TCNJ students are academically gifted, demonstrate strong initiative, and have diverse talents. TCNJ’s admissions staff examine every component of a student’s application, but none more carefully than the high school transcript. The record of course selection, grades, GPA, class rank, and the strength of the curriculum provide the most accurate predictor of a student’s chance for success in college.
- TCNJ takes a holistic approach to the review of our applicants, considering student abilities and involvement beyond academics. All other criteria used in the evaluation process are in the “Requirements” section below.
- While there are no minimum transcript requirements, recently admitted students were typically in the top 30% of their high school class. TCNJ recognizes that class rank is not utilized by all high schools, but sharing an average GPA for admitted students is challenging. TCNJ does not recalculate GPAs but reviews the student’s GPA within the specific context of their high school.
- Historically, admitted students have averaged 1265 on the Math and Reading sections of the SAT and a 28 on the ACT. TCNJ has a test-optional policy for first-year applicants through 2025-26. While standardized test scores will not be required (unless applying into Nursing or a Seven-Year Medical Program), applicants interested in sharing their scores are still encouraged to do so.
- Because we receive over 12,000 applications annually, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible once the application becomes available. Historically, TCNJ begins notifying students of decisions on or around the middle of December. All students are notified of their official admission decision no later than April 1st.
- Starting with the Fall 2025 term, there will be a first-year housing requirement for enrolled students. TCNJ’s Residential Education and Housing office outlines the exemption request process for those students who are unable to live on campus.
Apply
TCNJ uses the Common Application for first-year applicants. You can submit your application starting on August 1st.
Other Applications
» Non-Traditional Application
» The Coalition Application
Requirements
Application Fee: $65
There are two methods of making your non-refundable payment:
- Submit payment through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
- Selecting that you are eligible for a TCNJ-specific fee waiver on the Common Application or Coalition Application (this bypasses the payment portion of those applications) and mail a check/money order to The Office of Admissions, Attn: First-year Applicant.
TCNJ will waive a student’s application fee if they qualify for one of the following:
- College Board Fee Waiver
- NACAC Fee Waiver
- TCNJ-specific Fee Waiver (for Lions Day Open House attendees)
- National Merit Semifinalist/National Achievement Fee Waiver
- Common Application Fee Waiver (verified by school counselor)
- Coalition Application Fee Waiver (verified by school counselor)
- A formal letter from a student’s school counselor (must contain specific reasons why the counselor believes a waiver is necessary for this student)
Academic Major
Students can declare an official TCNJ program of study on their application if they are leaning toward a particular major. They can also apply “Undeclared” in several of our seven academic schools or to the college as a whole.
High School Transcripts
An official high school transcript must be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions from the high school office (otherwise, they will not be considered official). The transcript can be submitted through Naviance, SCOIR or via mail to TCNJ’s Office of Admissions, Attn: First-year Applicant. The Common Application secondary school report does not need to be submitted. If you attended high school and/or college outside of the United States, your transcript must be evaluated by a United States agency that provides foreign credentials evaluations before being sent to TCNJ.
Official Test Scores
TCNJ has a test-optional policy for first-year students applying through 2025-2026, though applicants to Nursing and Seven-Year Medical Programs are required to submit an SAT or ACT. Any other students interested in sharing their scores are still encouraged to do so.
- Scores must be sent from the official testing agency or printed on an official school transcript.
- TCNJ will superscore multiple test dates from both the SAT and ACT, respectively.
- TCNJ does not use the Writing sections of the SAT or ACT. SAT II Subject Tests are NOT required.
- TCNJ makes no distinction between the paper and digital versions of the SAT
- TCNJ requires standardized test scores for our Accelerated Seven-Year Medical School opportunities.
- Our Codes: SAT CEEB: 002519 | ACT Code: 002614
Recommendations
TCNJ strongly encourages first-year applicants to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation. One must be from a teacher. The other letters can come from other teachers, school counselors, coaches, employers, or extracurricular advisors. It is not necessary to use The Common Application Teacher Evaluation form if a recommendation is being mailed to TCNJ.
