rutgers new brunswick college essay

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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.

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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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A Good Rutgers Essay Example

What’s covered:, essay example , where to get feedback on your essay .

With over 60,000 students, Rutgers University is the largest higher education institution in New Jersey. With such a large school, there is something for everybody, which is why it might seem that everybody applies. In order to make your Rutgers application stand out from the crowd, you need to have well-written essays. In this post, we’ll share a real essay a student submitted to Rutgers, and outline its strengths and areas of improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Since the Rutgers essay prompts are the same as the Coalition Application prompts, we recommend checking out our guide to the Coalition Application essays for a comprehensive breakdown on how to write these supplemental prompts.

Prompt: 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? (No word count given)

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.

What the Essay Did Well

The first thing that jumps out at you is how vulnerable this essay is. The author wasn’t afraid to let the reader into their personal life, and because of that, the essay is stronger. So much more is revealed about who this student is and how they respond to difficult situations because they were honest with us.

Another thing that this essay does well is describing what family means to this student. Taking an accepted concept like family and boiling it down to the little moments helps us see what they value. For them, seeing each other frequently, celebrating together, having a shoulder to cry on, sharing the last bite of food, and losing track of time by just being in each other’s company is what makes a family. Sprinkling in all these examples and anecdotes shows us what their definition of a family is, without explicitly needing to tell us.

There’s a nice balance in this essay between what this student accepted as the traditional idea of family and how they now see family. For this prompt, it’s important to have that balance so you can show what the long-cherished belief was, as well as how a challenge to that belief changed your perspective. This essay does a good job of encompassing both.

What Could Be Improved

Although a really vulnerable topic can be great for revealing personal details and creating empathy, it can also backfire and make the reader uncomfortable. This isn’t a guarantee, but it’s something to keep in mind when choosing a deeply personal and somewhat traumatic topic. For the most part, the author did a good job of keeping the story focused on themselves and their emotions, but it’s always a possibility that someone reading the essay lost someone close to them and finds this essay too hard to read.

In terms of the structure of the essay, it wavered back and forth between focusing on the student’s dad and their friends. To make it a little easier to follow, they should have started with how their traditional family was important to them until their dad died, and then explain how they found a new definition of family among their friends. This structure is more concise and clearer than starting with the dad, jumping to Nick, going back to the dad, and then going to Nick once again.

Want feedback like this on your Rutgers essay before you submit? We offer expert essay review by advisors who have helped students get into their dream schools. You can book a review with an expert to receive notes on your topic, grammar, and essay structure to make your essay stand out to admissions officers.

Haven’t started writing your essay yet? Advisors on CollegeVine also offer expert college counseling packages . You can purchase a package to get one-on-one guidance on any aspect of the college application process, including brainstorming and writing essays.

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Rutgers Supplemental Essay 2023-24

Rutgers supplemental essay.

Rutgers University , located in New Jersey, is celebrated as one of the premier public universities in the nation. Consequently, Rutgers Admissions carefully review thousands of applications, each one with a Rutgers supplemental essay annually to identify ideal candidates. Within the application, the Rutgers essay section is a significant portion for any prospective student.

With the Rutgers acceptance rate falling around 66%, many students wonder how to get into Rutgers University. Well, if you’re eager to discover the key to gaining admission to Rutgers University, you’re in the right place! In addition to maintaining a strong academic record, there’s another portion of your Rutgers application that can help make it shine: your essays. The Rutgers University supplemental essays are a critical opportunity to connect directly with admissions officers. With this in mind, your Rutgers essay can be the deciding factor in the success of your application.

Our guide on Rutgers University supplemental essays will walk you through strategies for writing clear, compelling, and authentic Rutgers essays. We’ll explore the Rutgers requirements, analyze Rutgers essay prompts, and provide valuable insights to help you craft your Rutgers essay. With this guide, you’ll be ready to write Rutgers University supplemental essays that are certain to impress Rutgers Admissions.

