rutgers university application essay prompt

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A Good Rutgers Essay Example

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With over 60,000 students, Rutgers University is the largest higher education institution in New Jersey. With such a large school, there is something for everybody, which is why it might seem that everybody applies. In order to make your Rutgers application stand out from the crowd, you need to have well-written essays. In this post, we’ll share a real essay a student submitted to Rutgers, and outline its strengths and areas of improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Since the Rutgers essay prompts are the same as the Coalition Application prompts, we recommend checking out our guide to the Coalition Application essays for a comprehensive breakdown on how to write these supplemental prompts.

Prompt: Has there been a time when you’ve had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs? (No word count given)

I was about to eat the last cookie when I heard a low growl. I looked up at my friend, her cheeks flushed red, and her brow pinched in a tight dip. She didn’t make eye contact with me when I extended my hand to give her the cookie. She pushed it away, and I kept insisting until she finally gave in. Growing up, family was extremely important to me. I was taught to treat others like my family, a mantra we would repeat. Sharing that cookie, despite not having lunch that day, was like sharing the last tortilla with my brother.

As much as I would like to say family is important to me now, it’s not. At least not the accepted concept of family which is the people you are related to by blood. The problem with this concept of family is that you don’t get to choose the people in your family, no matter how good or bad of a person they are. 

Unfortunately, I learned this through my dad’s death. Before this tragedy, my family was inseparable. We would have parties every weekend to celebrate the big game or just see each other. Now, those parties only frequent the occasional birthday. It was weird for me to lose my closeness with my family, but this closeness was quickly replaced by relationships with my friends. I’ll never forget the heartfelt discussions I had with my friend Nick, who would give his shoulder for me to cry on and tell a joke that would make me wheeze in laughter.

Two years have passed, and I stand towering over my dad’s grave. There’s a flag pierced in the dead grass, and my hands are frozen. It’s quiet, and I think about the detrimental truth my mom whispered in my ear. It took me so long to realize this, blind to the hints he left behind. He would have improved his chances of surviving cancer if he took care of himself. He didn’t care about my brother and me, and at his grave I accepted that. I talked to him genuinely one last time, touched his tombstone, then walked away. I moved on.

This truth of my dad not caring for his health dawned the realization that my family was just a bunch of people who didn’t know me. I coped through isolation as I was comfortable being alone, but my family tried to force me out to go places and surround myself with people who weren’t emotionally available. In response, I instead surrounded myself with the people I chose to be my family, such as Nick. We would often go to the mall and browse each store or go to the Rollercade and spend hours falling. I would steal sips from his red ICEE, and he would always try to catch me but slip on the floor. These moments meant more than scarce instances I had with my dad. 

Every day I message my friends, some new and others old. I cherish these people who are not bound by blood, but for my personality, my laughter, my jokes, and my intelligence. I’ll never forget how my reformed belief of family allowed me to make friends who have made long lasting impressions and positive influences in my life.

What the Essay Did Well

The first thing that jumps out at you is how vulnerable this essay is. The author wasn’t afraid to let the reader into their personal life, and because of that, the essay is stronger. So much more is revealed about who this student is and how they respond to difficult situations because they were honest with us.

Another thing that this essay does well is describing what family means to this student. Taking an accepted concept like family and boiling it down to the little moments helps us see what they value. For them, seeing each other frequently, celebrating together, having a shoulder to cry on, sharing the last bite of food, and losing track of time by just being in each other’s company is what makes a family. Sprinkling in all these examples and anecdotes shows us what their definition of a family is, without explicitly needing to tell us.

There’s a nice balance in this essay between what this student accepted as the traditional idea of family and how they now see family. For this prompt, it’s important to have that balance so you can show what the long-cherished belief was, as well as how a challenge to that belief changed your perspective. This essay does a good job of encompassing both.

