Do you seek an institution that will stimulate and challenge both your mind and spirit? TCNJ students are academically gifted, demonstrate strong initiative, and have diverse talents. Recently admitted students have an average SAT score between 1210 and 1380 and rank in the top 15% of their graduating class. The admissions department takes a holistic approach to the review of our applicants, considering student abilities and involvement beyond academics.
TCNJ’s admissions staff examine every component of a student’s application, but none more carefully than the high school transcript. This record of course selection, grades, GPA, class rank, and the strength of the curriculum provides the most accurate predictor of a student’s chance for success in college. Other criteria used in the evaluation process can be found on the “Requirements” section.
Because we receive over 10,000 applications, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible once the application becomes available in early September. Historically, TCNJ begins notifying students on-or-around February 15th. All students are notified of their official admission decision no later than April 1st.
Apply
Apply using The Common Application
You can submit the application online or download a paper version.
Please note that the common application cannot be submitted on-line without completion of TCNJ Supplement.
Download the TCNJ Freshmen Supplement if you intend to apply with a paper Common Application (otherwise, you will be required to complete the supplement on-line).
Codes: SAT CEEB: 002519 | ACT Code: 002614 | Financial Aid: 002642
Other Applications
Requirements
Test Score Optional Applicants:
Students who apply in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Digital Arts, Art Education, Interactive Multimedia, Music (BA), Music Performance and Music Education may have their applications reviewed through our Test Score Optional evaluation process. These applicants will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Instead, extra emphasis will be placed on their high school transcript, extracurricular involvement, and audition (Music applicants) or portfolio (Art applicants) results. Admitted students interested in being considered for merit scholarships will ultimately be required to submit their standardized test scores.
Additional Program Requirements:
Art, Music, Seven-year Medical Programs, Seven-year Optometry Program
TCNJ does not provide an Admissions Interview as part of the application process.
All paper documentation should be mailed to:
The College of New Jersey
The Office of Undergraduate Admission
Paul Loser Hall 228
PO Box 7718
Ewing, NJ 08628
* Whenever possible, it is in the best interest of the applicant to mail everything in one package.
Codes: SAT CEEB: 002519 | ACT Code: 002614 | Financial Aid: 002642
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The only form you need to apply for all TCNJ, state and/or federal aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must list “The College of New Jersey” as a recipient and write TCNJ’s school code number (002642) on your FAFSA.
There are two options for filing the FAFSA:
1. File electronically over the Internet, which is the quickest and most efficient process, via the Financial Assistance Web site.
2. Complete the paper version of the FAFSA, which can usually be obtained from your high school or college or by calling 800-4-FED-AID.
To recognize academic achievement, The College of New Jersey is proud to invest in students who have shown strong academic potential, as evidenced by their high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and co-curricular involvement. Giving such incentives is one way The College of New Jersey maintains its own outstanding reputation.
- Merit Scholarships for In-State Students
- Merit Scholarships for Out-of-State Students
- Other Scholarships
Deadlines & Notifications
TCNJ strongly encourages students to apply on-line.
| Application Deadline | Supporting Documents Deadline | Notification of Decision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision* | November 15 | December 1 | December 15 |
| General Admission | January 15 | February 15 | No later than April 1** |
| Spring Admission | November 9 | November 15 | December 1 |
*Students accepted through the Early Decision program MUST attend The College of New Jersey. Early Decision students will be given the same consideration for merit scholarships and need-based financial aid as those applying General Admission.
**The College of New Jersey prides itself on giving every application the most thorough review possible. While TCNJ makes every effort to notify students regarding their admission decision as early as possible (starting February 15th), some applications will undergo multiple reviews before a final decision is made. Therefore, the Admissions Office can only guarantee that a decision will be mailed prior to April 1st, no matter how early the student applies.
Other Deadlines
- Applications for the seven-year medical programs and the seven-year optometry program are accepted only for September admission and are due December 1st
- Music applications must be received by November 1st for Early Decision.
- Art applicants must have their portfolio review completed by November 30th (for Early Decision candidates) or February 15th (for General Admission applicants.)