Hey everyone, so I've been looking into The College of New Jersey and I'm feeling a little bit stressed about the acceptance rate. Is it considered a competitive school? What things should I focus on to improve my chances?
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has an acceptance rate that hovers around 62%, which indeed makes it moderately competitive. While it's important not to get overly hung up on acceptance rates, it is wise to approach your application in a well-rounded, thoughtful manner.
First and foremost, your academics play the most significant part. You should strive for a strong GPA, and take the most rigorous courses available in your high school, such as AP classes, if you have access to them. Remember, schools like TCNJ consider not just your raw GPA, but how challenging your course load was throughout high school.
Getting higher scores on standardized tests is also beneficial. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, TCNJ remained test-optional, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, if you have scored well, it can assist in making your application stand out.
TCNJ, like most colleges, evaluates your extracurricular activities as well. Prioritize depth over breadth; it's better to be heavily involved in a few activities, preferably with leadership roles or notable achievements, rather than lightly involved in many. Remember the Tiers of Extracurricular Activities mentioned in our guide: participating in a unique or exceptional activity can significantly boost your application.
Your application essay is another crucial component. It's your chance to show the admissions committee your unique perspective and qualities that your scores and activities list can't fully express. Make sure to choose a unique topic that communicates something meaningful about you, avoiding cliche topics such as sports victories or moving schools.
Lastly, consider applying Early Decision I or Early Decision II, if it's your top choice. While not a guarantee of acceptance, applying early can slightly increase your chances.
Note that this advice holds across the application process, not just for TCNJ. Good luck!
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