Essay
The Common Application or the Coalition Application essay is the official essay used in the evaluation process. TCNJ also requires a secondary writing prompt designed to explore your interest in The College in more detail.
Resume (Not Required)
In addition to filling out the activities list on The Common Application or The Coalition Application, applicants are encouraged to submit an Activity Resume to detail involvement in clubs and organizations, employment, internships, volunteering, education, etc. This can be emailed to the Office of Admissions at admiss@TCNJ.edu or uploaded by the student through their TCNJ Application Portal.
Additional Program Requirements for Art, Graphic Design, and Music
- Art (includes visual arts specializing in fine arts or photography/video) and Graphic Design applicants are required to submit a portfolio.
- Music (includes music, music performance, and music education) applicants are required to audition.
Additional Program Requirements for EOF and the Three-year Bachelor’s Degree
Additional Program Requirements for Dual Degrees
Admissions Interview (Not Provided)
TCNJ does not provide an Admissions Interview as part of the application process.
Mailing Address
All paper documentation should be mailed to:
The College of New Jersey
The Office of Undergraduate Admission, Attn: First-year Applicant
Trenton Hall, Room 228
PO Box 7718
Ewing, NJ 08628
* Whenever possible, it is in the best interest of the applicant to mail everything in one package.
Scholarships and Aid
Scholarships and Awards
The College of New Jersey offers scholarships and awards to incoming first-year students based on academic performance, leadership, and a number of other factors. These awards are renewable for all four years of study at TCNJ.
Financial Aid
The only form you need to apply for 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. You must also provide your Social Security Number on your application to be considered for state and federal aid.
Deadlines and Notifications
While TCNJ makes every effort to notify students regarding their admission decision as early as possible, some applications will undergo multiple reviews before making a final decision. No matter how early the student applies, the general admission decision will be mailed no later than April 1st.
Early Decision
- Application Deadline: November 1
- Supporting Documents Deadline: November 15
- Notification of Decision: December 1
Students accepted through the Early Decision programs MUST attend The College of New Jersey. Early Decision students will be given the same consideration for scholarships and need-based financial aid as those applying for General Admission. Early Decision is unavailable to students applying to TCNJ’s seven-year medical, optometry, or physical therapy programs, as they have unique application timelines.
General Admission
- Application Deadline: Extended to March 1st
- Supporting Documents Deadline: Extended to March 15th
- Notification of Decision: No later than April 1 (for students applying by the original February 1 deadline)
Spring Admission
- Application Deadline: November 1
- Supporting Documents Deadline: November 15
- Notification of Decision: December 1
Other Deadlines
Applications for the seven-year medical and optometry programs are accepted only for fall admission and are due November 1st. These applicants must use the Common Application. Early Decision is unavailable to students applying to TCNJ’s seven-year medical or optometry programs, as they have their own application timelines.
Applications for the 4+3 physical therapy program and 4+2 speech pathology program are accepted only for fall admission and are due December 1st. Early Decision is not available to students applying to TCNJ’s physical therapy program, as it has its own unique application timeline.
Music auditions must be completed by November 19th (Early Decision) or March 15th (General Admission). Spring first-year applicants must complete their audition by November 19th.
Visual Art applicants must submit their portfolio for departmental review by November 1st (Early Decision I) or February 15th (General Admission). Spring first-year applicants must submit their portfolios by November 1st. Portfolio submission is optional for Art Education applicants.
Veterans
TCNJ is honored to evaluate the applications of our military veterans. All eligible military Service members are highly encouraged to receive approval from an Educational Service Officer (ES0) or counselor within the Military Service prior to enrolling at The College of New Jersey.
Please review TCNJ’s Veterans website for more information about the various funding sources available for veterans who attend TCNJ.