Are you ready to learn how to get into Rutgers University by harnessing the power of Rutgers University supplemental essays? If so, let’s get started!

Rutgers Admissions: Quick Facts

Rutgers university admissions quick facts.

• Rutgers Acceptance Rate: The Rutgers acceptance rate is 66%. While the Rutgers acceptance rate is higher compared to other top universities, U.S. News still considers Rutgers moderately selective . 
• Rutgers University Application Platforms: Rutgers accepts the Common Application & Rutgers University Application
• Rutgers Essay Requirements :
• If Applying Using the Common Application: Rutgers requires applicants to complete the Common App essay. Choose from Common Application 2023-2024 Prompts (650 Words Maximum)
• If Applying Using the Rutgers Application: Rutgers requires applicants to complete one essay similar to the Common App essay (3800 Characters Maximum)  
• 1 optional Rutgers Supplemental Essay
• Early Action: November 1
• Regular Decision: December 1
• Rolling Admission: Students can submit their applications after the above due dates and will be considered based on space-availability.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Rutgers have supplemental essays?

Part of the Rutgers requirements for their first-year applicants is completing Rutgers University supplemental essays. When you think of supplemental essays, you probably think of short, additional school-specific essays. They usually ask unique questions and typically ask for 150-300 word responses. However, in the case of Rutgers, you can think of the Rutgers supplemental essays a bit differently.

If using the Common Application, your Common App essay is considered your Rutgers supplemental essay. If using the Rutgers University Application, then your personal statement will still serve as your Rutgers supplemental essay. In addition to the personal statement, students have the option of completing one additional Rutgers essay.

How many essays does Rutgers require?

As previously mentioned, Rutgers University requires first-year applicants to submit one Rutgers supplemental essay, i.e. your personal statement. The required Rutgers supplemental essay for students applying using the Common Application is the Common App essay.

The required Rutgers supplemental essay for students using the Rutgers University Application also aligns with the Common App essay. Therefore, instead of submitting the Common App essay through the Common Application, students will submit their response via the Rutgers Application.

Rutgers Supplemental Essays

Viewing the Rutgers requirements, you’ll see the Rutgers essay prompts are the same as the Common App essay prompts. In the past, Rutgers essay prompts used to align with the Coalition essay prompts, however this is no longer the case. Therefore, whether you are using the Rutgers Portal or the Common Application, you’ll have the same choice of prompts. (While the Coalition essay prompts and Common App essay prompts cover similar topics, they are distinct from one another! Be sure you are referencing the Common App prompts when you start brainstorming for your Rutgers essay.)

Students can choose from seven different Rutgers essay prompts/Common App essay prompts. Luckily, the Common App essay prompts align with common college essay topics . Consequently, there are a ton of resources online that will help guide you in writing your response.

To save you some time conducting additional research, below are some tips for responding to the Common App essay prompts. Review these tips to ensure your Rutgers supplemental essay effectively answers the prompt.

Rutgers University Essay Prompt #1

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..

This Rutgers supplemental essay is an opportunity for students to share something important to them. The key here is to reflect on something that has had a profound impact on your life. That way, you can share exactly how it has shaped you into the person you are today.

There are many ways to introduce the defining aspect of your background, identity, interest, or talent. Consider starting with a personal anecdote or something surprising about your topic. Don’t feel like you need a rigid topic sentence, “In this essay I will show how my experience playing basketball makes me a good candidate for Rutgers.” Your first sentence should immediately draw the reader into your world, whatever that looks like.

Be sure to discuss how this defining aspect has influenced your values, goals, and character. The point of reflecting on your past experiences is to see how you’ll take those lessons learned into the future. Lastly, emphasize how your unique background or talent would contribute to the campus community.

Rutgers University Essay Prompt #2

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.