What Could Be Improved

Although a really vulnerable topic can be great for revealing personal details and creating empathy, it can also backfire and make the reader uncomfortable. This isn’t a guarantee, but it’s something to keep in mind when choosing a deeply personal and somewhat traumatic topic. For the most part, the author did a good job of keeping the story focused on themselves and their emotions, but it’s always a possibility that someone reading the essay lost someone close to them and finds this essay too hard to read.

In terms of the structure of the essay, it wavered back and forth between focusing on the student’s dad and their friends. To make it a little easier to follow, they should have started with how their traditional family was important to them until their dad died, and then explain how they found a new definition of family among their friends. This structure is more concise and clearer than starting with the dad, jumping to Nick, going back to the dad, and then going to Nick once again.

Want feedback like this on your Rutgers essay before you submit? We offer expert essay review by advisors who have helped students get into their dream schools. You can book a review with an expert to receive notes on your topic, grammar, and essay structure to make your essay stand out to admissions officers.

Haven’t started writing your essay yet? Advisors on CollegeVine also offer expert college counseling packages . You can purchase a package to get one-on-one guidance on any aspect of the college application process, including brainstorming and writing essays.

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Mastering the Rutgers Essay

November 14, 2024 :: Admissionado

A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Rutgers Application Essays

Introduction, the importance of essays in the rutgers admissions process.

Rutgers University, New Jersey’s largest public research institution, attracts over 43,000 applications annually and maintains an acceptance rate of 65% . With its emphasis on both diversity and academic rigor, Rutgers uses essays as a critical part of its holistic review process to understand each applicant’s potential beyond academic metrics. Your essays allow you to share the passions, values, and experiences that define you and illustrate why you’re a perfect fit for the Rutgers community.

Overview of Essay Requirements

Rutgers offers flexibility with its essay requirements. You can submit your personal statement either through the Common Application (up to 650 words) or the Rutgers-specific application (3,800 characters). While no additional supplemental essays are required for the Common App, applicants interested in honors consideration must provide an extra statement. Rutgers’s open-ended prompts allow you to share a story that highlights the best of who you are.

Understanding Rutgers-Specific Essay Prompts

Primary essay options.

Rutgers provides seven flexible prompts to choose from, allowing you to explore various aspects of your identity and experiences. Here’s a breakdown:

• Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent : Share an element of your life that shapes who you are and adds value to your application.
• Lessons from Obstacles : Describe a time when you overcame a challenge, highlighting how it shaped your character.
• Questioning Beliefs : Reflect on a moment when you re-evaluated a belief or value.
• Gratitude for Unexpected Help : Describe an act of kindness that left a lasting impact on you.
• Personal Growth : Discuss an experience or accomplishment that inspired personal development.
• An Engaging Topic or Idea : Describe a concept or passion that captivates you.
• Topic of Choice : Freely explore any topic that best showcases your personality and values.

Analyzing Each Prompt

Rutgers’ prompts are designed to reveal your capacity for growth and resilience. For example, the “Lessons from Obstacles” prompt goes beyond achievements and explores your adaptability in the face of adversity. Similarly, the “An Engaging Topic or Idea” prompt invites you to showcase intellectual curiosity—an essential value at Rutgers, where diverse disciplines intersect to foster innovation and learning.

Key Themes to Address

Rutgers seeks students who demonstrate:

• Academic Rigor and Curiosity : Many incoming Rutgers students are high achievers, with a strong academic record and intellectual curiosity.
• Diversity and Inclusivity : With a diverse population, including 26.9% Asian, 17% Hispanic, and 9.2% African American students, Rutgers values applicants who contribute to this inclusivity.
• Community Engagement : As a public institution rooted in New Jersey, Rutgers values applicants who have made positive contributions to their communities and demonstrate a collaborative spirit.

Crafting Compelling Responses

Interpreting the prompts.

