Red Hawk with red flowers below

Essay Prompts

Essay Prompts for Spring and Fall Applicants

Freshman Applicants

All Applicants (except selected majors below):

Explain your reasons for seeking admission to Montclair State University, including what you believe are your academic strengths and interests. Be sure to explain any situations that may have had an impact, either positively or negatively, on your academic record.

In place of an essay, you may instead submit a writing sample from a graded class assignment.

Adult Learner Applicants (excluding RN to BSN applicants):

Submit a Personal Statement that demonstrates what you have learned through formal education and/or life experiences.

School of Nursing Applicants (BSN):

Please provide a brief personal statement describing why you wish to pursue a career in Nursing.

College of the Arts Applicants

Applicants to Animation and Illustration, Dance, Music, Music Therapy, Musical Theatre, Theatre, Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design:

Please discuss why you wish to study your program of choice in the College of the Arts at Montclair. Be sure to include highlights of your experience related to your chosen academic program and how those experiences have shaped your current career goals.

Transfer Applicants

All Applicants (except selected majors below):

Providing an essay is optional. Should you choose to upload an essay, please provide a brief description of your educational goals. Be sure to explain any discrepancies that may be reflected on your transcript.

School of Nursing Applicants (RN to BSN):

Providing an essay is optional. Please provide a brief personal statement describing why you wish to pursue a career in Nursing.

Bergen Community College 2+2 Program (Educational Foundations for Elementary Teachers only): 

Providing an essay is mandatory. In 500 words or less, tell us why you would like to become a teacher. What experiences have motivated you to choose this career path? Please use the Montclair Portrait of a Teacher to help guide you with the writing of this essay.

College of the Arts Applicants

Applicants to Animation and Visual Effects, Illustration, Dance, Music, Music Therapy, Musical Theatre, Recording Arts and Production, Theatre, Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design:

Please discuss why you wish to study your program of choice in the College of the Arts at Montclair. Be sure to include highlights of your experience related to your chosen academic program and how those experiences have shaped your current career goals.