For this Rutgers supplemental essay, you’ll be focusing on a specific situation. This prompt is ideal for students who want to showcase their resilience, growth, and valuable lessons learned. Attending college is a challenging experience for just about everyone. So, it’s incredibly valuable to be able to demonstrate how you’ve previously faced challenges in your life.

To execute this Rutgers supplemental essay, describe the challenge, setback, or failure you encountered, providing context and details. Share the lessons you gained from this experience. Why was this specific conflict in your life so transformative and meaningful? Conclude your Rutgers supplemental essay by demonstrating how this experience positively influenced your character, achievements, and determination. Then, share how it connects to your aspirations for attending college.

Rutgers University Essay Prompt #3

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking what was the outcome.

If you have engaged in critical thinking, challenging the world around you, this may be the essay for you. Questioning the world around us is an important aspect of intellectual curiosity. It’s what drives us to explore new and valuable ideas, even when they don’t agree with the status quo.

In this Rutgers supplemental essay, be sure to explain the belief or idea you challenged and what prompted your thinking. Discuss the outcome of your inquiry and whether it led to personal growth or change. Did you learn to see that belief or idea in a new light? Or did your questioning lead you to new beliefs or ideas? Reflect on the significance of critical thinking, your newfound perspectives, and how they’ll impact your future pursuits at college.

Rutgers University Essay Prompt #4

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.

This prompt is a good choice for students who’ve had a heartwarming or unexpected experience of gratitude towards someone. However, this shouldn’t be as simple as a nice memory. You’ll want to write about an experience that has had a significant impact on you or your life. If you weren’t ultimately changed by the experience, it’s probably not a compelling enough topic for your Rutgers supplemental essay.

When crafting this essay, context is important. How can you bring us into the specific instance or experience that evoked gratitude within you? Consider your relationship to this person before and after this moment you shared. Use thoughtful and specific details to show us what happened and why it was surprising. Be sure to discuss the lasting impact of this gratitude on your outlook, relationships, or personal development. And emphasize how it will impact your future endeavors.

Rutgers University Essay Prompt #5

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others..

This is a great opportunity to share a moment of growth. Change is a part of life, and we are constantly developing our perspective on ourselves and the world. Being able to reflect on the moments that helped you grow into the person you are today demonstrates wisdom and maturity. 

To write this Rutgers supplemental essay, you’ll need to consider the before and after. Establishing who you were before this moment is critical to showing the value of your personal growth. When describing the accomplishment, event, or realization, be sure to explain its context and significance to your life. Reflect on the lasting impact of this growth and how it has influenced your relationships, goals, and approach to challenges. Discuss how this period of personal growth has shaped your character and future ambitions, emphasizing its relevance to your future.

Rutgers University Essay Prompt #6

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.

This essay is all about your deepest passions and intellectual curiosity. There are multiple aspects to this prompt, so you’ll want to be sure you answer it in its entirety. You need to address the topic, why you are interested in it, and how you expand your understanding of it.

Beginning this Rutgers supplemental essay may be a little tricky. Still, one way you can tackle this essay is by describing how you engage with this subject. What are the activities or pursuits that allow you to delve deeper into your passion? Why do you find them compelling?

Besides simply describing the topic itself, discuss the impact of this interest on your personal development and your future goals. If it has broadened your horizons or contributed to your growth, it’s a great topic for this essay. Conclude by reflecting on the role of this engagement in your life and how it drives you to continue your studies.

Rutgers University Essay Prompt #7

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. it can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design..

The flexibility of this prompt makes it perfect for students with a unique story that doesn’t neatly fit into the other Rutgers essay prompts. If you are crafting your own prompt, be sure to have a clear definition in mind before you start writing. You still want your essay to be focused, so you need a driving question to relate back to. Like with any prompt, your essay should reveal aspects of your character, values, beliefs, or perspectives that are important to you.

