# Essay Prompts Help us get a sense of who you are. Use your Montclair essay or personal statement to share your goals, experiences and personality – then choose the prompt below that matches how you’re applying. Montclair State University uses short personal statements and optional essays to understand your goals, experiences and fit with Montclair. Use your essay to highlight your achievements, challenges and personality, then select the prompt below that matches your applicant type. How our essay prompts work: - Some applicants are required to submit an essay or personal statement; for others, it is optional. - Prompts differ for freshman, transfer, nursing, adult learner, arts, and 2+2 applicants, so be sure to follow the one that matches how you plan to apply. ## First-year Applicants ### Essay Prompts All first-year applicants (except selected arts majors) 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. College of the Arts majors (Animation and Visual Effects, Illustration, Dance, Music, Music Therapy, Musical Theater, Recording Arts and Production, Theatre, Visual Arts, Graphic Design) Discuss why you wish to study your program of choice in the College of the Arts at Montclair. Include highlights of your experience related to your chosen academic program and how those experiences have shaped your current career goals. School of Nursing applicants (BSN) Provide a brief personal statement describing why you wish to pursue a career in nursing. Adult learner applicants (excluding RN to BSN) Submit a personal statement that demonstrates what you have learned through formal education and/or life experiences. ## Transfer Applicants ### Essay Prompts All transfer applicants (except selected majors below) Providing an essay is optional. If you choose to upload an essay, provide a brief description of your educational goals and explain any discrepancies that may be reflected on your transcript. School of Nursing applicants (RN to BSN) Providing an essay is optional. Provide a brief personal statement describing why you wish to pursue a career in nursing. College of the Arts transfer majors (Animation and Visual Effects, Illustration, Dance, Music, Music Therapy, Musical Theatre, Recording Arts and Production, Theatre, Graphic Design) Discuss why you wish to study your program of choice in the College of the Arts at Montclair. Include highlights of your experience related to your chosen academic program and how those experiences have shaped your current career goals. Bergen Community College 2+2 applicants (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. Explain what experiences have motivated you to choose this career path. Use Montclair’s [Portrait of a Teacher](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/education/teaching-and-learning-department/portrait-teacher) to help guide you as you write this essay. ## Have Questions? We’re Here to Help [Undergraduate Admissions Office](/offices-departments-centers/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. - - Telephone [973-655-4444](tel:973-655-4444) - Address Susan A. Cole Hall, Suite 100 [¿Necesita ayuda en español?](/offices-departments-centers/undergraduate-admissions-office#spanish-speaking-counselors) Conéctate con uno de nuestros consejeros que hablan español.