Our goal is to ensure a smooth and easy transition for all students to a new academic and cultural home at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS). Before the application process even begins, it is important that you are aware of all of the relevant information regarding our programs and admissions process. Although admissions applications may seem intimidating, we are here to help you through the process and give you confidence in your choice of study at Rutgers and SEBS.
It is in your best interest to get in touch with our office as soon as you know you are interested in pursuing a degree at Rutgers with the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way. We advise that preparations for applying begin as early as September to ensure the collection and organization of all proper documentation.
Applying to the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Applications for first-year and transfer students differ slightly, but include many of the same documents. Please read the information below carefully to make sure you fall into the correct category and can submit all of the required documents during the appropriate timeframe.
First-Year Students
You are considered a first-year student if you are currently enrolled in high school, or are not currently enrolled in high school and do not already have 12+ college credits before enrolling at Rutgers.
Transfer Students
You are considered a transfer student if you have already graduated or left high school, and you will have received 12+ college credits before enrolling at Rutgers.
Double-Degree Students
2+2 students are considered transfer students in the application process and may follow the directions below for transfer students. Additionally, 3+2 students’ admissions process is managed through the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies. Please see their admissions. For more information regarding these programs, please see our Double-Degree Partnerships page.
What Goes in the Application?
Below is an overview of the application for prospective international SEBS undergraduate students. For a comprehensive source of information regarding undergraduate admissions please visit Rutgers Undergraduate Admissions website. To help you prepare your application, view a preview of first-year and transfer admissions applications.
- Completed application form found at admissionservices.rutgers.edu/ugrad
- A personal essay is required for first-year students, and recommended for transfer students.
- $70 nonrefundable application fee
- This fee can be paid online in your application portal via credit card or by check sent in the mail.
- Official high school transcript(s) with final grades for all coursework with a certified translation in English. In addition, students might be asked to provide translated syllabi or course descriptions for faculty evaluation once on campus.
- Current high school students must provide a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), which should be submitted after the online application is completed. Once available, official transcripts with final grades must be provided before students can enroll. Preview of the SRAR.
- 2+2 applicants do not have to submit high school transcripts as part of their application; however, they will have to submit them before enrolling in courses at Rutgers.
- If applicable, official college transcript(s) for all colleges previously attended with a certified translation in English. For credential evaluation, please contact an official NACES member organization.
- Test scores
- SAT/ACT Scores (with writing)
- Rutgers SAT code: 2765
- Rutgers ACT code: 2592
- Please note that these scores are not needed if you graduated from high school two or more years before the dates your classes start at SEBS or if you have finished secondary school and have received at least 12 college credits with final grades by the admissions application due date.
- English Proficiency Test Scores
- Proof of English proficiency is necessary for anyone who attended secondary school outside of the United States in a country where English is not the principal language, regardless of U.S. residency status. English proficiency tests must be taken within the past two years and submitted directly to Rutgers Undergraduate Admissions.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – SEBS accepts 550+ on the paper and pencil test or 79+ on the Internet-based test. The Rutgers TOEFL code is 2765.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – SEBS accepts IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher.
- Michigan English Assessment Battery (MELAB) – The minimum acceptable score is 82.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) – The minimum acceptable score is 53. All undergraduate application-related documents can be sent to the following address:
Office of University Undergraduate Admissions
Operations Center
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
65 Davidson Road, Room 202
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8097
Fax: 732-445-8088
For more detailed information regarding testing requirements and Conditional Admission via the English Proficiency Program, please visit Rutgers Undergraduate Admissions.
- Proof of English proficiency is necessary for anyone who attended secondary school outside of the United States in a country where English is not the principal language, regardless of U.S. residency status. English proficiency tests must be taken within the past two years and submitted directly to Rutgers Undergraduate Admissions.
- SAT/ACT Scores (with writing)
Important Dates
| Student Type and Action | Application Due Date* | Credentials Due | Online Admissions Decision | Candidate’s Reply Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year Early Action | November 1 | November 15 | By the end of January** | May 1 |
| First-Year Regular Action | December 1 | December 15 | By the end of February** | May 1 |
| Transfer | February 1 | February 15 | Mid-April** | May 1 |
| Student Type and Action | Application Due Date* | Credentials Due | Online Admissions Decision | Candidate’s Reply Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year and Transfer | October 1 | October 15 | Early December** | Mid-December** |
2+2 students generally follow the same application timeline as transfer students; however, the exact dates depend upon your program. Please contact the SEBS Office of Global Engagement for specific deadline information if you are concerned about your application.
*Please note that students may apply after the application due date; however, candidates who do not submit all credential documentation by the credentials due date or who apply after the application due date risk having their candidacy withdrawn if the School has already met enrollment goals before reviewing their applications.
First-year student applicants wishing to join Rutgers in the Fall semester who would like to be considered for Admissions’ scholarships must have their applications submitted by December 1.
**For specific dates, please consult Rutgers Undergraduate Admissions.
