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Undergraduate Application Process & Requirements

Freshman Application Deadlines for Fall Admission (Fall 2010 Start)

Application Type

Application Deadline

Decision Notification

Candidate's Reply Date

Early Decision November 15th December 15th February 15th Binding
Early Action November 15th December 15th May 1st
Recommended Deadline For Admission and Scholarships (non-audition-based majors) January 15th April 15th May 1st
Recommended Deadline For Admission and Scholarships (audition-based majors) March 5th April 15th May 1st
Deadline for all applicants March 15th April 15th May 1st

Transfer Application Deadlines for Fall Admission (Fall 2010 Start)

Application Type

Application Deadline

Scholarship Consideration Deadline April 1, 2010
Deadline for all applicants (outside US) June 1, 2010
Deadline for all applicants (inside US) July 1, 2010

Application Deadlines for Spring Admission - All Students (Spring 2010 Start)

Application Type

Application Deadline

Deadline for all applicants November 1, 2009

Students who apply after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case, space-available basis.

Rider University uses a rolling admission process. What that means is you will receive an admission decision within 4-6 weeks after your application is complete, starting in December.

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 and required credentials by the November 15 deadline and indicate either EARLY DECISION or EARLY ACTION on your application. 

Early Decision & Early Action applicants for majors that require an audition must schedule the November audition date.

If you are admitted through Early Decision or Early Action we will offer you an early estimate of financial aid.

Early Decision Option:
Early Decision is a binding option:   Students whose first choice is Rider University may apply via the Early Decision option.  In addition to the application, Early Decision applicants must also complete and submit the Early Decision Supplement.

Students not prepared to commit to the binding option should consider the Early Action Option.   

If accepted you will agree to enroll in Rider University, withdraw any applications submitted to other institutions, and submit your non-refundable tuition deposit by February 15, 2009.   

Early Action Option:
Early Action is a non-binding option whereby you will be notified of our decision by December 15, but you are not required to submit your non-refundable deposit for tuition/housing until May 1st. 

Application Procedures

In order to submit a complete application, please submit the following materials:

  1. Completed application for admission.

  2. The $50 (U.S. dollars) non-refundable application fee (All checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank.  Application fee waivers are not available for international applicants.)

  3. Transcripts, mark sheets, and/or exam results from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended (Transcripts must have the official school seal and be translated to English). A listing of courses taken and grades received must be included. Photocopies of student copies are not accepted.

  4. Evidence of English Language Proficiency - Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for non-native English speakers. This requirements is typically waived for students who attend an International or American School abroad.

  5. Freshman only:   Official results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT 1) or ACT exam (required for native English speakers, strongly recommended for all others)

    Rider University requires results of the SAT I and/or ACT for native English language speakers, as well as for those who have attended school in the United States. Results of these exams are strongly recommended for all other applicants.

    Please note that official results of these exams are required; scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Student score reports are not accepted. 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.

    SAT: Rider University considers the Critical Reading and Math sections for admission and scholarship. Results of the Writing section are used for course placement.
    ACT: Rider University considers the Composite score for admission and scholarship. Results of the Writing section are used for course placement.

    Rider University's codes:
    SAT I: 2758 (For more information, visit http://www.collegeboard.com/)
    ACT: 2590  (For more information, visit http://www.actstudent.org/)

  6. Transfer students only: Official post-secondary school transcripts, translated into English. A course-by-course evaluation of credits may also be requested by the Committee on Admission, but is not typically required. 

  7. One of the essay topics requested in the application

  8. 2 letters of recommendation

  9. Copies of all previous visas and/or I-20's processed and used in the United States, if applicable

  10. If you are applying for a major that requires an audition, you must register for your audition online at http://www.rider.edu/ugaudtions.

Students planning to hold an F-1 Student Visa must also submit:

  1. International Student Supplement, completed by the student, all sponsors, and banks as indicated 
  2. Supporting financial documentation (ie. Bank statements, letter of employment/salary,etc.)
  3. Transfer Release Form, if you are currently studying in the U.S.