Hope everyone’s enjoying these final days of summer! Lindsay spent the last few weeks attending tours specifically designed for college counselors in New Jersey & Montana, learning about 13 schools total. Instead of our normal “Simply College Visits,” here are some highlights from the tours.
Princeton University
Location: Princeton, NJ
All students have to complete a senior thesis, with most completing independent research starting their junior year.
In each residence hall, there is academic advising and support staff.
Along with the FAFSA, Princeton requires the Princeton Financial Aid Application to be completed instead of the CSS Profile.
Majors of Note: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; Operations Research & Financial Engineering
The College of New Jersey
Location: Ewing Township, NJ
95% of classes have fewer than 30 students, with the business school having the largest class average of 27 students.
TCNJ tracks demonstrated interest and encourages students to interact with them before applying.
Art & music programs are test optional.
Majors of Note: Integrative-STEM Education; Journalism & Professional Writing
Caldwell University
Location: Caldwell, NJ
Offer a direct admit nursing program, with a 100% NCLEX pass rate for their traditional students & 100% job placement.
On-campus housing is available all 4 years, but the student body tends to be split 50/50 between commuter and residential students.
While students come from a variety of religious backgrounds, all classes are taught through a Catholic lens.
Majors of Note: E-Sports Management; Public Health Education
Montclair State University
Location: Montclair, NJ
Out-of-state students with a 3.0+ GPA & performing arts students are eligible for in-state tuition.
Test optional, even for BSN students.
Recently partnered with Sony to build a state of the art production facility for the School of Communication & Media.
Majors of Note: Medical Humanities; Sports Media & Journalism
Drew University
Location: Madison, NJ
Drew’s new “Launch” program will require students to integrate practical experiences (internships, mentorships, etc.) with their liberal arts education.
Drew is committed to affordability: 2 years ago they lowered their tuition 20% and the average freshman scholarship is about $21,000.
The RISE program recruits retired researchers & scientists to work individually with undergrad students on research projects.
Majors of Note: Environmental Management; Pan-African Studies
University of Montana
Location: Missoula, MT
Emphasize cross-training students in multiple disciplines to prepare them for post-graduate life.
“Four Bear”, an opt-in program that helps ensure students graduate in 4 years, is available to everyone.
Freshmen are required to live on campus.
Majors of Note: Forestry; Parks, Tourism, & Recreation Management
Montana State University
Location: Bozeman, MT
Approximately 53% of freshmen and 40% of transfers are from out of state.
The architecture program does not require a portfolio.
Students from any major can use the entrepreneurship center.
Majors of Note: Environmental Design; Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems
Is there a topic you would like us to cover in a future blog post? Let us know!