Early Bird Program

Apply to Montclair as a high school junior so you can start senior year with your college plans set.

Student on his laptop on a table outside.
  • Submit your online application by June 15 to be considered.
  • Look out for your admission decision and scholarship offers before senior year starts. Early Bird admission is non-binding. 
  • Use your early offer to talk about family finances and plan your next steps.
  • Enjoy senior year knowing your college plans are set.
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Why it’s a win for you

  • The application is free.
  • Skip the last-minute scramble and start senior year knowing where you’re headed.
  • Use your early scholarship offer to talk with your family about finances and next steps.
  • Focus on classes, activities and enjoying your final year of high school instead of worrying about applications.
  • You’ll have exclusive on-campus and virtual events.
Mother and son at accepted students day.

Is Early Bird Right for You?

  • Montclair is already one of your top-choice schools.
  • You’re on track academically and ready to apply by late spring of junior year.
  • You want more time to plan housing, finances and your senior-year schedule with your college decision already in place.

Why Montclair State University?

#1

Top Public University in NJ

Montclair is New Jersey’s top public university – and among the Top 30 in the nation – ranked by The Wall Street Journal 2026 Best Colleges. Students benefit from outstanding career prep, social mobility and one of the fastest returns on investment.

Why They Applied Early Bird

Eva Cordero
Click to play the video
“When I was a high school junior, Montclair already stood out as my top choice. The Early Bird program was a great opportunity for me, especially because it’s non-binding and lets you explore other schools while still getting ahead.”

Eva Cordero ’27

Family Science and Human Development; minor in Speech Pathology and Audiology

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How It Works

  • Apply online as a junior for Early Bird admission to either Montclair’s main campus or Bloomfield College of Montclair; seniors can still apply through regular admission starting in August.
  • Upload your high school transcript in the application, showing your junior-year courses and mid-year grades (or at least two marking periods).
  • If you’re applying to a program that requires a portfolio, upload your work once your student portal is created and follow the portfolio guidelines carefully.
  • After your junior-year grades are final, complete your Self-Reported Academic Record using the link you’ll get in your applicant portal.
  • Watch for your Early Bird admission decision and preliminary merit scholarship offer in July.
Student sitting on a grassy lawn in front of a large campus building with arched windows, wearing a red university shirt and writing in a notebook.

Important Dates

  • April 15, 2026: Application Opens
  • June 15, 2026: Application Deadline
  • June 20, 2026: Applications Materials Due
    (Transcripts or your Self-Reported Academic Record must include junior year courses and grades)
  • July 15, 2026: Decision Notification

Please note: Any applications or required materials received after the June deadlines will be reviewed in the fall.

Student sitting outdoors on a campus bench, wearing a dark hoodie and leggings, focused on writing in a notebook or textbook balanced on their knees.

Why Apply Early

  • Find out if you’re admitted to Montclair before senior year even begins.
  • Apply for free.
  • Receive your scholarship offer in July.
  • Access to exclusive on-campus events during the fall semester.
  • Early access to admitted student webinars, financial aid webinars, financial aid telecounseling and enrollment coaching.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students who qualify for a merit scholarship will be notified of their award as part of the Early Bird admissions process, with official scholarship and financial aid packages beginning in July. A FAFSA must be filed for need-based financial aid to be reviewed.

Programs Requiring Additional Steps:

Some programs require an audition, interview, portfolio review, or additional materials. Students who apply to those programs may be admitted as Undeclared until they complete the faculty review portion of the application process.

Dance

Deadline for Additional Materials: April 1, 2027

Music

Deadline for Additional Materials: April 1, 2027

Theatre

Deadline for Additional Materials: April 1, 2027

Frequently Asked Questions 

When is the deadline to apply?

  • The deadline to submit your application is June 15.
  • All supporting documents must be submitted by June 20.
  • Applications or materials received after these dates will be reviewed in the fall.​

What do you need to see on my high school transcript?
Your transcript must include your freshman, sophomore and junior year mid-year grades for all courses. We cannot review your application without junior year mid-year grades.​

What if I’m not admitted through Early Bird?
If the Admissions Committee isn’t able to offer you Early Bird admission, your application will be deferred and reviewed again in the regular admissions cycle. You should send updated academic records (like first marking period or mid-year senior year grades) when available.​

Why can’t I apply to the Nursing program through Early Bird?
The Nursing program requires first marking period senior year grades to review your application. Apply for Nursing when the Fall 2026 application opens on August 1, 2025. Once your first marking period senior year grades are on your transcript, submit it, and your application will be considered.​

Will I be considered for a scholarship?
Yes, you will automatically be considered for a merit-based scholarship, and any award will be listed in your decision letter on or before July 15, 2026, if you are selected.​

My major requires an audition. When will I get more information?
You’ll receive an email in late summer or early September with details about auditions, the audition calendar and how to register.

Can I change my major before I get my decision?
Yes. Please email msuadm@montclair.edu to request the change.

Can I change my major or campus location after I’ve been accepted?
Yes. Email msuadm@montclair.edu with your requested changes.

Do I need to reapply in the fall semester?
No. If you applied as an Early Bird, do not reapply. If you need to update your information, please email 

msuadm@montclair.edu instead of submitting a new application.

Should I add Montclair as a college in the Common App in the fall?
No. Since you already applied through Early Bird, do not list Montclair again – you do not need to reapply.

Is Early Bird acceptance binding?
No. Early Bird admission is non-binding. You are not required to commit to Montclair if accepted.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

Set up a telecounseling appointment with an admissions counselor or email askthedirector@montclair.edu with questions.

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.

Guidance Counselor Liaison

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