To craft your response to this Rutgers supplemental essay, choose a topic that holds personal significance. Explain its importance in your life or its relevance to your application to Rutgers. Share your narrative or insights, using vivid details and personal reflections to engage the reader. End your Rutgers supplemental essay by highlighting how this topic or story showcases your unique qualities or experiences.

How to write Rutgers supplemental essays

You may notice the Rutgers essay prompts are very personal and require creativity. Therefore, when selecting and responding to these Rutgers essay prompts, it’s important to focus on these three things.

Self-Reflection is Key

Before writing your Rutgers supplemental essay, do some self-reflection. Who are you? What matters to you? Why are you a great candidate for your school? Through this self-reflection, you can get a picture of how you may differ from other applicants. Try to define the aspects of your personality that are important to you or you feel most proud of. Consider the experiences that led you to develop these traits, then see how those experiences connect with the Rutgers essay prompts.

Choose a Prompt that Fits You

After self-reflection, it’s important to choose a Rutgers supplemental essay prompt that aligns well with your personal experiences and stories. For instance, while reflecting, let’s say there was a significant challenge that you overcame that shaped your perspective. To share this story, you may want to consider the Rutgers essay prompts #2 or #5. Similarly, if you have a strong passion that is central to who you are, you may want to choose prompt #1 or #6. Ultimately, you want to choose Rutgers essay prompts that showcase the qualities that make you a valuable prospective student. 

Tell a Story

Considering the highly personal nature of your Rutgers supplemental essay, you can be creative with your storytelling. Use chronology and story arcs to build your Rutgers supplemental essay structure and include storytelling elements like dialogue and imagery. Lastly, be sure to show rather than tell your qualities. For instance, instead of saying you “love reading,” describe the hours you spend reading books. Remember, most stories have lessons or morals, so don’t leave your reader wondering what the point of your essay was.

By following these steps, you will be sure to capture admissions attention with your personality and unique experiences. Want more tips for writing your Rutgers supplemental essay? You’ll find additional advice in this CollegeAdvisor article entitled “ How to Write Better Essays .” 

Optional Rutgers Essay

In addition to the required Rutgers supplemental essay, Rutgers gives students the opportunity to submit an optional Rutgers essay. The prompt for this optional Rutgers essay is an opportunity to provide context surrounding your academic performance:

Rutgers University Optional Essay Prompt

Do you have any family responsibilities or circumstances, such as a severe illness, that have negatively affected your academic performance (650 words maximum).

You’ll find this essay under the Writing section of the Common App. If you answer “Yes” to the above question, a text box will populate for you to enter your response.

Is the Optional Rutgers essay really optional?

Yes, the optional Rutgers essay is truly optional. The optional Rutgers essay is a valuable platform to provide additional context or insights into your application. This can be especially helpful if you’ve had a specific period of lower grades or a long-term barrier to your education. However, not everyone has extenuating circumstances that have affected their ability to perform well in school. 

It’s essential to use this option judiciously and genuinely. Therefore, if you do not have an applicable situation to justify your response, then don’t write the optional Rutgers essay. Ultimately, if you choose to submit the optional Rutgers essay, make sure you provide a true and meaningful perspective.

What does Rutgers look for in an applicant?

Rutgers University, like many other universities, looks for a holistic set of qualities and qualifications in its applicants. Here are some key factors that Rutgers typically considers when evaluating applicants:

1. Academic Achievement

Rutgers places significant emphasis on your high school academic performance. This includes your GPA, the rigor of your coursework (such as honors, AP, or IB classes), and your class rank, if available. They want to see that you have taken your high school studies seriously and have performed well.

2. Standardized Test Scores

Currently, Rutgers University is test optional through the 2024 admissions cycle. That said, standardized test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT) may still be considered if submitted.Therefore, if you believe your score can help your admissions decision, be sure to submit it to admissions. 

3. Extracurricular Activities

Rutgers values involvement in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, volunteer work, and leadership roles. They want to see that you’ve been active in your school or community and have demonstrated a commitment to your interests. 

