Passaic Today

Francesca Schiavone had no doubts about Montclair State University being the right choice as soon as she visited the campus. “I could tell that student involvement is a big part of the experience here, and I love how many opportunities there are to connect and grow,” says Schiavone, a senior from Clifton High School.

Schiavone is part of an upcoming group of students, known as the Class of 2029, who have not only met the admission criteria but have also excelled academically, shown leadership, and demonstrated a commitment to making a difference.

According to the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Jordanna Maziarz, the standards for acceptance at Montclair remain consistent, even as the admission rate varies. "While the admit rate has fluctuated, the quality of the student and our admission criteria have not wavered,” Maziarz explains. “We’ve done a really good job of recruiting students who meet our criteria and who want to be at the University.”

In April, Montclair hosted several Accepted Student Days, where admitted students and their families could explore academic programs and gain insight into college life. Senior Derek Jeffrey Almazan from County Prep High School appreciated the chance to see the skylines during his visit. “The view symbolizes how I’m moving up in the world – literally and figuratively,” he says.

Nicolina Castellano, another prospective student from James Caldwell High School, sees Montclair as a direct path to achieving her career aspirations in nutrition. “Montclair had so much to offer me that I knew it was the right choice,” she notes, highlighting the university's program allowing her to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.

The Early Bird Junior Admission Program enables juniors to apply before their senior year. Silvia Andrade, a senior at Hasbrouck Heights High School, values the reduced pressure of early applications. “Montclair’s academic programs and opportunities were unique compared to other schools I was considering," she remarks. She intends to major in Journalism and Digital Media, drawn to the wide-ranging journalism aspects and internship opportunities at Montclair.

Despite a growing applicant pool due to the Common Application, Montclair maintains its high standards. "Our criteria are the same or more rigorous now than they were 10 years ago," Maziarz confirms.

Accepted students receive the Red Hawk Family Newsletter, which provides essential information for making the transition to college life easier. For those ready to commit, Montclair encourages securing a place in the Red Hawk community by submitting the New Student Deposit.