International Program Frequently Asked Questions
Q) How large is the International program at Rutgers Preparatory School?
A) Cultural, ethnic and religious diversity is inherent at Rutgers Prep. More than 40 different languages are spoken in our students' homes and a large percentage of our students have one or more parents who were born overseas. Therefore, International Students feel at home at RPS. For the school year 2012-2013, it is expected that approximately 9% of the 350 Upper School Students will be International.
Q) Is the admission procedure different for International students?
A) International applicants are expected to follow the guidelines for admission to RPS as outlined in our Procedure for Admission. When a face to face interview cannot be accomplished, the interview is conducted via SKYPE. A second SKYPE interview may be requested and a writing sample must be submitted. This might be a graded writing sample from the applicant's school or a timed writing sample during the interview.
Q) What if I cannot find a test center for the SSAT near my home?
A) If there is not a test center accessible to you, please contact Mrs. Klipstein in the Admission Office to hear about other options. It may be recommended that you take a SLEP or TOEFL test or find an alternative way to access the SSAT.
Q) How does your homestay program work?
A) Rutgers Preparatory School does not have on campus residences for students, however we have a homestay program for International Students. International Students live in the homes of host families and enjoy the benefits of American family life. Students may be expected to take on some responsibilities in the home as any child in the family would, and follow house rules as outlined by the host family. For the school year 2012-13, the cost of the homestay program for the academic year is $13,000 which includes daily expenses. Host families are not expected to pay for clothing, luxury items, or extravagant travel and recreation expenses.
Q) My parents are concerned about safety. What is the process for choosing host families?
A) First, families ask to be considered as a host family. After an interview and a rigorous background check, host families are chosen. Families at Rutgers Prep view hosting an International Student as an educational and rewarding experience.
Q) When applying to US colleges and/or universities, how do colleges deal with requests for financial assistance from International Students?
A) Each college or university has its own policies regarding financial aid. Many colleges restrict grants, scholarships, loans, and financial aid to US citizens. International Students who will need financial support in order to attend college in the US may find that a student's demonstrated financial need, in addition to academic and personal qualities, may be a determining factor.
Q) How will my host family be chosen for me?
A) During the SKYPE interview, you will be asked questions about your preferences for a host family, ie., family size, pets, location of home, etc. The homestay coordinator does her best to match families and students according to these preferences.
Q) My school session is over in March. May I apply for admission for the Spring?
A) No, Rutgers Prep's school year runs from September to June. We do not accept mid-year entry.
Q) When will I receive my I-20?
A) Rutgers Preparatory School issues I-20s beginning in early June for students who have applied, been accepted, and enrolled with the required 60% payment (initial 10% deposit plus 50%), passport copy and financial documentation. Interviews at the embassies will be conducted in English as RPS is identified as a school without an ESL program. Arrival to the US should be planned for late August as classes begin in September.
Q) What kind of support will I receive when I arrive at Rutgers Prep?
A) All students have an academic advisor assigned to them and access to a guidance counselor. Advisors meet with students every Thursday until the student graduates. An International Dean of Students is assigned to the International Program, and develops an ongoing supportive relationship with each student. There is a Homestay Coordinator, overseeing the Homestay program, who offers support and guidance. College Counselors begin to work with the students midway through the student’s eleventh grade year. Additionally, with our low student/teacher ratio, students will find that teachers are accessible for extra help.
Q) If I have enrolled for the 2012-13 school year, when should I arrive on campus?
A) International Students (NEW) Grade 9, please arrive August 25-27.
International Students (NEW) Grades 7,8 and 10, please arrive August 30-September 2
International Students (RETURNING), Grades 10, 11 and 12, please arrive September 7-8
Q) What do I need to bring with me to the United States to complete my health examination?
A) It is a New Jersey law that a student must be examined by a New Jersey physician. A school representative and/or the homestay family will take care of arranging your doctor’s appointment. Please have your parent complete the parent portion of the health examination form (Part A). It is necessary that you carry with you your immunization record and your health history, including documentation of any Tuberculosis (TB) screening, and chest x-ray report, if positive.
You may scan and email this information to the RPS school nurse at krauszer@rutgersprep.org by July 12, 2012 (Required Immunizations)