends on the users’ prompts. Instead of recoiling from it, use it as a conversation-starter.

“What parents and teachers can do is to start the conversation with kids: ‘What are we trying to learn here? Is it even something that ChatGPT could answer? Why did your assignment not convince you that you need to do this thinking on your own when a tool can do it for you?’” says Houman Harouni , a lecturer on education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Harouni urges parents to read an essay written by ChatGPT alongside their student. Was it good? What could be done better? Did it feel like a short cut?

“What they’re going to remember is that you had that conversation with them; that someone thought, at some point in their lives, that taking a shortcut is not the best way ... especially if you do it with the tool right in front of you, because you have something real to talk about,” he says.

Harouni hopes teachers think about its implications, too. Consider math: So much grunt work has been eliminated by calculators and computers. Yet kids are still tested as in days of old, when perhaps they could expand their learning to be assessed in ways that are more personal and human-centric, leaving the rote stuff to AI.

“We could take this moment of confusion and loss of certainty seriously, at least in some small pockets, and start thinking about what a different kind of school would look like. Five years from now, we might have the beginnings of some very interesting exploration. Five years from now, you and I might be talking about schools wherein teaching and learning is happening in a very self-directed way, in a way that’s more based on … igniting the kid’s interest and seeing where they go and supporting them to go deeper and to go wider,” Harouni says.

Teachers have the chance to offer assignments with more intentionality.

“Really think about the purpose of the assignments. Don’t just think of the outcome and the deliverable: ‘I need a student to produce a document.’ Why are we getting students to write? Why are we doing all these things in the first place? If teachers are more mindful, and maybe parents can also be more mindful, I think it pushes us away from this dangerous trap of thinking about in terms of ‘cheating,’ which, to me, is a really slippery path,” Giansiracusa says.

AI can boost confidence and reduce procrastination. Sometimes, a robot can do something better than a human, such as writing a dreaded resume and cover letter. And that’s OK; it’s useful, even.

“Often, students avoid applying to internships because they’re just overwhelmed at the thought of writing a cover letter, or they’re afraid their resume isn’t good enough. I think that tools like this can help them feel more confident. They may be more likely to do it sooner and have more organized and better applications,” says Kristin Casasanto, director of post-graduate planning at Olin College of Engineering.

Casasanto says that AI is also useful for de-stressing during interview prep.

“Students can use generative AI to plug in a job description and say, ‘Come up with a list of interview questions based on the job description,’ which will give them an idea of what may be asked, and they can even then say, ‘Here’s my resume. Give me answers to these questions based on my skills and experience.’ They’re going to really build their confidence around that,” Casasanto says.

Plus, when students use AI for basics, it frees up more time to meet with career counselors about substantive issues.

“It will help us as far as scalability. … Career services staff can then utilize our personal time in much more meaningful ways with students,” Casasanto says.

We need to remember: These kids grew up during a pandemic. We can’t expect kids to resist technology when they’ve been forced to learn in new ways since COVID hit.

“Now we’re seeing pandemic-era high school students come into college. They’ve been channeled through Google Classroom their whole career,” says Katherine Jewell, a history professor at Fitchburg State University.

“They need to have technology management and information literacy built into the curriculum,” Jewell says.

Jewell recently graded a paper on the history of college sports. It was obvious which papers were written by AI: They didn’t address the question. In her syllabus, Jewell defines plagiarism as “any attempt by a student to represent the work of another, including computers, as their own.”

This means that AI qualifies, but she also has an open mind, given students’ circumstances.

“My students want to do the right thing, for the most part. They don’t want to get away with stuff. I understand why they turned to these tools; I really do. I try to reassure them that I’m here to help them learn systems. I’m focusing much more on the learning process. I incentivize them to improve, and I acknowledge: ‘You don’t know how to do this the first time out of the gate,’” Jewell says. “I try to incentivize them so that they’re improving their confidence in their abilities, so they don’t feel the need to turn to these tools.”

Understand the forces that make kids resort to AI in the first place . Clubs, sports, homework: Kids are busy and under pressure. Why not do what’s easy?

“Kids are so overscheduled in their day-to-day lives. I think there’s so much enormous pressure on these kids, whether it’s self-inflicted, parent-inflicted, or school-culture inflicted. It’s on them to maximize their schedule. They’ve learned that AI can be a way to take an assignment that would take five hours and cut it down to one,” says a teacher at a competitive high school outside Boston who asked to remain anonymous.

Recently, this teacher says, “I got papers back that were just so robotic and so cold. I had to tell [students]: ‘I understand that you tried to use a tool to help you. I’m not going to penalize you, but what I am going to penalize you for is that you didn’t actually answer the prompt.”

Afterward, more students felt safe to come forward to say they’d used AI. This teacher hopes that age restrictions become implemented for these programs, similar to apps such as Snapchat. Educationally and developmentally, they say, high-schoolers are still finding their voice — a voice that could be easily thwarted by a robot.

“Part of high school writing is to figure out who you are, and what is your voice as a writer. And I think, developmentally, that takes all of high school to figure out,” they say.

And AI can’t replicate voice and personality — for now, at least.

Kara Baskin can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her @kcbaskin .