The Path to Rutgers Prep Starts Here

To begin your application online, please click here. We also accept the Standard Application Online, available at SSAT.org.

Once your application is submitted, please use the application portal to schedule an appointment for an interview and personalized tour.

Our Lower School Admission team will evaluate applicant files, for students entering Pre-K through Grade Five, based on an interview, report cards (where applicable), a teacher recommendation, and testing. In addition, Lower School applicants will be assessed by a member of our faculty.We will notify you regarding the process and will arrange for a time that is convenient for your family.

Questions? Contact our Admission Team at (732) 545-5600 ext. 261 or forte@rutgersprep.org

Classroom Observations

Pre-Kindergarten 3 (age three by September 1) - An applicant spends two-and-a-half hours (8-10:30 a.m.) in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom, during which time they are informally assessed.

Junior-Kindergarten (age four by September 1) - An applicant spends three-and-a-half hours (8-11:30 a.m.) in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom, during which time they are informally assessed.

In all other grades, applicants spend a full day with the grade corresponding to their current grade, during which time they are informally assessed.

Kindergarten (age five by September 1) - An applicant spends a full day (8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) with the Junior Kindergarten class.

First Grade - An applicant spends a full day with Kindergarten (8 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).

Second Grade - An applicant spends a full day with First Grade (8 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).

Third through Fifth Grade - An applicant spends a full day (8 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) with the grade corresponding to their current grade.

IOWA Testing

Applicants to Grades 3-5 are required to take the IOWA test. The application fee includes IOWA testing.

The IOWA is administered at Rutgers Prep on specific Saturday mornings. This assessment will be scheduled by the Director of Admission.

The ISEE is accepted in lieu of the IOWA.

For Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5, one recommendation from the primary teacher is required.

For your convenience, teacher recommendation forms are generated and sent electronically through your application portal.

A signed Transcript Request From needs to be sent to your child’s current school so official grades and test scores may be released and sent directly to our Admission Office.

Transcript Request Form

Rutgers Prep notifies candidates of admission decisions in late February. Candidates should complete their application by early-February in order to be considered in the first round of decisions for the upcoming academic year. Rolling admission will begin after the first round of decisions, space permitting.

Once a student is offered admission, parents will be sent a formal acceptance, along with enrollment materials, including the School calendar, electronic contract and payment instructions.

To begin your application online, please click here. We also accept the Standard Application Online, available at SSAT.org.

Once your application is submitted, please use the application portal to schedule an appointment for an interview and personalized tour. After the visit, Middle and Upper School candidates will be invited to a shadow day at Rutgers Prep hosted by a current student.

Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) scores are to be submitted to Rutgers Prep (School Code: 6202) for consideration as part of the admission process. We will also accept the ISEE (Grades 6-11) and the PSAT (Grades 10 and 11). To learn more about the SSAT, please visit www.ssat.org.

Rutgers Prep will host in-person SSAT exams (with limited space) on the following dates in 2025-2026:

• October 11, 2025
• November 15, 2025
• December 13, 2025
• January 3, 2026
• March 7, 2026

We require recommendations from at least two teachers; one from a Math teacher; the other from an English or History teacher. These teachers should be the student's current teacher.

For your convenience, teacher recommendation forms are generated and sent electronically through your application portal.

A signed Transcript Request Form needs to be sent to your child’s current school so that complete transcript including grades and test scores may be released and sent directly to our Admission Office.

Transcript Request Form

Rutgers Prep notifies candidates of admission decisions in late February. Candidates should complete their application by early February in order to be considered in the first round of decisions for the upcoming academic year. Rolling admission will begin after the first round of decisions, space permitting.

Once a student is offered admission, parents will be sent a formal acceptance, along with enrollment materials, including the School calendar, electronic contract and payment instructions.

Some families of our Grade 9 applicants have expressed that, under certain circumstances, it was challenging to wait until our regular notification date. As a result, we are offering an Early Action Option!

If it would be beneficial to any family seeking admission for the 9th grade, an Early Action Decision may be available as early as mid-December, for the 2026-2027 school year. Please communicate your request directly to any of our Admission Staff.

Please note that we will accept the early December test results as part of Early Action. Rutgers Prep is an official test site for the test. Visit SSAT.org to register. Families will receive a decision once we receive and review the scores.

Important Dates and Deadlines for Grade 9 Early Action Applicants: