Freshman FAQs
- How many undergraduates are enrolled at Rider?
Approximately 4,000 full-time undergraduates are enrolled at Rider University.
- How many are entering as freshmen?
Nearly 1,000 students entered as freshmen for the Fall 2007 term.
- How many apply for admission?
Rider received approximately 5,000 applications for Fall 2007 admission.
- When should I send for admission information?
You should begin requesting admission information during your junior year. It is recommended that students begin to visit college campuses towards the end of their junior year and during the summer prior to their senior year.
- Can an applicant who has been offered admission defer that admission?
Yes. If a student decides to defer his/her enrollment for any reason, Rider will still honor the acceptance if the student chooses to enroll within one year of his/her acceptance. The student will have to update their application and submit transcripts from any colleges or universities attended.
- How do I apply for financial aid?
A student must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible to receive financial aid. The FAFSA can be picked up in high school guidance offices in mid to late December or at the institution to which the student is applying. The form cannot be sent in until after January 1 of the year you plan to enter college. After the form is complete, it is read and processed by a federal processing agency and the information is forwarded to the institution. Rider encourages that this information be furnished to the agency prior to March 1.
- Will my chances for admission be affected by my application for financial aid?
No. Rider University has a need-blind policy.
- Does Rider University offer any merit-based scholarships?
Rider University offers a considerable amount of merit-based scholarships. The minimum requirements to be eligible for a scholarship are a 3.0 grade point average and a 1000 (critical reading and math sections only) SAT or a 21 ACT(composite score). Dollar amounts range from $6,000 to $18,000 with a few scholarships at full tuition. Full time students in good standing are guaranteed Rider's merit-based scholarships for four years based on maintaining a minimum grade point average. There is no separate application for scholarship. Simply by applying to Rider University by the January 15th scholarship deadline, you are considered for a merit-based scholarship. Qualifying GPA's are based on a 4.0 scale and should reflect at least a college preparatory level of study. Cumulative GPA through the seventh semester, December ACT and December SAT will be the latest academic information considered for awards. To qualify for a Rider University scholarship you must be regularly admissible to the University's Lawrenceville campus as a full-time student and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students awarded scholarship must deposit by May 1st in order to receive the scholarship award. Potential scholarship recipients who deposit after May 1st will forfeit their scholarship eligibility.
- Does Rider University offer athletic scholarships?
Yes. Rider is a Division I NCAA institution and offers athletic scholarships. Rider has 20 intercollegiate athletic teams. Athletic scholarships are given by the discretion of the coach.
- Is there a minimum grade point average, class rank, or SAT/ACT test score result necessary for consideration for admission?
Rider does not have a specified GPA, rank or test score that it uses as a cut-off for admission. However, our average standards are a 3.3 GPA (on a 4.0 scale); a 1610 on the SAT (all three sections); 23 on the ACT (composite), and rank in the top third of the high school graduating class.
- How does Rider treat test scores?
Rider accepts the SAT and ACT scores. A composite of the highest critical reading and highest math score and highest writing score on the SAT will be used as the criteria for admission. The SAT II is not required for admission.
- Does Rider University take into consideration a rigorous academic load in high school?
Yes. Rider's Committee on Admission looks first and foremost at the type of courses the student has completed. The Committee recalculates an academic GPA for all candidates based on academic/ college prep courses completed. Additional weight is given to honors and advanced placement courses.
- How does Rider weigh extracurricular activities?
Rider enrolls well-rounded students and considers extracurricular activities as an indication of the contribution that the student may bring to the University.
- What is the Educational Opportunity Program?
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is a state wide program that helps low-income New Jersey residents attend college. The purpose of this program is to provide educational opportunity for students who may normally be denied an education due to lack of academic preparation, insufficient financial resources, environmental circumstances, or the lack of sufficient guidance to aspire to higher educational goals.
- Is it any easier to gain acceptance into Rider University if I express an interest in a special field of study?
All applications are considered equally. Particular attention is paid to performance in courses that would be directly related to an intended area of study.
- Are interviews required for admission?
Interviews are not required for admission but they are certainly recommended. A student may request an interview if they feel it may add to his/her application or simply would like to discuss the admission procedure.
- Are letters of recommendation required?
Yes, two letters of recommendation are required to be considered for admission. It is recommended one be from a guidance counselor and the other from a teacher or employer.
- Does Rider University accept advanced placement test scores?
Rider will accept a score of three or better on most advanced placement tests. Credit may vary from 3-8 credits depending on the exam. Click here for the AP policy.
- Does Rider University offer services for students with learning disabilities?
Yes. Although there is not a specific program for students with learning disabilities, Rider offers many support services to help students succeed at the college level. The Education Enhancement Program can be contacted at 609-896-5244.
