Application Requirements
The Application Process
Applying Online
Admitted Students
Miscellaneous
What does a complete application consist of?
For most Rutgers graduate programs, a complete application consists of the following:
- Online application
- $65 non-refundable application fee
- One official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current test results, as required
- Additional supporting materials, as required by the program
Consult the Index of Graduate Programs to review specific program requirements. Please note that decisions cannot be made on incomplete applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required documents are available for review by the program's stated deadline.
What are the application deadlines?
Application deadlines vary by department. Please consult the online Index of Graduate Programs.
[top]
Is Financial Aid available for graduate study?
There are two types of financial aid: need based and merit based.
Need-based Financial Aid
Need-based aid is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only and is based strictly on income and need. U. S. students and permanent residents may apply for grants, loans and part-time employment by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based aid must be requested by March 15 for the subsequent fall term.
Merit-based Aid such as fellowships, teaching assistantships, and graduate assistantships is determined by the program after admission has been offered. To be considered, check the box on the application under Section 6: Financial Aid, Academic Awards & Financial Assistance. There are no additional forms required to be considered for merit-based aid.
[top]
What are the minimum GPA and GRE scores required for Rutgers?
There are no universitywide minimum GPA and GRE scores. There are many factors in determining admission, only one of which is scores. Some programs will value high verbal GRE scores more than high quantitative scores, and the reverse is also true. All GPA and score requirements vary by program and individual circumstances. Consult the inidividual program website or contact the program office for additional information.
Please note that GRE scores are valid for 3 to 5 years at the descretion of the department.
[top]
The application for admission must be completed online. The university no longer prints paper applications.
Before you apply, it is important to carefully consider which program is best suited to your academic and/or professional interests. Consult the Index of Graduate Programs for a list of graduate programs and links to the program websites. For additional, in-depth information, consult the graduate catalogs.
[top]
Can I take classes as a nondegree student?
- Consult the Index of Graduate Programs to determine if the program offering the classes you want to take permits nondegree study. Please note any special requirements for nondegree study, such as transcripts, resume, personal statement, or letters of recommendation.
- Nondegree study is not available for international applicants who hold F-type visas.
- There are limits to the total number of credits and the credits per semester you can take as a nondegree student. Contact the individual program for guidance.
- To apply, use the online application and select "nondegree." After submitting your application, pay the non-refundable $65 application fee online.
How do I send my supporting credentials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.)?
Materials such as your personal statement and letters of recommendation are included with the submission of your online application. Most other credentials, such as a resume, a writing sample, and unofficial transcripts, can be uploaded via the E-Credential website.
One official paper transcript copy of from each post-secondary institution attended (including Rutgers) must be sent to the appropriate admissions office. If the official copy will be delayed past the program deadline, consider uploading an unofficial copy of your transcripts. All School of Social Work applicants should mail transcripts to the New Brunswick admissions office regardless of campus to which you have applied.
[top]
How do I check my application status?
Checking your application status online is the most efficient way for you to know what activity is taking place. Your record is updated each evening with any new information that has been received. Enter your data EXACTLY as you did on the application. Your RUID or SSN, birthdate, and gender are required to log in.
You will not be able to check your status without a valid RUID number. If you have not received your RUID or have misplaced it, you may recover it by logging into your application.
The status site is only available to those who have paid the required application fee.
International applicants may see information about Foreign Student Adviser reports and/or financial documentation.
It may take up to 72 hours after submitting your application before you can view your application status.
Please note: It may take up to 5 days for processing of your credentials during our peak admissions season. You are encouraged to refrain from calling or emailing the Graduate Admissions Office until at least two weeks have passed beyond the expected delivery of your materials. Please continue to monitor the status of your application online.
[top]
My letters of recommendation have not been received. What should I do?
If you included email addresses in your online application for your recommenders to electronically upload their recommendation letters, you can resend a reminder email to those individuals who have not yet responded. However, sometimes a recommender opts to mail in a hard copy of a letter rather than use the electronic upload system. If you see on your status screen that we have already received a letter from a specific recommender, you do not need to resend an email to that person (even though there may be a link available for you to do so).
If you asked individuals to mail in recommendation letters, be sure that they sent the letters to the correct address for Graduate Admissions and included your first and last name so that we can match the documents to your application file.
If your recommender is no longer able to complete a letter for you or if you need to find an additional recommender, you can download a form to give or send to that person.
If your letter of recommendation was mailed, it is possible that we have received it. Continue to check your status screen as our system is updated every evening.
[top]
When should I expect a decision?
The admissions process is extremely time-consuming. Decisions are made by individual committees in each program at Rutgers, and this process often may take several months. It is not unusual for fall decisions to take place in March, April, May, and even June depending on the program and number of applications. If you know your application is complete and you haven’t heard by mid April, you may contact the program directly. Phone numbers and email addresses are available on our contact page.
[top]
I belong to a program that offers a fee waiver - how do I get credited?
We waive fees for certain scholars (i.e. McNair, Project 1000, etc). Apply online but do not pay the fee after you submit your application. In Section 6 of the application in the text box labeled “Academic Honors Awards or Publications,” indicate that you are a McNair scholar, Project 1000 scholar, etc. When you send in your credentials, include the scholar certificate.
[top]
Can the application fee be waived?
In most instances we do not waive fees. In extraordinary circumstances we may defer a fee but if admission is offered the fee is generally required. There are few exceptions to this policy. For a deferral please include a statement of need and supporting evidence of need such as a letter from a financial aid officer from your school or tax returns.
You may write us regarding your special circumstances at the Graduate Admissions Office.
