How to Apply to Montclair's Undergraduate Programs

Find the steps, deadlines and resources you need to apply to Montclair as a first‑year student or transfer into a bachelor's degree program so you know exactly what to do and when to do it.

Two students sit together at a table in a bright campus lounge. One student writes in a notebook while the other talks, and books and a backpack are on the table.

What Will Make You a Standout Montclair Applicant?

Montclair’s admitted students typically:

  • Maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher
  • Enroll in honors, AP or dual enrollment courses or advanced courses
  • Take on leadership roles in clubs, sports or service
  • Balance school with part-time work or community initiatives 

Montclair values students who bring curiosity, drive and willingness to get involved. We look for applicants who are ready to make an impact, both in the classroom and beyond.  

Get started today – your potential belongs here.​

Start Your Montclair Application

Ready to take the next step? Submit your application online using either the Montclair State University Application or the Common App.

Undergraduate Application Portal 
Common App

Everything You Need to Know About Montclair Admissions

Montclair accepts students through both its own Undergraduate Application Portal and the Common App. Students should choose the one that best fits their college search.

A student works on a laptop in front of a large window. An academic building is in the background.

Holistic Review Process

  • High School Transcript: We look for strong academic performance over time.
  • Cumulative GPA: Trends are important; consistent improvement is valued.
  • Course Rigor: Honors and AP classes – especially in the junior and senior years – indicate you challenge yourself academically. 
High school students sit in a classroom in front of computers during a summer class at Montclair.

Required High School Courses

Applicants are expected to complete at least 16 units of college-preparatory coursework: 

  • 4 units of English
  • 3 of math (including Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II)2 of the same world language
  • 2 lab sciences
  • 2 social sciences
  • 3 additional units in these areas.

You will stand out more if you go beyond these minimums. For example, by taking math beyond Algebra II, additional lab sciences or language years, and advanced, honors, or AP courses.

A student walks up steps on the Montclair campus.

Standardized Test Scores

Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional at Montclair. Students are encouraged to submit scores only if they believe these strengthen their application. 

A student writes in her notebook.

Essay Prompts

The essay prompt is an opportunity for students to showcase their personality, interests and any context behind their academic journey. Use the essay to explain your achievements or challenges.

Three nursing students in red scrubs practice clinical skills on a hospital mannequin, adjusting an IV line and monitoring vital signs on a screen.

Supplemental Materials

Nursing applicants must submit a nursing-specific essay and extra recommendations. 

Some College of the Arts programs require portfolios or auditions after the main application.

Three mascots wave on the baseball field, Rocky the Red Hawk, Deacon the Bear and Roxy.

What Happens After You’re Admitted

See what comes next after your admission, including your required next steps and important deadlines.

Two students walking together on campus, with one wearing a sweatshirt that has “EOF” printed on the front.

College Terms Made Easy

Applying to college can be confusing, especially with unfamiliar terms. The Admissions Dictionary explains key terms clearly, so you and your family feel confident from start to finish.

Application Process for First-Year Students

Applying is easy – just follow the steps below. Our admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you have along the way. All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and each one is reviewed individually in a competitive process.

Step 1: Online Application

Fill out and submit your application online. 

After you submit, you’ll see instructions on your application status page for paying the $65 non‑refundable application fee or requesting a fee waiver. 

Application fee waivers are based on financial need. You can review the eligibility criteria in the “Certification & Signature” section of the Montclair State application or in the Profile section of the Common App.

If you are applying to a program with an audition fee (Dance, Music, Music Therapy, Musical Theatre, Theatre), you will also be able to pay that fee through your status page.

There are two ways to apply:

Montclair State University Application  or Common App

Step 2: Submit transcripts and letter(s) of recommendation

Submit an official high school transcript and a letter of recommendation from your counselor. You can submit your transcript in one of two ways:

  1. Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS): STARS is a free tool that lets you submit and track your academic record electronically, without paying for or waiting on mailed transcripts.

