Early Bird Program
Designed to give high school juniors the opportunity to get a jump start on their college search and apply for admission before their senior year even begins, the Early Bird Program is non-binding and the first of its kind in New Jersey. The Fall 2026 application is now open!
How it Works
- Interested juniors apply online for admission. Early Bird admission is open for both of Montclair’s campuses (Montclair and Bloomfield). High school seniors may apply for regular admission in August.
- Submit a copy of your high school transcript through the online application, showing your junior year courses and mid-year grades (or two marking periods).
- Students applying to a portfolio program may upload their portfolio after their Student Portal account is created. When you upload your portfolio for faculty review as part of Early Bird, make sure to have all of your artwork ready and review portfolio guidelines here.
- We strongly encourage students to submit a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) after their junior year grades are fully available. You will receive a link for SRAR in your applicant portal.
- Admission decisions and preliminary scholarship offers will be sent in July.
Important Dates
- April 15, 2025: Application Opens
- June 15, 2025: Application Deadline
- June 20, 2025: Applications Materials Due
(Transcripts or SRAR must include junior year courses and grades) - July 15, 2025: Decision Notification
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
Please note: Any applications or required materials received after this deadline will be reviewed in the fall.
Eligible Majors
Most majors are eligible for the Early Bird Program!
Programs Requiring Additional Steps:
Some programs require an audition, interview, portfolio review, or additional materials. Students who apply to those programs might be admitted as an Undeclared student until they are able to complete the faculty review portion of the application process:
- Art & Design:
- Animation and Visual Effects (Montclair campus)
- Illustration
- Visual Communication Design
- Performing Arts
- Specialized Programs:
Note About Nursing:
Since our BSN Nursing program requires a review of senior year coursework, it is not compatible with the Early Bird Program. Students are encouraged to apply for regular admission starting August 1. Our Pre-Nursing interest program at our Bloomfield campus is available for Early Bird admission.
Do any majors require additional materials?
Yes. Please review the following carefully:
| Program | Deadline for Additional Materials | Additional Required Materials |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Year Combined BS/MD | December 15, 2025 | Learn More |
| 7 Year Combined BS/PharmD | January 1, 2026 | Learn More |
| Animation and Visual Effects, Illustration and Visual Communication Design | April 1, 2026 | Learn More |
| Dance, Musical Theatre, Music, Music Therapy and Theatre | April 1, 2026 | Learn More |
| Recording Arts | April 1, 2026 | Learn More |
The audition calendar will be made available in late summer – early September.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students who are eligible for merit scholarship will be informed of their award as part of the junior admissions process. Official scholarship and financial aid awarding will begin in July. A FAFSA must be filed for a need-based financial aid package to be reviewed.
- When is the deadline to apply?
- The deadline to submit your application is June 15, 2025
- The deadline to submit all supporting documents is June 20, 2025
- Any applications or required materials received after this deadline will be reviewed in the fall
- What information do you need to see on my high school transcript?
- Your transcript must have your freshmen, sophomore and junior year mid-year grades for all courses. We will be unable to review your application without junior year mid-year grades.
- What if I’m not admitted?
- If the Admissions Committee is unable to offer you admission as an Early Bird, your application will be deferred and reviewed again as part of the regular application cycle. Students whose applications are deferred should send updated academic records, such as first marking period or mid-year senior year grades, when they are available.
- Why is Nursing not an option on the Early Bird application?
- The Nursing program requires your Senior Year first marking period grades in order to review your application for the program. Please apply when the Fall 2026 application opens on August 1, 2025. Once your first marking period senior year grades are recorded on your transcript, submit the transcript and your application will be considered for the Nursing Program.
- Will I be reviewed for a scholarship?
- Yes, your application will automatically be considered for a scholarship and you will be notified of any merit based scholarship in your decision letter on or before July 15, 2025 if awarded
- The major I applied for has an audition requirement. When will I see more information about auditioning?
- Students will receive an email in late summer or early September regarding audition information, the audition calendar, and how to register for an audition.
- What if I want to change my major that I listed on my application prior to a decision?
- Please email msuadm@montclair.edu to request the major change
- What if I want to change my major after being accepted as an Early Bird?
- Please email msuadm@montclair.edu with your requested changes
- What if I want to change the location of my campus?
- Please email msuadm@montclair.edu with your requested changes
- Do I have to reapply in the fall semester?
- No, If you have submitted your application as an Early Bird, please do not reapply again. If you wish to make changes to your application, please email msuadm@montclair.edu with your request
- Should I add Montclair as a school on the Common App in the fall semester when applying to other colleges?
- No, since you have already applied to Montclair via the Early Bird Application, you should not list Montclair as another college as you will not have to apply again
- Is an Early Bird Acceptance a binding decision?
- While we hope you choose to commit to Montclair, the Early Bird Application and acceptance decisions are non binding
Questions?
Set up a telecounseling appointment with an admissions counselor or email askthedirector@montclair.edu with questions.