International applicant fees are almost never waived.
[top]
What is the Rutgers Institution Code for the GRE / TOEFL?
Our institution code in 2790. We do not use department codes.
[top]
My status indicates that official test scores have not been received, but I sent them over a month ago. Where are they?
ETS requires several weeks to grade your results and then you must allow at least two weeks for a “match” to occur from the date of submission of your application to us. The scores are electronically submitted once a week. You must submit an application first for the match to occur.
You may fax a copy of your scores to the Graduate Admissions Office but your scores will be considered self reported. For most programs official test scores are required once admission is offered.
[top]
Can I apply to more than one program?
To apply to more than one program, click on Resume an Application and enter your login and password. Then select “apply to another program."
You may apply to up to five programs. However each requires a fee and supporting credentials.
[top]
Can I change my application after it was submitted?
Applications may not be altered once submitted. Please submit any changes or corrections to the application in writing to our office with an explanation.
[top]
I have attended or am currently attending a graduate school. Will my credits transfer?
There is no “transfer” from one university to Rutgers. You must first apply and be admitted. The transferring of credits is completely at the discretion of the program. Discussion will only occur after an offer of admission has been made. The program will want assurance that the course or courses in question are equal in quality to those that would have been taken at Rutgers. In the absence of complete assurance courses will not transfer toward a degree.
If you have completed a master’s degree equivalent to a U.S. master’s degree from an accredited institution, you may apply for a Ph.D degree to continue required coursework.
[top]
I have applied to a graduate program at Rutgers in the past. How do I reapply?
To reapply or reactivate an application submitted for the previous year, you need to submit a new online application (along with the application fee), resubmit letters (at least one new), and submit an updated personal statement. You must also submit a written statement indicating that you wish to reapply and have your credentials forwarded from your previous application. You are advised to contact the graduate program for input on your previous application. While one new letter, a revised personal statement, and the application fee are minimally necessary, your goal is to improve your application to get the most positive review possible.
If more than a year has elapsed, you must
start fresh with all materials.
[top]
Applying Online
When I attempt
to check my status I receive an error message telling me that I did
not pay the application fee, but I did. What should I do?
This is a generic error message that (in almost all cases) does not mean that your application fee was not received. You will receive this message if you did not enter your information EXACTLY as it was originally entered on the application.
[top]
How can I resume an application that has been saved?
To resume an application not yet submitted, select Resume an Application. You cannot update applications that have already been submitted. If changes are necessary, write or fax changes to 732-932-8231. Include your name as it appears on the application and your RUID or SSN.
[top]
My institution is not listed on the application. What should I do?
If your institution is not listed, select UNKNOWN and proceed with your application. This will not impede your application review as your transcripts are what the committee uses in making its decisions. Having you list your institution on the application is for our data purposes only.
[top]
How do I pay the application fee after I submitted the application?
To make a payment, select Resume an Application. Sign in using your RUID or SSN, date of birth and gender, select “Payment options for your last submitted application” select “Online Application Payment." We urge you to pay by credit card online as mailing a payment may cause serious delays.
[top]
I recently checked my application status and found that I was admitted. What should I do now?
You will be receiving an admissions packet, along with a formal certificate of admission via U.S. mail within the next several days. In most cases, you should receive additional information from the graduate school and program to which you have been admitted.
[top]
Please seek the guidance of the graduate program to which you were admitted. Graduate Admissions does not advise on course selection.
[top]
You may register online. You need your Rutgers identification number (RUID) and PAC code to register. By default, your PAC code is your month and day of birth in MMDD format.
[top]
How do I pay my bill or view my Statement of Accounts?
You may view your statement of accounts online at any time. Please note that the term bill will not be available until mid July for students attending the fall semester.
[top]
Does Rutgers offer Graduate Housing? How do I apply?
Yes, information regarding graduate housing can be found on the housing website.
[top]
What health services are available to graduate students?
Visit the Health Services website for information.
[top]
I am interested in a law degree. What should I do?
Rutgers has two law schools with separate application procedures. Please visit the website for the Rutgers School of Law–Camden or the Rutgers School of Law–Newark for more information and to apply.
[top]
I would like to be certified as a teacher in the State of New Jersey. Can I get certified at Rutgers?
Rutgers only offers teaching certification in conjunction with the completion of a master's degree. Please visit the website for a list of
options.
[top]
I am currently a teacher in New Jersey and would like to earn an endorsement. What should I do?
Several endorsements are available. Please
visit the Graduate School of Education website for a list of requirements.
[top]
Does Rutgers offer 'alternate route' teacher certification?
For information regarding 'alternate route' options, please
visit the Graduate School of Education website.
[top]
Does Rutgers offer a Pharm. D.?
The Pharm.D program is open only to Rutgers undergraduates. The Pharm.D. program for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in pharmacy has been suspended indefinitely. Those holding a bachelor's degree in another field wishing to earn a Pharm.D. should apply through undergraduate admissions.
[top]
How much is tuition at Rutgers?
Tuition and fees vary by school program and full- or part-time status. To calculate your tuition cost, please visit the cashier’s website. Tuition fee adjustments are scheduled for mid July each year.
[top]
How do I contact Graduate Admissions?
Email contact is preferred. The email addresses are as follows:
New Brunswick Campus: gradadm@rci.rutgers.edu
Camden Campus: gradask@camden.rutgers.edu
Newark Campus: newarkeas@ugadm.rutgers.edu
MBA Camden: camden@ugadm.rutgers.edu
MBA Newark: admit@business.rutgers.edu
[top]
Where is Graduate Admissions located?
View office locations for the various admissions offices.
[top]
