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How to Apply - For First-Year (Freshman) Students

Admissions / Undergraduate Admission / How to Apply - For First-Year (Freshman) Students
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If you will have graduated from an accredited high school or passed the GED examination before your anticipated date of enrollment, you may be considered for admission as a degree-seeking student.

First-year students applying to Rider should follow the application steps, deadlines, and academic requirements below.

Steps to Apply

  1. COMPLETE THE UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION

  2. PAY THE FEE
    The $50 application fee is non-refundable and may be paid online via credit card or by check.
    We accept a Fee Waiver Request if signed by your guidance counselor.
     
  3. SUBMIT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS
    Submit official transcripts from your high school and for any college work you may have completed while you were in high school

    If you earned a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), request that an official copy of your diploma and test scores be sent to Rider University’s Office of Admissions
    International students should follow the special instructions for high school transcripts.
     
  4. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
    This letter should come from a school counselor or an individual who can describe your academic potential and personal characteristics
    Applicants to the Westminster College of the Arts must submit at least one recommendation from a teacher, instructor or coach in an arts-related field
     
  5. SUBMIT YOUR TEST SCORES
    If you are not applying as a "Test Optional" applicant, submit scores for all tests taken:
    SAT I (Code 2758)
    ACT (Code 2590)
    Rider does not require the optional essay/writing sections on the SAT or ACT.
    Superscoring: Rider will use only your best scores from each section; for the SAT & ACT, this may be components from different testing dates. Have you already been accepted through our "Test Optional" program?  If so, we strongly recommend that you send us your test scores. Your scores may be used for course placement, but will not affect your admission or scholarship. 
     
  6. SUBMIT THE ESSAY
    Choose one of the Common Application essay topics or write an essay on one of the topics below.
     
  7. AUDITIONS
    Westminster College of the Arts requires an audition as part of the application process for many of its majors. Program specific information and dates of campus auditions, scholarship competitions and regional auditions can be found in the auditions section.
     
  8. CHECK YOUR STATUS
    You can follow the status of your application and receipt of required credentials online.  After we receive your application, we will send you a link and your login credentials.

Application Deadlines

Apply today.

Entering Semester Early Action* (Non-Binding) Musical Theatre Deadline Scholarship Deadline Candidate's Reply Date
Fall 2020 Nov. 15
Apply Early Action		 Dec. 1 Jan. 15 May 1

*Students applying for early action in majors that require an audition should plan to complete their audition in December. The early action option is not available to Musical Theatre majors, however, Musical Theater Applicants wishing to audition in December (including all who wish to be considered for the Trustee Scholarship) should apply by November 1.

**Scholarship eligibility is determined at the same time we review your complete application. Rider practices rolling admissions; once your application is complete, you will be notified of your decision.

View Scholarships and Financial Aid for Freshmen

Application Review

Rider University welcomes students with a variety of academic backgrounds. When reviewing an application for admission, the Undergraduate Admission Office takes a holistic approach by assessing your academic performance, letters of recommendation, and your admission essay, as well as your activities, talents and leadership. We encourage you to complete your application thoroughly and thoughtfully. Once the committee has reviewed the entirety of the student's academic experience, an admission decision will be made.

Admissions Mailing Address

Mail all application materials to:
Rider University
Office of Undergraduate Admission
2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, NJ, USA 08648-3099

Personal Statement Essay Questions
Now is your chance to express yourself – let us get to know the real you – we know you're more than a series of facts and figures! In at least 250 words, please answer one of the following questions.

  1. Jump into the future, ten years from your Rider graduation. You have been selected to receive a local community award and will need to submit a biographical sketch. Highlight your personal and professional accomplishments since graduation.

  2. Describe a person or event that has influenced your life in a significant way and how you have grown as a result of this experience.

  3. Create and answer your own college essay question. We are interested in your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself clearly. Let us know why you feel this question should be included in the application.

First-year College of Continuing Studies students (Adult learners) should visit the College of Continuing Studies Website for application information specific to them.

 

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