Each prompt gives you the opportunity to reveal unique facets of your personality. If you choose the “Personal Growth” prompt, for example, reflect on an experience that genuinely shaped your perspective or sparked a passion. Rutgers wants to see the real you, so avoid simply listing achievements; instead, focus on insights and reflections that reveal your character.

Showcasing Authenticity

Rutgers’s 27% yield rate means the admissions team seeks students who are genuinely excited about becoming part of the Rutgers community. Avoid trying to write what you think admissions officers want to hear. Instead, share the passions, values, and experiences that make you unique, as a sincere approach will resonate more strongly.

Demonstrating Fit with Rutgers

Researching Rutgers’s academic programs and campus culture will help you convey a clear sense of fit. Whether you’re interested in the Rutgers Business School , the School of Engineering , or the Honors College , mentioning specific resources, programs, or organizations shows that you’re invested in contributing to and growing within Rutgers’s community.

Writing the Personal Statement

Purpose and importance.

The personal statement is your opportunity to highlight the qualities that set you apart. Rutgers wants to understand who you are beyond grades and test scores, so this essay should provide insight into your values, experiences, and goals.

Selecting a Meaningful Topic

Choose a topic that genuinely reflects your personality and motivations. Whether it’s a passion, a challenge, or a personal realization, the best topics allow you to discuss your growth, resilience, and commitment. Sometimes, the simplest experiences make the most powerful stories, so focus on sharing a meaningful, authentic narrative.

Effective Storytelling Techniques

Start with an engaging anecdote or description to draw in the reader. Use specific details and reflections to make your narrative vivid and memorable. Ending with a thoughtful reflection or connection to Rutgers can provide a strong conclusion that reinforces your commitment to and alignment with the university’s values.

Tips for Any Unique Essay Components

Optional honors statement.

Applicants interested in honors consideration will need to submit an additional short statement. This statement should highlight your academic drive, curiosity, and willingness to engage in rigorous coursework. Emphasize any research interests, leadership roles, or advanced coursework that demonstrates your commitment to academic excellence.

AP and IB Credit Policies

If you’ve taken AP or IB courses, discussing them in your application can demonstrate your preparedness for college-level coursework. Rutgers values students who have pursued a rigorous high school curriculum, so highlighting advanced courses, particularly those relevant to your intended major, can enhance your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Generic responses.

Avoid vague statements like “Rutgers has a great campus” or “I want to make a difference.” Instead, discuss specific aspects of Rutgers—whether it’s an academic program, research opportunities, or a campus organization—that make it uniquely suited to your goals. Specificity demonstrates that you’ve thoroughly considered Rutgers as your ideal college environment.

Each essay or statement should provide new insight into who you are. Avoid using similar anecdotes across multiple essays. Admissions officers appreciate variety in responses, as it paints a fuller picture of your strengths and interests.

Lack of Proofreading

With Rutgers’ large applicant pool, errors in spelling, grammar, or clarity can detract from your application. Take time to carefully proofread your essays, and if possible, have a trusted person review them as well. Polished, error-free responses show attention to detail and respect for the admissions process.

Revision and Feedback

Editing strategies.

After drafting, take a break and revisit your essays with fresh eyes. This can help you spot areas that need improvement or clarify confusing points. Reading your essay aloud is a useful technique to catch any awkward phrasing and ensure a smooth flow.

Seeking Constructive Criticism

Constructive feedback from someone who knows your writing style can be invaluable. Whether it’s a teacher, counselor, or friend, seek out advice on areas that need improvement but be careful to retain your own voice. The final draft should sound like you .

Preserving Your Voice

Rutgers values authenticity, so let your natural voice shine through. Whether your style is humorous, serious, or somewhere in between, staying true to yourself will create a more compelling and memorable essay.

Understanding What Rutgers Values

Academic excellence and curiosity.

Rutgers is known for its academic rigor, with 89% first-year retention reflecting a dedicated student body. Emphasize your commitment to learning and intellectual curiosity. Mention specific subjects or areas of study you’re excited to explore at Rutgers, and connect these interests to the university’s resources.

