Rutgers University–New Brunswick SAT & ACT Scores

Rutgers–New Brunswick first made the SAT and ACT optional for students applying for 2021 admission, during the pandemic. The university now says it maintains its test-optional policy through 2027 and has not announced a policy for later years. If you think your scores will help, Rutgers encourages you to send them; if you can't or choose not to, you still get full consideration. Scores must come directly from the testing agency, because Rutgers does not accept unofficial scores. Rutgers reviews every score it receives, so don't send scores you don't want considered. It superscores both the SAT and the ACT, using your best section scores across test dates, but it does not combine SAT and ACT results. You can change your testing choice only once, within one week of submitting your application.

Rutgers' federal report gives SAT section scores rather than a combined total. Among enrolled students in the fall 2024 entering class who sent the SAT, the middle 50% scored 650–730 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 660–770 in Math. The section medians were 690 and 720.

50% of that class sent SAT scores. Because the test was optional, these ranges describe only the students who chose to report a score, not the whole class.

Ranges also differ by school within Rutgers–New Brunswick. Rutgers publishes an admissions profile with middle 50% SAT ranges for admitted students in each school, such as the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Rutgers Business School. It encourages you to submit scores that fall within or above the 50th percentile for the school you want.

The ACT was much less common: 5% of the fall 2024 entering class reported it. Their middle 50% composite was 28–33, with a median of 31. English scores ran 28–35, and Math scores ran 26–33.

Rutgers superscores the ACT, taking your highest score in each section across test dates. On the newer ACT, the composite covers English, math and reading, and the science section is optional. Because the ACT group is small, treat this range as a rough guide and compare your composite with the range for your intended school in Rutgers' admissions profile.

Rutgers–New Brunswick offers non-binding Early Action with an early November deadline and decisions by the end of January, and it does not restrict where else you apply. Regular Decision is due in early December, which is also the deadline for honors and merit-based scholarship consideration. There is no Early Decision.

If you plan to send scores to Rutgers University–New Brunswick for fall 2027, a practical target is SAT section scores at or above 690 in Reading and Writing and 720 in Math, or an ACT composite at or above 31. That lines up with Rutgers' own advice to submit scores at or above the 50th percentile for your school of interest. Because ranges differ by school, check the admitted-student range for the school you are applying to as well.

Rutgers says it reviews each application holistically, looking at academic strength and performance, the essay, extracurricular activities and your school choice. Current high school seniors also complete a STARS self-reported academic record as part of the application. Apply Early Action for an earlier decision, and no later than the Regular Decision deadline if you want honors and merit scholarship consideration. Mason Gross School of the Arts applicants also need a portfolio, audition or interview.