Admissions

How to apply online

CGES Applications for Fall 2025 are now Open!

Step 1

To Apply for CGES starting in the 2025 Fall Semester, please click this link and follow the instructions below:

Create an account
Select: 2025 Non-Degree and Visiting Application
Click: Open Application
Select Location: Montclair State University
Click: Continue
Select Start Term: Fall 2025
Select Student Type: Certificate Programs
Select Application Type: Certificate Program
Select Academic Program: Certificate in General Education Studies

Step 2

Fill out all required information.
Upload your extracurricular sheet
Upload your personal statement. This can be a written document, a link to a visual presentation, or a link to an audio or video recording.

Note: You will need to provide email addresses for the two people writing your letters of recommendation. They will receive an email from Montclair with a link to submit the recommendation letter directly to Admissions. These should be an academic or professional connection, not a family member or friend.

Step 3

Once you submit your application, you will have an opportunity to upload additional documentation required for your CGES application.

Most Recent IEP with Evaluation.
If the applicant’s IEP does not identify the student as having an Intellectual Disability, additional documentation of Intellectual Disability is required.

Note: You will need to ask your high school to send your high school transcripts directly to Montclair.

Application Checklist

Online Application
Personal Statement
Respond to all parts of the prompt using ONE of the following methods:

Essay: Written statements should be in complete sentences and no more than 500 words.

Visual products or presentations: May be submitted as high resolution photographs, no larger than 8.5 x 11. You may submit a web link to a shared photo or presentation web service.

Audio or video recordings: Should be under 10 minutes in length. Please submit by providing a web link to a shared file or published video or audio web service (e.g., youtube, vimeo, google drive shared file).
Extracurricular Activity Sheet/Resume
A list of all extracurricular activities you have been involved with and the years participated. This may include social or recreational clubs, community or faith-based organizations, sports or arts activities, service or volunteer experiences, internships or work experiences, etc.
2 Recommendation Letters
Submit the names and email addresses of your references in your application. The references will receive an email with instructions to submit their letters directly to Montclair. The references should be able to discuss your strengths and support needs and should not be a friend or family member.
High School Transcript
The applicant will need to request that their High School send an official transcript directly to Montclair State University.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The applicant’s most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) will need to be uploaded to their application portal after the online application is submitted. Please include every page including evaluations. If the IEP does not list ‘Intellectual Disability’, please upload an additional document that indicates this.

Once your application is complete, you can expect the following:

All applicants will receive a phone call to confirm program eligibility.

Invitations for a 30-minute video conference will be scheduled with the applicant and support, as needed.

Select applicants will receive invitations for half day in-person interviews on campus with the applicant and family member(s).

Applicants will receive notice of acceptance or nonacceptance in their applicant portal.