Commitment to Community and Inclusivity

With a diverse student body, Rutgers places a high value on inclusivity. Show how you’ve engaged with and contributed to diverse communities, whether through volunteer work, clubs, or other activities. Demonstrating that you’re a respectful and active member of various communities will strengthen your application.

Leadership and Initiative

Rutgers seeks students who will contribute actively to campus life. Discuss any leadership roles you’ve held, whether in school, community organizations, or other settings. Experiences where you took initiative and made an impact will resonate with Rutgers’s emphasis on student engagement.

Final Checklist Before Submission

• Prompt Adherence : Ensure each response directly answers the chosen prompt.
• Word Count Compliance : Stick to the given word or character limits to show attention to detail.
• Proofreading : Double-check for grammar, spelling, and clarity errors.
• Submission Instructions : Confirm that all required components, including any program-specific materials, are complete and correctly submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i reuse essays from other applications.

While it’s possible to adapt responses from other applications, each Rutgers essay should feel tailored. Avoid generic responses. Instead, tailor your essays to reflect Rutgers’ unique programs, values, and campus culture.

How much creativity is too much?

Creativity is welcome, especially if it adds depth to your story. If humor or creative language reflects your personality, don’t shy away from it. Just be sure that it doesn’t detract from clarity. Creativity should enhance, not overshadow, the core message of your response.

Should I mention specific programs or professors?

Yes, if it’s genuine. Mentioning specific Rutgers programs, such as the Honors College , Rutgers Business School , or a particular research center, shows that you’ve done your research and genuinely see Rutgers as a place where you can grow. Such specifics demonstrate both enthusiasm and clear intent.

Is humor okay?

If humor feels natural to you, it can add a memorable touch to your essay. Rutgers appreciates authenticity, so if humor is a part of who you are, it can help your personality shine through. Just keep it appropriate and aligned with the main theme of your essay.

Final Encouragement Applying to Rutgers is an opportunity to reflect on who you are and where you’re heading. Each essay offers a unique chance to showcase your passions, strengths, and values to admissions. Be confident in your voice, embrace your experiences, and trust that Rutgers is looking for students like you—those who are ready to make an impact both on campus and beyond.

The Power of a Strong Essay Your essays are more than application requirements; they’re a window into your character and potential. A well-crafted, sincere essay can make a lasting impression on the Rutgers admissions team, helping them see you as a future leader in their community. Take the time to reflect deeply on each prompt, bring authenticity to every response, and let your story shine.

Additional Resources For further insights, explore Rutgers’s admissions website, attend any available information sessions, and connect with current students or alumni if possible. The more familiar you are with Rutgers’s culture and resources, the better equipped you’ll be to align your essays with what the university values most.

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Hey everyone, I'm applying to Rutgers Honors College and I'd like some help with the essay. Any examples of successful essays or tips on writing them would be super helpful! I really want my application to be strong. Thanks a lot!

Hi! It's great that you're aiming to make your Honors College application as strong as possible. While I can't share specific examples of successful essays (partly because sharing someone's unique essay may breach their privacy), here are some general tips on writing a stand-out Honors College essay for Rutgers. Keep in mind that the purpose of the essay is to showcase your abilities, accomplishments, and depth of thought in a way that separates you from other applicants.

1. Read the prompt carefully: Ensure you understand what the prompt is asking of you. Address all aspects of the prompt and use it to shape your essay’s narrative.

2. Be genuine: Be honest about your experiences, goals, and passion. Your genuine voice will resonate with the admissions committee, making your essay more memorable.

3. Show, don't tell: Instead of listing your accomplishments, delve into one or two meaningful experiences and describe them in detail—what happened, your role, and how it impacted you. Use descriptive language and examples that paint a vivid picture for the reader.

