The College of New Jersey

Apply     Visit     Give     |     Alumni     Parents     Offices     TCNJ Today     Three Bar Menu

Test-Optional at TCNJ

TCNJ is test-optional through the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.  The only academic programs that require an official SAT or ACT submission are:

  • Seven-Year Medical Programs (BS/MD and Optometry)
  • Nursing (starting with the 2024-2025 admissions cycle)

We also strongly encourage Engineering applicants to submit an SAT or ACT for early math placement. Students with scores of 630 or above on their Math SAT, or a 27 or above on their Math ACT are placed in calculus. Math placement testing will be available for those without standardized test scores, or for students with standardized scores wishing to improve on their placement. Early placement allows for expedited course enrollment.

Our admissions team examines every component of a student’s application, but none more carefully than the high school transcript. The record of course selection, grades, class rank, and the strength of the curriculum provides the most accurate predictor of a student’s chance for success in college. Though there are no minimum transcript requirements for admission, recently admitted students averaged an “A”/”A-” GPA and a rank in the top 30 percent of their graduating class.

While we will still welcome students to submit their test scores, our holistic approach to application review provides us with the flexibility to evaluate academic and extracurricular accomplishments within a student’s individual context. There will also be additional opportunities throughout the application process for students to demonstrate their interest in our programs and their dedication to pursuing their field of interest at TCNJ.

Take the next step