What Does It Take to Get Into Montclair State University?
Students accepted to Montclair bring strong GPAs, leadership and a record of service – and they are looking for a home where they can be themselves
Posted in: Admissions, University
(Updated April 9, 2026)
When student ambassador Emma Haskell talks to prospective students, she sums up Montclair in a few words: “It’s opportunities. It’s pushing students out of their comfort zone to be better than what they thought they could be. And I think it’s ultimately getting people to succeed.”
That spirit shows up in the admissions process. The admissions team looks not just at numbers, but at who you are as a student and community member – and how you might grow here.
How Montclair Reviews First-Year Applicants
The admissions process for first-year students at Montclair is holistic, looking at both academic performance and involvement beyond grades. Reviewers consider your high school curriculum, GPA trends, course rigor and what you do outside the classroom to understand your potential and fit with the University.
Montclair values applicants who bring curiosity, initiative and a willingness to get involved. The strongest candidates show they are ready to contribute in the classroom, in student organizations and in their communities, says Director of Undergraduate Admissions Jordanna Maziarz.
“While the admit rate may fluctuate from year to year, the quality of the student and our admission criteria do not waver,” she says. “We work hard to recruit students who meet our criteria – and who truly want to be at the University.”
What Will Make You Stand Out as a Montclair Applicant?
Montclair’s admitted students typically:
- Maintain a high school GPA of 3.3 or higher in a strong college-prep curriculum.
- Challenge themselves with honors, AP, IB, dual enrollment or other advanced coursework, especially in junior and senior year.
- Take on leadership roles in clubs, sports, work, family responsibilities or community service.
- Balance school with part-time jobs, caregiving or community initiatives while keeping academics strong.
You can also stand out through your essay and activities list, where students often share how they’ve supported family, led a club, started a project or given back to their communities. This is your chance to show how you will add to the Montclair campus.
Get a First-Look at Montclair
Montclair welcomes prospective students and their families for events like Accepted Student Days, campus tours and academic open houses. These visit days offer a first-hand look at classrooms, residence halls, student life and support services so you can picture yourself on a beautiful campus just outside New York City.
During these programs, you can:
- Tour campus and residence halls and take in views of the New York City skyline.
- Meet faculty and advisors to learn more about majors, research and career outcomes.
- Connect with current students who often say they were surprised by how quickly Montclair became their second home.
Academic Highlights and Career-Focused Pathways
Many admitted students choose Montclair because they see a clear path from college to career through flexible programs and hands-on learning. Academic and program highlights include:
- Career-focused pathways in teaching, nursing, pre-law and pre-med with specialized advising and preparation for licensure or graduate study; and one of the largest selections of five-year bachelor’s/master’s programs in New Jersey,
- The John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, offering funding for research, internships, study abroad and community engagement.
- Discovery and pre-major programs that support undecided students in exploring interests, strengths and career options.
- Extensive experiential and service learning, including internships, research with faculty and community-based projects.
Faculty and students often emphasize that Montclair is both demanding and supportive: a place where rigorous, scholarly work meets a warm, collaborative community committed to working alongside the people it serves.
Ready to Make Your Spot Official?
If you’ve been accepted to Montclair, your next step is to confirm your place in the incoming class and begin your transition to college. Submit your New Student Deposit, activate your student accounts, and watch for information on orientation, housing and course registration. Submit your deposit and secure your spot at Montclair State University.