4. Connect your experiences: Draw connections between your achievements, experiences, or skills, and the values or qualities required for success in the Honors College. Demonstrate how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities within the program.

5. Keep it concise: While you may have a lot to share, focus on the most relevant examples and ensure that you maintain a clear structure throughout the essay. You want the reader to easily follow your thoughts and grasp the key points you’re making.

6. Proofread and revise: Allow yourself enough time to revise your draft multiple times. Ask friends, family, or teachers to review your essay, provide feedback, and check for errors. This will not only help you polish your essay, but it will also demonstrate your commitment to submitting a quality application.

Remember to maintain your unique voice while writing and focus on demonstrating your genuine interest in the Honors College at Rutgers. By showcasing what makes you stand out and connecting your experiences to the program, you'll build a compelling essay that will leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Good luck!

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Rutgers University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Rutgers essay prompts? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Rutgers supplemental essays will show you how to write engaging Rutgers essays and maximize your admissions odds.

For more help crafting your Rutgers supplemental essays, click here to create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

Rutgers Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• According to U.S. News , the Rutgers University Ranking is #63 in National Universities.
• Rutgers has an acceptance rate of 66.9%.
• Rutgers requires one essay of 3800 characters through the Coalition Application or their Rutgers portal.
• We recommend completing the Rutgers supplement essay cohesively and thoroughly to maximize your admissions odds. Strong Rutgers essays can make a huge difference!

Rutgers University wants students who will be active members of their academic community and the Global Rutgers network . Rutgers looks for students who can clearly articulate their beliefs and values to others. This is why the Rutgers application essay is so important.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk Rutgers essays.

Does Rutgers have a Supplemental Essay?

Yes. Rutgers accepts applications through the Rutgers Application Portal or the Coalition Application. All applicants must complete one Rutgers supplement essay, which can be submitted either through the Coalition Application or through the Rutgers Application Portal.

The Rutgers-specific essay prompts are the same as those listed on the Coalition Application.

Check out the Rutgers admissions website for more specific details, including information about the Rutgers application essay and tips on how to write strong Rutgers essays.

How Many Essays does Rutgers Require?

Good news! There is only one Rutgers supplemental essay.

Rutgers requires one essay of 3800 characters including spaces (around 500 words). This essay should address one of four topics . Your Rutgers application essay can also be on a topic of your choosing.

Does Rutgers Care about Supplemental Essays?

Yes—all schools care about supplemental essays, and Rutgers is no exception.

The Rutgers essay is a great chance for applicants to show who they are and why they should be admitted. Additionally, your Rutgers application essay is your only chance to address the admissions team on your own terms. The Rutgers admissions team will read thousands of Rutgers essays, and you want yours to stand out. In your Rutgers supplement essay, then, you should do all you can to show what makes you unique.

How do I Write the Rutgers College Essay?

We have provided the prompts for the Rutgers supplemental essays 2021-2022 below. You’ll find a breakdown of how to approach the Rutgers essays as well as tips for creating a strong application narrative.

In your Rutgers supplemental essays, you’ll want to keep your application narrative in mind. An application narrative is the story that your application tells. Ideally, each part of your application will work together to form a full picture. For example, a student looking to study architecture may seek out recommendation letters from their math teachers. That student may also highlight a summer internship at a local architecture firm. Finally, they may write an essay on the moment that they discovered their interest in building design.

Unsure of what an application narrative would look like for you? Check out CollegeAdvisor’s article A Deep Dive into the Personal Narrative .

What are the Essays for Rutgers?

The Rutgers supplemental essays 2021-2022 are available on the main Rutgers website along with a full list of application requirements. You can also find the Rutgers application essays on the Coalition Application.

Additionally, we’ve outlined each of the Rutgers supplemental essays below. We’ve also included strategies on how to respond to each of the Rutgers essay prompts.

Have questions about how to approach supplemental essays for other applications? Then check out our FAQs on all things Supplemental Essays .

