How to Apply - For First-Year (Freshman) Students
First-year students applying to Rider should follow the application steps, deadlines, and academic requirements below.
Steps to Apply
- 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 school counselor. Students attending an on campus visit will receive a fee waiver. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- SUBMIT THE ESSAY
Choose one of the Common Application essay topics or write an essay on one of the topics below.
- 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.
- CHECK YOUR STATUS
You can follow the status of your application and receipt of required credentials on your "Be-A-Bronc Applicant Dashboard". After we receive your application, we will send you a link and your login credentials.
Application Deadlines
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 Theatre 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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.