Montclair State University announced on Apr. 15 that its Early Bird Junior Admission Program is helping high-achieving high school juniors secure college admission and scholarships before starting their senior year.
The program allows students to apply early, receive free admission decisions, and learn about scholarships months ahead of their peers. This can reduce the stress commonly associated with the college application process and give students more time to consider their options.
Dana Brzezinski, who participated in the program while at Howell High School, said receiving her acceptance before senior year changed her experience. “Then I got the email and I was like, ‘Oh, I got into college.’” Brzezinski said this made her final year of high school more relaxing: “It definitely made the application process more manageable and a lot less stressful.” Because Montclair’s offer is non-binding, she could continue exploring other colleges while holding a secure place at Montclair.
Brzezinski also spoke about what drew her to Montclair State University. “I liked the community, and all of the buildings are beautiful,” she said. She noted that faculty seemed happy in their roles and observed students socializing on campus: “You see all the students outside together, talking instead of everyone just looking down at their phones. I feel like it’s just different here.” Now a first-year Educational Foundations major aiming to become an elementary school teacher, Brzezinski has joined student organizations such as the Future Educators Club.
More than half of Montclair State University’s students are from underrepresented minority groups; it is New Jersey’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institution with a focus on supporting historically underrepresented communities according to the official website. The university spans several municipalities—Montclair, Little Falls, Clifton, and Bloomfield—and features a 252-acre suburban campus that has expanded beyond its original single building according to university sources.
With an enrollment of approximately 23,546 students—including around 18,062 undergraduates—Montclair State University has been ranked among the top public institutions for value and social mobility according to its official website. The institution emphasizes academic excellence by integrating liberal arts education with professional training and research opportunities as stated by university officials.