OR 

  1. Directly from your high school counselor: Counselors can send your transcript via the Common App, Naviance, SCOIR, or by mail to:
    Montclair State University
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions
    1 Normal Ave, Cole Hall
    Montclair, NJ 07043

You may also upload an unofficial transcript in your application portal for an admissions decision, but a final official transcript will be required for enrollment. 

For most majors, a recommendation letter is not required but is strongly encouraged. 

Dance, Musical Theatre, and Theatre majors must submit two recommendation letters, and at least one should address your readiness for your chosen field of study.

Step 3: Upload personal statement and supporting materials

Complete and upload your essay or personal statement. You can upload it before you submit your application. Essay prompts vary by major. Review your major’s essay prompt on the Essay Prompts page.

If you would like to submit a resume or a list of extracurricular activities for review, you can upload it in your application or on your status page after you submit.

 A resume is required for Dance, Musical Theatre, and Theatre majors, but optional for all other programs.

Step 4: Submit test scores (optional)

Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional. If you choose to send scores, use CEEB code 002520 for the SAT and school code 2572 for the ACT.

Additional Requirements for the College of the Arts

Some College of the Arts programs require an interview, audition or portfolio review. These include Animation and Visual Effects, Dance, Illustration, Music, Musical Theatre, Recording Arts, Theatre, and Visual Communication Design. 

More details, including admission guidelines and audition/interview/portfolio dates, are available on each program's page. 

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email with specific instructions for your required audition, interview, or portfolio review. 

Please note that admission to Montclair State University does not guarantee acceptance into your selected College of the Arts program.

Undergraduate Admission Dates and Deadlines

First-year Regular Admission Deadlines

Application TypeDeadlineApply
Fall 2026 AdmissionSpace-available basisApply Now
Fall 2026 Scholarship ConsiderationMarch 1, 2026Apply Now
Fall 2026 School of NursingCLOSED–
Spring 2027 ApplicationDecember 15, 2026Application opens in August

Freshman applicants may also apply through Common App.

Students who apply by March 1, 2026 will be notified 3 to 6 weeks after all required materials are received. For Scholarship Consideration, you must complete your application by March 1, 2026. Students interested in the School of Nursing will be notified of their official admission decision by April 1, 2026.

Freshman Early Action Deadlines

Please note: Early Action Deadlines are non-binding.

Application TypeEarly Action DeadlineNotification*Apply
Fall 2026 AdmissionDecember 1, 2025 December 24, 2025Apply Now

*We will begin notifying freshman applicants of their official admission decision in October. Students who complete their application for admission by the Early Action Deadline of December 1, 2025 will be notified of their official admission decision by December 24, 2025. College of the Arts applicants may not receive their decision by December 24th based upon their audition or portfolio review status. School of Nursing students will be notified by April 1, 2026.

Transfer Deadlines

Application typePreferred DeadlineFinal DeadlineApply
Fall 2026 AdmissionApril 15, 2026June 15, 2026Apply Now
Spring 2026 AdmissionCLOSEDCLOSED–
Spring 2027 AdmissionNovember 15, 2026December 15, 2026Application opens in September

Students seeking readmission to the University

Application typeDeadlineNotification dateApply
Fall 2026 AdmissionJune 15, 20262-4 weeks after
completion of application		Apply Now
Spring 2026 AdmissionCLOSEDCLOSED–
Spring 2027 AdmissionNovember 15, 2026December 15, 2026Application opens in September

Visiting Students

Visiting students may submit an application up to the last day of the course drop/add registration period (typically 5 days after the start of 16-week semesters). To ensure timely processing of the application, visiting students should complete and check your Spring/Fall application and application status well in advance of this period.

 

We Offer Help in Spanish

Si necesita ayuda en español, por favor comuníquese con uno de nuestros consejeros que hablan español.

1/

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

Undergraduate Admissions Office

Whether you’re looking to begin an application, have questions about transferring to Montclair or trying to check your application status, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to help you in any way we can.

Bloomfield College Admissions Office

Our admissions team is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to apply or just exploring your options, we offer resources and visit opportunities to help you find your place.

School Counselor Hotline

¿Necesita ayuda en español?

Conéctate con uno de nuestros consejeros que hablan español.