4. Essays and Personal Statements

Your Rutgers University supplemental essays provide an opportunity to showcase your writing skills and offer insights into who you are. Highlight the best and most personal qualities of your personality, experiences, and aspirations.

It’s important to note that Rutgers University has multiple campuses: Camden , Newark , and New Brunswick . Specific admission criteria and requirements may vary slightly between campuses. It’s advisable to check the official Rutgers University admissions website for the most up-to-date information and specific campus requirements.

Where is Rutgers University?

Rutgers is a multi-campus public research university in the United States. It’s located in the state of New Jersey, with multiple campuses spread throughout the state. Here’s an overview of the main campuses:

New Brunswick Campus

The largest and most well-known campus of Rutgers, it is located in New Brunswick. This campus houses several schools, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Rutgers Business School.

Newark Campus

Located in the city of Newark, this campus offers a diverse urban environment. It is home to Rutgers Business School-Newark and Rutgers Law School, among others.

Camden Campus

Situated in Camden, New Jersey, this campus is known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences. The Rutgers Law School is also located here.

Rutgers is well-connected to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia. The university’s multiple campuses offers students a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities.

Additional information about Rutgers University

While this article emphasizes Rutgers University supplemental essays, it’s important to remember why you are writing them. The goal of your Rutgers supplemental essay is to highlight how your experience is a perfect fit for the university. Therefore, beyond knowing your personal strengths, you must also identify how those align with the university’s values and offerings . By doing this, you can find success in the Rutgers admission process, similar to CollegeAdvisor’s former advisee, Shrushti Talluri .

Rutgers University offers various academic programs and majors across its various campuses. Students have the opportunity to choose from over 150 undergraduate majors. These majors cover a wide range of disciplines, including arts and sciences, engineering, business, health sciences, and many more. The university’s diverse academic offerings allow students to pursue their interests and career goals.

Beyond academic majors, Rutgers University boasts a rich and diverse extracurricular environment with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Rutgers has over 600 registered student organizations . The vast range of student organizations provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement.

To ensure Rutgers is financially feasible for you to attend, be sure to understand their tuition and fees and do additional research on scholarships . If you truly are interested in Rutgers University, schedule a campus visit (or virtual visit !) to ensure the university is the perfect fit for you.

Rutgers Supplemental Essays: 5 Tips for Future Applicants

You may have begun this article by asking yourself how to get into Rutgers University. Well, hopefully, you now know that securing admission to Rutgers University is a goal within reach– if you have strong Rutgers University supplemental essays. 

Rutgers University supplemental essays play a pivotal role in achieving that aspiration. Your Rutgers essays provide a platform for you to present your unique experiences, values, and strengths to the admissions committee. By choosing the right Rutgers essay prompt and crafting a compelling, authentic response, you can increase your chances of becoming a part of Rutgers’ diverse and thriving academic community.

Here is a final list of five tips for future applicants:

Five tips for future applicants

1. self-reflection is key.

Before choosing a Rutgers supplemental essay prompt, take time for self-reflection. Understand who you are, what matters to you, and why you’re a valuable candidate for Rutgers. This self-awareness will guide you in choosing the most fitting prompt.

2. Choose a Rutgers Essay Prompt that Fits You

Align your personal experiences and stories with a Rutgers supplemental essay prompt that resonates with your journey. Select the Rutgers essay prompt that best showcases the qualities that make you an asset to the university.

3. Get Creative With Your Storytelling

Given the personal nature of your Rutgers essay, be creative in your storytelling. Use storytelling elements like dialogue and imagery. Show rather than tell your qualities, and avoid clichéd language or stories. Strive for originality and authenticity.

4. Optional Rutgers Essay

While the optional Rutgers essay is indeed optional, it can provide valuable context if you have unique circumstances to share. Use it judiciously and genuinely, and only if it’s true to your situation and enhances your application.

