Admission Process & Requirements
Rider relies on a Committee on Admission in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Admission to make recommendations. Committee members look at the entire admission file, including courses, grades, test scores, extracurricular activities and individual accomplishments. To complete the student profile, committee members also review letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, school administrators, and employers.
| Admission Requirements | Admission Deadlines |
| Applying to Rider | Additional Requirements |
| Application Procedures | |
| Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) |
To qualify for freshmen admission, you must successfully complete 16 academic units while in high school, including the following:
- Four years of English
- A minimum of three years of mathematics, including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
- Remaining credits are acceptable in any of the following areas: Science, Social Sciences, and Foreign Language
There are three options available for you to apply for undergraduate admission to Rider:
- Download the Undergraduate Application (or request a paper application be mailed)
- Apply online
- Use Common Application (either the paper or online version).
- Use Universal College Application (either the paper or online version).
*All applications, whether electronic or paper, are given equal consideration.
In order to submit a complete application, please follow the five steps listed below as well as any additional requirements for your student status:
- Complete application for admission
- Mail (or electronically submit) your application, along with your $50 non-refundable application fee to Rider University's Office of Undergraduate Admission. (If mailing a check, please be sure your name and home phone number are clearly written on your check).
- If you are currently enrolled in high school, your high school guidance office must mail your official high school transcript, including senior courses, and a guidance counselor recommendation letter. If you have earned a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), please arrange to have an official copy of your diploma and test scores sent to Rider's admission office. Transfer students must provide official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- In addition to a guidance counselor recommendation, the Committee on Admission requires that you submit a recommendation from a faculty member, counselor or individual who knows you well and can describe your academic potential and personal characteristics.
- Submit 150 word essay.
- Westminster Supplement (if applicable)
| Application Process | Application Deadline | Decision Notification | Candidate’s Reply Date |
| Early Decision | November 15th | December 15th | February 15th Binding |
| Early Action | December 1st | January 15th | May 1st |
|
Recommended Deadline |
March 15th | April 15th | May 1st |
- First-Time Freshmen
- Early Decision and Early Action Applicants
- Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Full-Time, First-Time Freshmen
In addition to completing the five steps of the Application Procedure, you must arrange to have the results of the SAT I and/or ACT (including the Writing component) submitted to Rider if they are not included as part of your high school transcript.
If it has been more than a year since you graduated from high school, you are not required to submit SAT I or ACT scores as part of your application.
Rider University's codes:
- SAT I: 2758
- ACT: 2590
Early Decision and Early Action Candidates
If you are strongly considering Rider among your top choices, we offer you the opportunity to apply early and learn of an admission decision in the fall of your senior year. You must submit all application materials prior to the required deadlines and indicate either EARLY DECISION or EARLY ACTION on your application. If you are admitted under Early Decsion or Early Action we will offer you an early estimate of financial aid.
Early Decision Option:
Early Decision is a binding option whereby you are required to submit your deposit by February 15, 2008. Students whose first choice is Rider University are encouraged to apply via the Early Decision option. As in all Early Decision offers, if accepted you will agree to enroll in Rider University and withdraw any other applications submitted to other institutions. Early Decision candidates must submit all necessary application requirements by November 15, 2007 and will be notified of an admission decision by December 15, 2007.
Early Action Option:
Early Action is a non-binding option whereby you are not required to submit your deposit for tuition/housing until May 1st. As an Early action applicant, you will apply not later than December 1st and will be notified of an admission decision no later than January 15th.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
The EOP Program is a state-sponsored program that helps low-income New Jersey residents attend college. To be eligible for admission through EOP you must:
- a US citizen or permanent resident
- a New Jersey resident for at least one year
- must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- meet state mandated income guidelines
- show a historical background of low-income
- must enroll as a full-time student
Click here to dowloaded the EOP questionnaire
