How To Submit A Strong Application To �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� State University: Tips For Students And School Counselors

November 18, 2024

How to Submit a Strong Application to �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� State University: Tips for Students and School Counselors

Learn what �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� looks for in a strong application and college essay. Our guide offers tips to help students and counselors get the most out of the admissions process.

Posted in: Admissions, University

Student holds a pencil and pad while sitting on �鶹�Ӵ�ý��'s campus. The fall foliage is orange and. yellow. — Applying to �鶹�Ӵ�ý��? Find out what stands out to us in an application. (Photo by Mike Peters)

We spoke with experts from �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� State University’s Undergraduate Admissions Office, including Assistant Director of Recruitment Vanessa Devericks, to provide essential insights for submitting a strong application. This guide covers everything from essay-writing tips to maximizing the Common App and �鶹�Ӵ�ý��’s application portal. Whether you’re a high school counselor helping students or a family navigating college admissions for the first time, find answers to your key questions here.

Introduction to Admissions Cycle

During the fall, Admissions staff are often on the road attending high school visits and college fairs. After Thanksgiving, the focus shifts to reviewing applications, especially those submitted by �鶹�Ӵ�ý��’s December 1 Early Action deadline. Here’s an overview of what the admissions team looks for in an application and college essays and how prospective students can strengthen theirs.

Application Options: �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� Application or Common App?

Choosing the Right Application Platform: �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� accepts both its own application and the . If a student is applying to multiple schools, using the Common App is often more convenient as it consolidates various materials, such as transcripts, extracurriculars, recommendations and essays, into one place.

Building a Strong Application

What Admissions Looks For: �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, meaning each application is evaluated as a whole. Key factors include:

High School Transcript: This helps the Admissions staff understand a student’s academic achievement and performance over time.
- Cumulative GPA: Admissions will assess a student’s GPA and look at the academic trends throughout their high school years.
- Course Rigor: Taking advanced courses, such as honors or AP classes, especially in junior and senior years, can make a positive impression.
Standardized Test Scores: �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� is test-optional, meaning students may submit SAT or ACT scores if they believe the scores strengthen their application. However, they are not required.
Essay: �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� reads essays with an eye into insight into a student’s personality and interests beyond their grades.
- The essay is also a good place to explain any academic struggles or achievements.
Supplemental Materials: Some programs may have additional requirements.
- Nursing: Requires a specific nursing essay and additional recommendations.
- College of the Arts: Certain programs require a portfolio or an audition, which students submit after their main application.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Merit-Based Scholarships: �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� offers merit-based scholarships to admitted students who meet the March 1 priority deadline. There is no separate application for merit scholarships, and eligible students are notified of any awards alongside their admissions decision. Scholarships are renewable for four years.
Talent-Based Scholarships: For students in the arts, �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� offers talent-based performance scholarships, awarded based on faculty assessments. These can be combined with merit scholarships for additional financial support.
Presidential Scholarships: These are highly competitive, merit-based awards for high-achieving, first-time freshmen. Students are automatically reviewed for a Presidential Scholarship when they apply.
Red Hawk Advantage Award: Eligible New Jersey freshmen and sophomores receive up to four semesters of tuition-free enrollment at �鶹�Ӵ�ý��.
Garden State Guarantee: Provides up to four semesters of free tuition for New Jersey students enrolled in their third and fourth years of study at in-state, four-year public universities.
ScholarshipUniverse: This scholarship-matching tool gives Red Hawks access to millions of dollars in external scholarship opportunities.

Reaching Out to �鶹�Ӵ�ý��

Connecting with Admissions Counselors: �鶹�Ӵ�ý��’s admissions counselors are available to answer questions, even if they are on the road. Students are assigned a dedicated admissions counselor who can guide them through the application and enrollment processes.
- Call the Admissions Office with your questions.

Admissions Events for School Counselors

School Counselor Workshops: To help high school counselors stay informed, �鶹�Ӵ�ý�� hosts workshops throughout the year to provide in-depth information about admissions criteria, scholarships, and more.
- The next in-person workshop is The workshop will focus on campus partners from the Educational Opportunity Fund, Red Hawk Central, Career Services and Internships, and Teacher Education.

Looking to Transfer to �鶹�Ӵ�ý��?

Our Transfer Admissions FAQ provides what you need to know to learn more about transferring to �鶹�Ӵ�ý��.

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Introduction to Admissions Cycle

Application Options: �鶹�Ӵ�ý������� Application or Common App?