5. Understand What Rutgers Looks For

Rutgers University is test-optional and values applicants’ academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and the Rutgers supplemental essay. Understand what Rutgers seeks in an applicant and aim to present those qualities in your application.

By following these tips, you can navigate the Rutgers University application process effectively and easily. And, you’ll be sure to create compelling Rutgers University supplemental essays that reflect your individuality and strength.

Now, we hope that you’re ready to apply. We wish you the best of luck with writing your Rutgers University supplemental essays and completing your application!

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Ashley Hollins . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, rutgers essay prompts for 2023-2024 applicants.

I'm starting to work on my Rutgers application and I'm trying to find the essay prompts for 2023-2024. Can anyone help me out? Also, any advice on how to approach these prompts would be greatly appreciated!

I understand you're looking for the Rutgers essay prompts for the 2023-2024 application cycle. While I don't have the exact prompts in front of me, I recommend checking the Rutgers University undergraduate admissions website for up-to-date information on their essay requirements. Keep an eye out for updates, as they typically release essay prompts during the summer months before the application cycle begins.

As for advice on how to approach writing your essay, consider the following tips:

1. Read and understand the prompt carefully: Take time to fully understand what the essay question is asking, and ensure that your essay addresses all aspects of the prompt.

2. Be genuine and authentic: Write about something that is meaningful to you, and share your unique perspective. Avoid cliché topics and focus on conveying a personal story that says something significant about who you are.

3. Stay organized: Create an outline to ensure that your essay has a clear structure and logical flow. This will help you stay focused on addressing the prompt while maintaining coherence.

4. Show, don't tell: Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, rather than relying on generic statements. This will create a more engaging and memorable essay.

5. Edit and proofread: This is a key step in the writing process. Make sure to review your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as clarity and coherence. It is a good idea to have someone else read your essay to provide feedback and catch any errors or areas for improvement.

Remember that your essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, strengths, and interests to the admissions committee. It is important to be honest, engaging, and thoughtful. Lastly, don't forget to give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essay. The more time and effort you put into your writing, the better your essay will be. Good luck with your application!

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.

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Rutgers-Newark protest leaders will stay 'as long as it takes.' What they're waiting for

Nearly two weeks after students at Rutgers University's New Brunswick campus took down their Gaza Solidarity Encampment, their peers in Newark continue to organize with their own encampment and demands.

About two dozen tents dot the lawn outside the Rutgers Center for Law and Justice on the Newark campus. Teach-ins, rallies, open-mic gatherings and planning meetings fill their days. The protesters, who launched their encampment May 1, plan to stay until Rutgers agrees to divest from companies tied to Israel's war in Gaza, among other demands, organizers said.

In many ways, the scene at Rutgers is like other encampments that have sprung up on college campuses across the United States. Signs hang on benches and light poles with slogans like “Cease-fire now” and “No Cops.” There are larger tents with food donations, a “people’s library,” medical supplies and places to plug in electronics. Designated safety marshals in blue vests patrol the perimeters.

But their list of demands is more expansive and reflective of the urban community in which they are based. They are calling for the university to divest from companies and institutions tied to Israel’s war in Gaza, especially from weapons manufacturers, and to reinvest funds in ways that benefit the people of Newark. They also want the university to sever its relationship with Tel Aviv University, alleging the school has ties to the Israeli military.

The Newark Solidarity Coalition, made up of students and community members, has called for Rutgers to fund projects including: expand or provide services to the community through the university's medical, dental and legal schools; support local grassroots organizations; dedicate three to five properties for development of affordable housing; offer free tuition and loan forgiveness to Newark residents; and establish community land trusts for free public housing.

Rutgers-Newark Senior Vice Chancellor Peter Englot said the university's highest priority is the safety of students, faculty and staff.

