Why These Students Chose to Transfer to Montclair State University

Common Reasons for Transferring:

• Exceptional art and music programs.
• Belonging and building community among first-generation students.
• Shorter commutes.
• Discovering one’s true calling.

Montclair State University has been on a mission to make the process easy for students to transfer from other institutions. As the first public college to partner with Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for students  of associate degree-granting colleges, recently announced that Montclair is one of only 67 Direct Admissions partners, which allow students to more easily transfer without a traditional application.

This follows this summer’s launch of Montclair’s Transfer Credit Equivalent Database that lets prospective students determine how their previous coursework may transfer even before submitting their application and builds on the NJTransfer platform for community college transfers in New Jersey. The deadline for transfer students for the spring 2027 semester is November 15. 

We asked transfer students about their experience in getting to Montclair and here’s what they shared for those thinking about Montclair as their academic destination.

How and Why These Students Chose Montclair 

Ben Coulson, Political Science, Pre-Law 

After not getting into the Jazz Studies program at Montclair State University, Ben Coulson went to Rowan University on a Music scholarship. He then transferred to Montclair as a sophomore; he was undecided on a major until he found his academic niche. It doesn’t look anything like he imagined.

“I love writing, so I was thinking about political journalism. I started writing for The Montclarion, and I took a lot of political science and law classes. I found my favorite classes were the law classes,” he says. “A three-hour lecture about law or the Constitution, I’m such a geek for that.”

The Political Science major navigated transferring primarily on his own and with a little help from his former college. “The experience was a lot easier than many may expect, much like when one first applies to college, yet the worries, anxiety and pressure of both filling out an application and preparing for a new school didn’t feel as daunting given that I had done it less than a year prior,” he says.

Coulson wanted to be closer to his hometown of Nutley and commuted during his sophomore and junior years. It was then that he found his calling for service and joined Montclair’s Student Government Association. He currently serves as SGA Executive President. Coulson, who aspires to attend law school when he graduates in May, chose to live on campus his senior year. “I found my home away from home as a sophomore,” he says. “So here I am, my senior year, and on the right path. It definitely wasn't linear to get here, but I feel like I'm in a good place.”

Designs on Montclair’s Arts Program

Jessica Sucuzhanay, Visual Arts 

Jessica Sucuzhanay transferred from Essex County College in 2025 after finding a program that spoke to her. She found that the Visual Arts program provided her a great foundation to learn everything from video editing and photography to UI/UX design and other skills that will help prepare her for an advertising career in New York. “I am confident that Montclair’s program is the perfect fit for me to turn my current skills into a professional career.”

She praises Montclair and the Arts program: “I’d advise someone who is thinking about transferring to Montclair that this is the best school, especially for art students. This school provides great hands-on experience, and the professors give you feedback that helps you to grow as an artist.”

Finding Community as a First-Generation Student 

Josephine Leonard, History ’25, MA Higher Education ’27

Josephine Leonard transferred from Caldwell University to Montclair as a sophomore in 2022, and she’s been here ever since. After earning her bachelor’s, Leonard is now working on a master’s. She recalls her transfer experience and has sound advice for other prospective transfer students.

“One of the scariest parts of transferring is wondering, ‘Am I making the right decision?’ Now, looking back on my experience at Montclair, I can confidently say, ‘Take that chance. Make the move. It could open doors you never imagined.’” Leonard, who studied Biology at Caldwell before switching to History, adds: “Changing my major and college taught me that it is okay to reconsider your plans as you learn more about yourself.”

Leonard says she chose Montclair because she was looking for a bigger school and “an environment where I could meet more people, connect with the community and grow personally and academically. Montclair stood out because of its strong sense of community and support for first-generation college students. As a first-generation student myself, I wanted to feel that I belonged and that there were people who understood my journey.”

“Transferring to Montclair was one of the best decisions I have made for myself. I gained meaningful connections, work opportunities and the confidence to become more involved in campus clubs and organizations,” she says, adding, “As a first-generation student, there were times when I was figuring things out as I went. Having a community around me made a difference. Montclair became a place where I could learn, contribute and grow into a leader. Looking back as a member of the Class of 2025, I am grateful that I took that step and gave myself the opportunity to find a place where I could belong.”

Making Music Close to Home — and Manhattan

Nirmay Naik, Recording Arts Production

A native New Jerseyan, Nirmay Naik wanted to return to his home state, so he transferred to Montclair from Pennsylvania State University after his sophomore year. He also wanted to broaden his musical skills and study production. He found that at Montclair, where he chose Recording Arts Production, a program split between the John J. Cali School of Music and the College of Communication and Media, as his major and combined it with Jazz Studies. He also wanted to be close to the music mecca that is Manhattan.

“I was so far from a city, and so when I was looking at schools, I wanted to go somewhere where I could do both audio concentration and recording while also continuing jazz. I really like it,” he says.

Naik, who graduates in May 2027, intends to pursue a professional life that balances technical production with musical performance. “I want to freelance in the film industry, and I want to work on sound and audio and music and film, while also continuing to play jazz saxophone on the side.”

He notes that Cali School professors and mentors provide valuable insights because they work in the field and perform in New York City. “I really like that everyone here is actively working in the field in New York, playing gigs, recording, doing all the things that I want to be doing.”

Perfect Fit in IT

Jonathan Asare, Information Technology

Jonathan Asare transferred to Montclair from Union County College. “I decided on Montclair because of its endless opportunities. It aligned very well with my major and being offered a campus work study in IT just made it better. Before choosing Montclair I researched their career opportunities, many ways to learn and connections.”

Asare says that attending orientation in-person and online helped set him up to achieve a successful transfer process. “My advice for incoming students is to always ask questions. Everyone – including staff, faculty and students – are very helpful and there to support you. Always take advantage of campus resources; there is always something happening on campus, providing great ways to meet new people and make connections.”

Easy Transfer and Commute

Name: Madison Garcia, Communication and Media Studies

Madison Garcia, a junior Communications major, was seeking a school closer to home where she could commute instead of living on campus so she transferred from James Madison University. “Montclair is close enough to home where it offers the perfect balance,” says the Morristown resident. “I can go back and forth while still feeling like I can be involved on campus.”

A Communication and Media Studies major at Madison University, Garcia chose the same major at Montclair. She advises prospective students to ensure that their credits transfer. “I talked to an advisor to make sure that my classes absolutely transferred. It was easier and provided more peace of mind,” she says, adding “Montclair has a lot to offer, even as a commuter student. The school offers a great balance between a small school and a large one. There is something for everyone.”