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Application Deadlines

Application Procedures
 
To be considered for freshman admission, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Complete the application for admission. Rider encourages students to apply online.
   
   
2. Submit your application, along with your $50 non-refundable application fee payable to Rider University's Office of Undergraduate Admission.  You may pay your application fee online when you apply.  (If mailing a check, please be sure your name and home phone number are clearly written on your check). 
   
   
3. Have your high school counseling office send us your official high school transcript, including a list of courses in progress if you are still enrolled in high school.  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 Office of Admission. 
   
   
4. Submit a school counselor recommendation letter. A second recommendation may be submitted from a faculty member, employer, coach, or another individual who knows you well and can describe your academic potential and personal characteristics. 
   
   
5. Have all of your official SAT I and/or ACT (including the Writing component) scores submitted to Rider directly from the testing agency using the codes below:
   
   Rider University's codes:
   SAT I: 2758
   ACT: 2590 
   
   The College Board’s “Score Choice” program:  We strongly recommend that you have all of your scores sent to Rider, and not just some of them.  If you are submitting SAT scores, please note that Rider will use only your best Critical Reading and Math scores, even if from different testing dates. Therefore, if your latest results are not as strong as your earlier ones, it will not have a negative effect on our review.  Sending all of your scores is risk-free and ensures that we have your best scores for both admission and scholarship consideration
   
   Note: You are not required to submit the SAT or ACT if it has been more than one year since you graduated from high school.
   
   
6. Submit your 150-word essay.
   
   
7. If you are applying for a major that requires an audition, you must register for your audition online at http://www.rider.edu/ugaudtions.
   

Rider receives about 7000 applications each year
– Can you make the grade?

Admission Requirements

Admission to Rider is competitive, based on the number and quality of applications received and the number of seats in available in the entering class. To qualify for freshman admission, minimally you must successfully complete 16 academic units in high school, including:

• Four years of English
• At least three years of mathematics, including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
• Remaining units in any of the following areas: Science, Social Sciences, and Foreign Language

Rider’s Committee on Admission will review your entire application file.  The Committee makes admission decisions in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Admission.  Their comprehensive review will include your:  

• application 
• high school transcript, including course selection, grades, and GPA
• official SAT/ACT scores (we recommend that you send all of your scores to Rider)
• letters of recommendation
• essay
• extracurricular activities including sports, clubs, and service organizations 
• individual accomplishments  
• audition results (if required)
  

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for New Jersey Residents

The EOP Program is a state-sponsored program that provides access to college for qualified educationally and financially disadvantaged New Jersey residents.  To be eligible for admission through EOP you must:

• Be a US citizen or permanent resident 
• Be a New Jersey resident for at least one year  
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be admissible to Rider University 
• Meet state mandated income guidelines  
• Show a historical background of financial and educational disadvantage 
• Enroll as a full-time student
• Be prepared to enroll in the EOP Summer Program preceding your freshman year
  

Download the EOP Questionnaire