"The protest on our campus remains peaceful," he said when asked about the protesters' demands. "As an anchor institution in Newark  and committed collaborator with many community partners, Rutgers-Newark is earnestly engaging in dialogue with the protesters over the concerns they’ve expressed."

Tensions on campus

Encampments have sprung up on campuses across the United States in response to Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The recent violence began Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages. In the aftermath, more than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and thousands more are missing as airstrikes turn much of Gaza to rubble.

The protests have sparked tensions on campuses. Some Jewish students say they have felt unsafe or unwelcome amid protests and anti-Israel rhetoric. Pro-Palestinian students say they also have felt unsafe as they faced riot police and counterprotests.

Newark has not attracted groups of counterprotesters that have been seen on other campuses, including at Rutgers-New Brunswick, although some individuals have expressed opposition, organizers said.

They include a 31-year-old Rutgers Law School student who was arrested May 2 and charged with disorderly conduct "related to actions taken while counterprotesting on a protest site on the Rutgers-Newark campus," Englot said.

Students said the man tore down their posters and clashed with police. His lawyer, Cory Rothbort, said Rutgers police violated his First Amendment rights by arresting his client because he put up his own posters denouncing Hamas.

"For that, our client was arrested by Rutgers police and accused of incitement," the Roseland-based lawyer wrote in an email. "Simultaneously, Rutgers has allowed the encampment and its posters to continue unimpeded."

Princeton University students also remain at their encampment, even after taking down tents and tarps under threat of arrest by the university. A group of students there has also gone on a hunger strike for Gaza.

At Princeton, 15 arrests have taken place. Two students were arrested and charged with trespassing while setting up tents on April 25 as the encampment was launched. Another 13 were arrested during a sit-in at Clio Hall that last about 90 minutes.

Rutgers faces questions

At Rutgers' largest campus, in New Brunswick, students disbanded their encampment May 2 after the administration partially agreed to a list of demands. Rutgers agreed to offer scholarships to 10 displaced Palestinian students, develop a plan for an Arab cultural center on campus and grant amnesty to protesters, among other demands.

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway said the school would not end its partnership with Tel Aviv University. Rutgers agreed to meet with students to discuss divestment but made no commitment to withdraw holdings from any companies.

“While it is not within my authority to make a decision regarding divestment,” Holloway said in a statement to the Board of Governors on May 6, “I will reiterate again that I believe the Boycott, Divest and Sanction movement is wrong. I think divestment from Israel is wrong.”

Holloway said the agreement was intended "to maintain a safe and controlled environment, to protect Rutgers students and Rutgers property, and to assure that our students’ academic progress — taking finals and completing the semester — are not impeded."

Across the country, college presidents are in a quandary over their handling of protests. They have faced criticism for calling in police who have arrested students in tense, sometimes violent confrontations and for aggressive discipline including suspensions and evictions. They have also faced intense backlash for making agreements with protesters, who critics say are violating rules, disrupting learning and created a hostile climate for Jewish students.

The Committee on Education and the Workforce in the U.S. House has asked the presidents of Rutgers, Northwestern and UCLA to testify in person on May 23 about their "shocking concessions" to the protesters.

“They have surrendered to antisemitic radicals in despicable displays of cowardice,” committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, a North Carolina Republican, said in a press release about the decision. "As a result of these gravely concerning actions, the Committee believes it’s necessary to reevaluate the scope of the May 23 hearing and bring in the presidents of Northwestern and Rutgers — along with UCLA — to testify before the Committee."

The Rutgers president told pro-Palestinian student protesters in New Brunswick that police would step in if they did not clear their encampment by May 2, the day the parties reached the agreement. In Newark, protesters said they had not received any ultimatum.

Alya, one of the members of the encampment's negotiating team, who declined to give her last name, said protesters were not leaving until the university agreed to divest. “We wish Rutgers New Brunswick would have stayed and fought harder for divestment,” she said. “People are willing to stay for as long as it takes.”