International Program

RUTGERS PREP HAS A LONG HISTORY OF WELCOMING international students to the school. International students are well represented throughout the grades, from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Most of the international students who enter in Middle School years (grades 7-8) stay on for Upper School and graduate from Rutgers Prep. Students may apply to any grade (K–12); however, openings in grades 10 and 11 are limited. The full integration of international students in academics, arts, athletics, and school activities gives them a strong foundation in English language skills and a thorough understanding of American culture.

ACADEMICS

• Full academic program with appropriate classes at each grade level
• Immersion program with international students enrolled in regular classes with American students
• Rigorous preparation for high school and college
• 100% acceptance rate to 4-year colleges
• See college acceptances for our international students

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES

• Visits to museums, landmarks, and historic sites in the metropolitan New York area
• Attendance at local sporting and cultural events
• Participation in clubs, activities, and athletics teams on campus

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

International students at Rutgers Prep typically live with local host families. Rutgers Preparatory School's preferred homestay provider is StudentRoomStay (formerly known as American Homestay Network), a highly respected international Homestay Program.

By participating in a Homestay Program, your child will absorb American culture and become involved in a family’s life. A student's English dramatically improves through daily interactions with members of a caring host family.

Click Here for more information about the Homestay Program.

有关国际学生常见问题与回答， 请点击此处。

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 2024-2025, it is expected that approximately 6% of our Middle and 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. A TOEFL score should be submitted, prior to an interview (Note: RPS is now accepting the Duolingo Test. For grade 9 and above, we will offer interviews to applicants with a score of 95 and above). 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.

TOEFL Code - 7658

SSAT Code - 6202

Q) What is the minimum TOEFL score?

A) We require scores to be 85 or higher (for grades 9 & 10) and 100 or higher (for grades 11 & 12). TOEFL Jr. scores must be a minimum of 780 (for grades 6, 7, & 8).

Q) Does Rutgers Prep accept the Duolingo Test?

A) Yes, we are now accepting the Duolingo Test for grades 9 and above. We are now accepting the Duolingo Test. We will offer interviews to applicants with a score of 95 and above

Q) What is the minimum SSAT score?

A) We require the SSAT for International Students applying to grades 9 through 12 and suggest the SSAT for students applying to grades 6, 7, & 8. We do not have a minimum score expectation at this time. We will consider all scores as we gather data for the future.

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 find an alternative test.

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) 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 May for students who have applied, been accepted, and enrolled with the required initial 10% deposit, 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.

Click Here for more information about I-20 processing.

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. 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) Whom do I contact regarding my application?

A) Tara Klipstein, Director of Admission (Grades 9-12), klipstein@rutgersprep.org

Helen Williams, Director of Admission (Grades 6-8), williams@rutgersprep.org

Audrey Forte, Admission Assistant, forte@rutgersprep.org