How to Submit a Strong Application to Montclair State University: Tips for Students and School Counselors

We spoke with experts from Montclair State University’s Undergraduate Admissions Office, including Assistant Director of Recruitment Vanessa Devericks, to provide essential insights for submitting a strong application. This guide covers everything from essay-writing tips to maximizing the Common App and Montclair’s application portal. Whether you’re a high school counselor helping students or a family navigating college admissions for the first time, find answers to your key questions here.

Introduction to Admissions Cycle

During the fall, Admissions staff are often on the road attending high school visits and college fairs. After Thanksgiving, the focus shifts to reviewing applications, especially those submitted by Montclair’s December 1 Early Action deadline. Here’s an overview of what the admissions team looks for in an application and college essays and how prospective students can strengthen theirs.

Application Options: Montclair Application or Common App?

Choosing the Right Application Platform: Montclair accepts both its own application (Undergraduate portal) and the Common App. If a student is applying to multiple schools, using the Common App is often more convenient as it consolidates various materials, such as transcripts, extracurriculars, recommendations and essays, into one place.

Building a Strong Application

What Admissions Looks For: Montclair takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, meaning each application is evaluated as a whole. Key factors include:

• High School Transcript: This helps the Admissions staff understand a student’s academic achievement and performance over time.
  • Cumulative GPA: Admissions will assess a student’s GPA and look at the academic trends throughout their high school years.
  • Course Rigor: Taking advanced courses, such as honors or AP classes, especially in junior and senior years, can make a positive impression.
• Standardized Test Scores: Montclair is test-optional, meaning students may submit SAT or ACT scores if they believe the scores strengthen their application. However, they are not required.
• Essay: Montclair reads essays with an eye into insight into a student’s personality and interests beyond their grades.
  • The essay is also a good place to explain any academic struggles or achievements.
• Supplemental Materials: Some programs may have additional requirements.
  • Nursing: Requires a specific nursing essay and additional recommendations.
  • College of the Arts: Certain programs require a portfolio or an audition, which students submit after their main application.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Montclair offers merit-based scholarships to admitted students who meet the March 1 priority deadline. There is no separate application for merit scholarships, and eligible students are notified of any awards alongside their admissions decision. Scholarships are renewable for four years.
• Talent-Based Scholarships: For students in the arts, Montclair offers talent-based performance scholarships, awarded based on faculty assessments. These can be combined with merit scholarships for additional financial support.
• Presidential Scholarships: These are highly competitive, merit-based awards for high-achieving, first-time freshmen. Students are automatically reviewed for a Presidential Scholarship when they apply.
• Red Hawk Advantage Award: Eligible New Jersey freshmen and sophomores receive up to four semesters of tuition-free enrollment at Montclair.
• Garden State Guarantee: Provides up to four semesters of free tuition for New Jersey students enrolled in their third and fourth years of study at in-state, four-year public universities.
• ScholarshipUniverse: This scholarship-matching tool gives Red Hawks access to millions of dollars in external scholarship opportunities.

Reaching Out to Montclair

• Connecting with Admissions Counselors: Montclair’s admissions counselors are available to answer questions, even if they are on the road. Students are assigned a dedicated admissions counselor who can guide them through the application and enrollment processes.
  • Call the Admissions Office with your questions.

Admissions Events for School Counselors

• School Counselor Workshops: To help high school counselors stay informed, Montclair hosts workshops throughout the year to provide in-depth information about admissions criteria, scholarships, and more.
  • The next in-person workshop is Friday, December 6. The workshop will focus on campus partners from the Educational Opportunity Fund, Red Hawk Central, Career Services and Internships, and Teacher Education.

Looking to Transfer to Montclair?

Our Transfer Admissions FAQ provides what you need to know to learn more about transferring to Montclair.

Quick Links

• How to Apply
• Admissions Requirements 
• Admission Deadlines  
• Common App 
• Montclair’s Application Portal 
• Transfer Student Guide 
• Visit

Are You A…

Prospective Student or Parent? Plan your visit and take your first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist? Contact our Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview.