{"id":227711,"date":"2026-04-15T10:12:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T14:12:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=227711"},"modified":"2026-04-15T13:26:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T17:26:14","slug":"get-into-montclair-early-how-the-early-bird-program-helps-high-schoolers-start-senior-year-stress-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2026\/04\/15\/get-into-montclair-early-how-the-early-bird-program-helps-high-schoolers-start-senior-year-stress-free\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Into Montclair Early: How the Early Bird Program Helps High Schoolers Start Senior Year Stress-Free"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Dana Brzezinski opened an email the summer before her senior year of high school, she got the news every student waits for: she was in. Through Montclair State University\u2019s Early Bird Junior Admission Program<\/a> \u2013 which invites high-achieving juniors to apply early<\/a> (for free) and receive an admission and scholarship decision before senior year \u2013 Brzezinski learned months ahead of her classmates that she had a spot at the university she already loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200b\u200bThat early decision changed everything. Brzezinski hadn\u2019t expected an answer so quickly. \u201cThen I got the email and I was like, \u2018Oh, I got into college.\u2019\u201d In that moment, she says, the whole process suddenly felt real and <\/span>changed the tone of her final year at Howell High School. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a little more relaxing,\u201d she says. While she did go ahead and apply to other colleges, \u201cIt definitely made the application process more manageable and a lot less stressful.\u201d Because the program is non\u2011binding, Brzezinski could keep exploring options while holding a secure offer at Montclair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dana
Dana Brzezinski talks with friends on the Montclair State University quad on a spring afternoon. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Sealed the Deal?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

By the time she applied, Brzezinski had already fallen for the campus. \u201cI liked the community, and all of the buildings are beautiful,\u201d she says. \u201cYou could tell that the staff, the professors, when you saw them walking around, you could tell that they like their jobs.\u201d She also noticed something different about the students: \u201cYou see all the students outside together, talking instead of everyone just looking down at their phones. I feel like it’s just different here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now an aspiring elementary school teacher and first\u2011year Educational Foundations<\/a> major, Brzezinski is already getting involved in campus life. She has joined the Future Educators Club and is eyeing the gardening club and other activities. \u201cOverall, my freshman year is pretty good,\u201d she says. \u201cI can already tell that the elementary education program is a great fit for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

High school juniors who want the same head start can learn more at Early Bird Admissions Program<\/a>. Submit the online Early Bird application<\/a> by June 15 to be considered. Look out for admission decisions and preliminary scholarship offers in July. Use early offers to talk with your family about finances and plan your next steps.<\/span><\/p>\n