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 uses the Common Application for first-year applicants. You can submit your application starting on August 1st.
There are two methods of making your non-refundable payment:
TCNJ will waive a student’s application fee if they qualify for one of the following:
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TCNJ does not provide an Admissions Interview as part of the application process.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.