Let’s break down the Rutgers essay prompts!

Choosing one of the Rutgers essay prompts is one of the most important parts of the essay process. There are five Rutgers essay prompts. Not sure which to choose? Try thinking about the following questions as you approach each potential Rutgers supplemental essay topic.

For each potential Rutgers application essay topic, ask yourself:

• Do I have a specific story to tell?
• Why am I telling this story?
• How does my story connect to my interest in Rutgers?
• Can I address what I like about Rutgers that I can’t find anywhere else?

If you can answer these questions clearly, then you are ready to write your Rutgers application essay!

Need more inspiration? Then, check out CollegeAdvisor’s article 39 essay tips from Admissions Experts .

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 1 (Optional)

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

The Rutgers essay prompts are designed to help you introduce yourself to the admissions committee. In your Rutgers supplemental essay, you want to discuss an experience that is about YOU. This prompt asks you to tell a story about who you are or who you have become.

Consider what values and personality traits you hold. What story might reflect these traits? For example, you might have plenty of stories about going fishing with your grandpa. However, if none of these stories emphasize your patience or your passion for family, then we won’t learn much from your Rutgers application essay.

The first of the Rutgers essay prompts asks you to tell a “story.” This story should be a full narrative with a beginning, middle, and end. However, the most important part of this story is that it revolves around you. Don’t spend so much time in your Rutgers application essay discussing what happened that you don’t have the space to tell your reader why it mattered and how it relates to your identity.

In addition, you’ll want to connect this story with the kind of student you’d be at Rutgers. Among other things, the Rutgers essay prompts are designed to assess how you’d “fit” at Rutgers. You should use your Rutgers application essay, then, to show how your priorities align with Rutgers’ offerings and values.

Have you read the Rutgers mission statement? Check out their about page for more info.

Rutgers Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your essay emphasize your core identity?
• Do you clearly showcase your values and personality traits?
• Does your essay show how you would embody Rutgers’ ideals?

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 2 (Optional)

Describe a time you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution.

This Rutgers supplement essay topic has two parts. Firstly, it asks you to describe a meaningful contribution you made to others. This contribution can be large or small-scale. What matters most is that the contribution you discuss in your Rutgers application essay reflects something important about you.

With prompts like this, writing can sometimes feel like bragging—this makes some students downplay their achievements out of self-consciousness. In your Rutgers supplement essay, however, don’t discount the value of your contribution. Your Rutgers application essay should show that you care about the common good and have actively dedicated yourself to others. In your Rutgers supplement essay, you should foreground what’s important to you and how you’ve served the world around you.

The second part of this Rutgers supplement essay question asks you to discuss the challenges and rewards of your contribution. When you talk about challenges, don’t undermine yourself. Avoid sentences that start with “I didn’t do…” or “I failed at…” Instead, focus on how you solved these challenges or how you would have solved them if you were to do it over again. The strongest Rutgers essays will use specific details to discuss how you contributed to your community, the impact you made, and any complications that you faced.

• Does your essay respond to both parts of the question?
• Do you clearly state the impact of your contribution?
• Do you avoid fixating on the challenges and shortcomings of your contribution?

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 3 (Optional)

Has there been a time when you’ve had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs?

As you approach this Rutgers supplement essay, start by finding a clear and concise way to describe your belief. A belief can be anything as serious as your religion or as simple as the belief that hot dogs are also sandwiches (controversial, I know). In both scenarios, your readers need to understand what your belief is and where it came from.

The story you tell in your Rutgers supplement essay should reveal something deep about your character and values. The best Rutgers essays, then, will use an instance of a belief being challenged to reveal something essential about how a student deals with conflicting perspectives.

