{"id":225927,"date":"2025-04-17T15:46:17","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T19:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=225927"},"modified":"2025-04-21T21:53:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T01:53:41","slug":"what-does-it-take-to-get-into-montclair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2025\/04\/17\/what-does-it-take-to-get-into-montclair\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does It Take to Get Into Montclair State University?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Francesca Schiavone knew Montclair State University was the right fit the moment she stepped on campus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cI could tell that student involvement is a big part of the experience here, and I love how many opportunities there are to connect and grow,\u201d says the Clifton High School senior.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">She\u2019s one of hundreds of future Red Hawks in Montclair\u2019s incoming Class of 2029 \u2013 students who didn\u2019t just meet the criteria for admission but stood out for their academic achievement, leadership and drive to make a difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Who Gets Into Montclair?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The incoming class includes students who:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maintained a GPA of 3.3 or higher<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Enrolled in honors, AP, dual enrollment or advanced coursework<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Took on leadership roles in clubs, sports or their communities<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Balanced part-time work and service with academic excellence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cWhile the admit rate has fluctuated, the quality of the student and our admission criteria have not wavered,\u201d says Director of Undergraduate Admissions Jordanna Maziarz. \u201cWe\u2019ve done a really good job of recruiting students who meet our criteria and who want to be at the University.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_225923\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/04\/041325_270_Accepted_Students_Day_ASD-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/04\/041325_270_Accepted_Students_Day_ASD-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Students and families walk through Montclair State University\u2019s campus under bright red and white balloons during Accepted Student Day.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">More than 8,000 visitors \u2013 including thousands of admitted students \u2013 attended Montclair&#8217;s Accepted Student Days. (Photo by John J. LaRosa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_225925\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/04\/041325_1908_Accepted_Students_Day_ASD-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/04\/041325_1908_Accepted_Students_Day_ASD-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Groups of students and parents walk along a campus pathway during Montclair State University\u2019s Accepted Student Day,\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The events featured faculty-led academic sessions, campus tours, financial aid presentations, and information booths on student life and academic programs. (Photo by John J. LaRosa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>A First Look at the Red Hawk Experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Throughout April, Montclair hosted a series of Accepted Student Days, welcoming admitted students and their families to explore campus, engage with academic programs, and gain a preview of the college experience<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many students walked away with a clear sense of how Montclair will support their goals \u2013 academically, personally and professionally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cWhen I visited, I was shown the view of the skylines of Newark, New York, and my city, Jersey City,\u201d says Derek Jeffrey Almazan, a senior at County Prep High School. \u201cThe view symbolizes how I&#8217;m moving up in the world \u2013 literally and figuratively.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Career-Focused Programs and Support<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nicolina Castellano, a senior at James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell, saw a clear path to her goals through Montclair\u2019s academic offerings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cMontclair had so much to offer me that I knew it was the right choice,\u201d she says. \u201cFor various majors, including my major Nutrition and Food Studies, Montclair offers a program to obtain both my bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in just five years. This works perfectly for my career goals and I know it will set me up for success.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Special presentations during Accepted Student Days highlighted standout programs and resources, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/honors\/\">Honors Program<\/a> \u2013 One of Montclair\u2019s most prestigious academic communities<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/chss\/pre-law-program\/\">Pre-Law Program<\/a> \u2013 A pathway to law school success<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/cchl\/pre-medical-program\/\">Pre-Medical Program<\/a> \u2013 Includes coaching for medical school applications\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/combined-programs\/\">5-Year Bachelor\u2019s\/Master\u2019s Programs<\/a> \u2013 Earn an advanced degree faster<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/study-abroad\/\">Study Abroad<\/a> \u2013 Offerings in more than 50 countries\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/university-college\/\">University College<\/a> \u2013 Support for students still exploring their major<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_225924\" class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/04\/041325_1408_Accepted_Students_Day_ASD-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/04\/041325_1408_Accepted_Students_Day_ASD-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"An admissions officer stands on stage speaking to a crowd during Accepted Student Day at Montclair State University. Behind him, a large screen displays a presentation slide titled &quot;Undergraduate Orientation.&quot;\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Students say they chose Montclair for its strong academic programs, welcoming and diverse campus community, proximity to New York City, leadership and involvement opportunities, and the personalized support offered by faculty and staff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Why Early Birds Commit<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many members of the incoming class applied through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/admissions\/junior-admission\/\">Early Bird Junior Admission Program<\/a>, which gives qualified juniors the opportunity to apply before senior year. (<a href=\"https:\/\/apply.montclair.edu\/register\/earlybird2026?&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=landing_page&amp;utm_campaign=apply_ay26&amp;utm_content=\">Applications are open until June 15<\/a>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cI chose to be a part of the Early Bird program because it allowed me to go into my senior year with less pressure regarding college applications and acceptances,\u201d says Silvia Andrade, a senior at Hasbrouck Heights High School.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cMontclair\u2019s academic programs and opportunities were unique compared to other schools I was considering,\u201d she adds. \u201cI will be majoring in Journalism and Digital Media, and Montclair&#8217;s Journalism program caught my eye because it offers the ability to gain a wide perspective on the different aspects of journalism. I also felt that Montclair would offer me the best internship opportunities, and from the academic sessions I attended during my visits, I felt the staff would really support me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Despite Growth, Standards Stay High<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even as Montclair\u2019s applicant pool has expanded through the Common Application, the University has remained true to its standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u201cOur criteria are the same or more rigorous now than they were 10 years ago,\u201d Maziarz says. \u201cWe look for students who are a strong fit \u2013 and ensure they have the tools to succeed once admitted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Discover the Red Hawk Advantage<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every accepted student receives the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/red-hawk-family\/\">Red Hawk Family Newsletter<\/a>, filled with helpful information to support students and families during their college decision process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Inside, readers can explore:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/red-hawk-family\/5-reasons-to-fall-in-love-with-montclair\/\">5 Reasons to Fall in Love with Montclair<\/a> \u2013 From affordability and academic strength to campus culture<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/red-hawk-family\/how-montclair-helps-students-save-money-on-college\/\">How Montclair Helps Students Save Money<\/a> \u2013 Scholarships, grants and on-time graduation strategies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Ready to Make It Official?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Don\u2019t wait \u2013 secure your place in the Red Hawk community today!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019ve been accepted to Montclair, the next step is to submit your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/admissions\/commit\/\">New Student Deposit<\/a> and confirm your spot in the incoming class.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/admissions\/commit\/\">Submit your deposit now and make it official.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/\/ Output tags as a list for Google Analytics custom dimension\nwindow.MSU_TagList = [];\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Students accepted at Montclair share strong GPAs, leadership and service<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":434,"featured_media":225926,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[122,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-225927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-admissions","category-university"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/434"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=225927"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":225939,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/225927\/revisions\/225939"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/225926"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=225927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=225927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=225927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}