Rutgers University Joins the Common Application

Life just got easier for college-bound students with Rutgers on their list. The New Jersey public university, with campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, has joined the ranks of more than 1,000 colleges accepting the newest Common App which goes live on August 1^st. 

The Common Application was first launched back in 1998 to help streamline the college application process.  It allows students to fill out information once -- including family information, high school data, SAT and AP scores (which are sometimes optional), and activities. Students list their colleges of interest on a “Dashboard,” and ultimately use this platform to submit their applications.

 

The Common App includes an essay that is required by the majority of colleges. Students have the option of choosing from among seven prompts, with one being “topic of your choice.”  Other prompts allow students to share a talent or interest, challenge they’ve overcome, accomplishment or period of personal growth, or a topic they find captivating.

In addition to filling out the information that will be shared with all their colleges, students are required to answer specific questions for each school on their Dashboard. Typically, this includes their potential start date, whether or not they are seeking on campus housing and/or financial aid, and their major of choice. Many colleges also require a supplemental essay, often asking students why they are interested in the school or why they chose a particular major.

 

Students submit the Common Application separately to each college, with deadline dates varying.  November 1^st is a typical deadline for Early Decision and Early Action applications.  Students can apply to only one school Early Decision and must sign an agreement that they will attend if accepted.  The benefit of Early Decision is often a much higher acceptance rate.  NYU, for example, has a 13% overall acceptance rate, but a 30% Early Decision acceptance rate, according to Niche.com.  Students can apply to as many Early Action colleges as they choose as acceptance is not binding.  

 

Colleges with rolling admissions typically review applications as they come in, and those with regular application deadlines are often due in early January.

 

Rutgers is joining the ranks of the vast majority of New Jersey schools accepting the Common App. However, there is one stipulation.  It is only available to students applying to Rutgers for the first time for full time study starting in the fall of 2024.

 

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT^® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362