Once you’ve established your belief, then discuss how it felt for this belief to be challenged. How did this conversation affect you? Did it force you to reconsider your perspectives? Did it create an emotional response? As you write, describe how you felt specifically. Ask yourself if you felt attacked by this challenge or if it opened your eyes to the viewpoints of others. Finally, describe how your belief system changed. Discuss any realizations you had and how you changed as a result of the situation. Overall, your Rutgers supplement should discuss what kind of student or thinker this conversation helped you become.

• Do you describe your belief and its origins?
• Does your Rutgers supplement essay describe how you were emotionally affected by this situation?
• Do you share how this challenge changed you as a student and thinker?

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 4 (Optional)

What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or friend (assuming they would listen to you)?

This Rutgers essay may seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. The key to this Rutgers supplemental essay is to be honest. You don’t need to spend your Rutgers supplemental essay describing big-picture issues. Instead, just make sure your Rutgers supplement essay speaks clearly and deeply about something that matters to you.

Additionally, make sure you describe how these issues directly impact your life and shape the person you’re becoming. Discuss both the positives and the negatives, and make sure you use clear language.

Finally, remember that your Rutgers supplemental essays should be about you. In this Rutgers supplement essay, don’t just focus on general struggles and triumphs that teenagers face. Instead, make sure you tie these experiences to your own development. The best Rutgers essays will use a student’s view of the world to relate to their own experiences.

• Do you speak honestly about your experiences?
• Does your Rutgers supplement essay clearly define the positives and negatives of the teenage experience?
• Do you focus equally on the positives and negatives?
• Is your essay about you?

Rutgers Supplemental Essays – Topic 5 (Optional)

Submit an essay on the topic of your choice.

Not interested in any of the other Rutgers essay prompts? This is a perfect chance to show Rutgers who you are on your own terms.

However, make sure you don’t use this Rutgers application essay to tell a story about someone else. If you choose your own topic for your Rutgers supplement essay, make sure that it reflects an important aspect of yourself that you can’t discuss anywhere else. If you read your essay and it can apply to any other topic above, choose another of the Rutgers essay prompts.

Moreover, if your essay says a lot about a topic but nothing about you, then you should change your topic. This comes from the scope of your question. If your topic is something like “why I like bread,” then your reader will learn a lot about bread and nothing about you. However, if your topic is “why baking bread with my grandma taught me to value patience,” then your reader will learn about your experiences and insights. The strongest Rutgers essays will use specific details to tell a story that your reader couldn’t learn from any other part of your application.

• Does your Rutgers application essay topic reflect something not shown elsewhere in your application?
• Does your topic not fit with any of the other Rutgers essay prompts?
• Do you discuss what kind of student or person you are?

Additional tips for writing your Rutgers Supplemental Essays

Choose your topic wisely.

Do not choose a Rutgers application essay topic that does not speak to you. At the end of the day, your response to the Rutgers essay prompts needs to connect to your own experiences. Many essays might be well-written, but they would still be ineffective if they tell us nothing about the writer. In your Rutgers essays, the admissions team wants to understand what kind of person and student you are. Don’t make up a story in order to seem more interesting. Instead, just be yourself and thoroughly explain why your topic matters to you.

Do Your Research

Don’t forget to read the official Rutgers materials. In these materials, the school explains what makes Rutgers unique. This should be in your mind while you write your essay. Ultimately, your answers to the Rutgers essay prompts should work in conversation with Rutgers’ own values.

Connect it back to Rutgers

Although you are writing an essay about yourself, remember that this is a school-specific application. For this reason, you should probably mention Rutgers at least once. Your responses to the Rutgers essay prompts should describe something specific about Rutgers you couldn’t find elsewhere.

Rutgers Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

Your Rutgers application should connect yourself to the school. Remember that Rutgers wants to admit students who have a clear definition of why they need to be at Rutgers specifically. Spend time on the Rutgers website, and focus your essay on values related to the school. Finally, don’t forget to proofread your work. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Rutgers was written by Joy Nesbitt , Harvard ’21. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click here . Want help crafting your Rutgers supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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