Admissions

Get involved. Do what interests you. That is vital to a successful first year.

Utilize the library. It is new and gorgeous, and a great place for getting work done. There are also computer labs in every building - I didn't realize this before, but now I always use the one in the Political Science building in between my classes. If you aren't sure what you want to do career-wise, visit the career counselor, he is very helpful. Finally, enjoy your freshman year. The friends you make on your floor often become your best friends.

The college offers so many options and programs, flexibility is the key to a happy and successful student. All Professors at The College of New Jersey have obtained there masters degree in their field, so each student is receiving the best education they can possibly receive. When students leave The College of New Jersey they will among Harvard and Princeton graduates entering the workforce.

If you're looking for a good-sized school with intelligent students and a real family feel, where you have small classes and can really get to know your professors, look no further. If you're looking for a big school, large classes, tons of parties and fun things to do off campus, then TCNJ may not be the best fit.

Your first year, don't be shy! Get to know the people on your floor, go to community events that interest you (the football games are fun), and enjoy yourself. And don't worry about understanding something right away, as the professors are facillitating and will answer your questions, so don't hesitate to ask.

The financial aid is not that great but as is the case with most colleges you have to make 2 cents a year to get anything.

before picking classes make sure that you do need them. also make sure that you are familiar with the campus. always have a back up plan for classes.

The College of New Jersey definitely lives to its reputation in New Jersey and it's hopeful growing one to the nation of being a school of academic excellence and it is not to be taken lightly. Attending this school means that you are prepared for the vigor that comes with being a student. Don't fall under the assumption that all the students do is study however, we are one of the top Division III schools in the nation and there are an endless amount of activities to do on campus for those who love to keep busy.

--Aim for scores greater than or equal to 600 in each section of the SATs
--Aim for a class rank in the top 15% of your class
--Stay or Get involved in a variety of extracurricular activities (sports, music, theater, clubs, honor societies etc)
--Take AP tests where you can, and aim for scores greater than or equal to 4, if you do
--Volunteer work is always a plus (but is not necessary)
--If you're not sure what you want to specifically major in, at least decide on a vague/general field (ex: science, engineering, education, music, social sciences, nursing, art, etc) because you'll have to at least know that when applying (ex: you want to major in some kind of science, but don't know which specific kind, so you'll apply as an Open Option Science major)
--Double majoring is possible here
--Having up to three minors is possible here
--You can study abroad for as long as a full year here
--You will be exposed to internship opportunities here
--You will have research opportunities here
--There is an honors program here
--It is possible to change majors here, and you can still graduate on time depending on how/when you do it
--You do have the opportunity to take certain classes pass-fail
--You do have the opportunity to retake classes you did poorly in
--You can bring in AP credit, as well as transfer credit from other schools, here
--If looking to take classes at an NJ community college and transfer them here, refer to NJTransfer.com (it's usually easier to do that than to bring credits in from other four-year schools)
--Once you figure out exactly what you want to do, PLAN AHEAD AND CONSULT YOUR ADVISER