the college of new jersey essay

The College of New Jersey

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Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year applicants at TCNJ are those who 1) are completing high school at the time of their application, or 2) students who have earned their high school diploma or GED but have not formally enrolled at another college. Students earning college credit and/or graduating with an Associates Degree through their high school are still considered first-year students for admissions purposes.

Transfer applicants at TCNJ have earned their high school diploma or GED and have earned 12 or more college credits at a two-year and/or four-year institution after completing high school.

Additional Information

TCNJ stands out for its incredible sense of community. Whether it's in the classroom or among the countless ways to get involved, this school has provided me with the skills I need to be successful in all aspects of life. JP Egan, Political Science Major, TCNJ Class of 2024

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2000 Pennington Rd Ewing , NJ 08628 , United States of America

[email protected]

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(609) 771-2131

For first-year students

Admissions website.

admissions.tcnj.edu

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financialaid.tcnj.edu/

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financialaid.tcnj.edu/nj-dream-act/

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For Students

We all write, every day:   sometimes informally to friends in emails or text messages, sometimes just for ourselves, and sometimes more formally, whether it is a letter to our landlord, a job application, or an essay for a college course.

To be effective, all writing needs to be done with an awareness of the reader’s perspective and needs, as well as an awareness of the conventions that are considered acceptable for that type of writing.

Academic writing is no different.  At the college level, part of what you’re learning–in addition to the knowledge specific to your major and necessary for your career—is how to communicate in a professional way that is informed, knowledgeable, and clear.  Once you start taking courses in your major, you will also learn the specific conventions particular to your discipline.  Engineers need to write in ways that are different from how psychologists write. TCNJ’s writing intensive curriculum is designed to help students become proficient writers who can communicate clearly and effectively to an array of audiences for a range of purposes.

But the other part of writing that often gets overlooked is its usefulness as a way to learn something—a method of learning.  To write about a topic is necessarily also a way of exploring it, seeing if you understand the relationship among ideas, and internalizing the information so that you can explain it in your own words.

You can expect that your professors here at TCNJ will include writing in their courses in diverse ways to help you master central concepts.  There are many resources on this website that will help you become good writers, so please explore.

• The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) GPA Requirements

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) SAT Requirements

The college of new jersey (tcnj) act requirements.

• What The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) looks for in applicants
• The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Requirements - General Application
• How to Differentiate Your Application & Get In
• Chances Calculator
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The College of New Jersey (TCNJ): 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to TCNJ, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown TCNJ statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here . If you're interesting in transferring to TCNJ, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at TCNJ

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.

What GPA Do You Need To Get Into The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)?

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)’s average GPA is 3.66. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) does require GPA. This average GPA means The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of TCNJ application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.66 to 3.84 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.84 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on TCNJ’s campus. These TCNJ admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What Is The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)’s Acceptance Rate?

Last year The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)’s acceptance rate was 48.67. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into TCNJ - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Will You Get Into The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)?

Does the college of new jersey (tcnj) require test scores.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)’s average SAT score is 1200 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is getting more or less competitive.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)’s average SAT score is 1200. To be a competitive applicant for The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1100, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1300.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)’s average ACT score is 82. To be a competitive applicant for The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 75, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 90.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into TCNJ

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into TCNJ. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at TCNJ, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with TCNJ admission standards.

• Score at least a 1200 on the SAT or 82 on the ACT.
• Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.66.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with TCNJ’s Values.

• Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
• Volunteer in your hometown. Ewing has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Ewing area in general.
• Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. TCNJ needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

• Write a stellar essay that shows The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
• Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your TCNJ app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
• Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that TCNJ’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.

Related College & Universities:

Admissions Requirements to American University (AU)

Admissions Requirements to Howard University

Admissions Requirements to Loyola University Maryland

Admissions Requirements to Ramapo College

Admissions Requirements to Fordham University (FU)

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Admission to graduate study at The College of New Jersey is selective and competitive. Admission decisions are based generally on evidence of achievement in appropriate undergraduate studies, performance on nationally standardized tests, strength of recommendations, and other materials submitted with the application. Standards are applied rigorously but not mechanically, as the purpose is to identify applicants who show promise of benefiting from advanced studies and making significant contributions to the College community and their chosen professions.

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Admission Procedures

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Those who wish to apply should review the Apply page , which provides an overview of application requirements, deadlines, supplemental documents, and other useful information.

Ready to apply? Let’s get started.

Matriculation

Most students entering The College of New Jersey at the graduate level are candidates for a degree or certification program. Program options and requirements are outlined throughout this website and in the Graduate Bulletin. Students who are applying for admission into a specific degree or certificate program are applying for matriculation.

Individuals applying for matriculation are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or proof of equivalent preparation from a foreign college or university. Applicants should have a 2.75 cumulative average or a 3.0 in the major at the undergraduate level, although some programs may have a higher requirement; must submit letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate their academic performance, relevant work experience, and/or ability to pursue graduate studies; must submit an essay calling for a personal evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses as prospective graduate students; and must provide scores from the general standardized test appropriate to the discipline. Some programs require scores from specialized sections of standardized tests; other programs require interviews or auditions (see program requirements). Graduate program candidates are approved for admission by the program admissions committee and endorsed by the dean. Notification of a decision will occur in writing.

Non-Matriculation

Qualified applicants who wish to pursue graduate studies for professional renewal or personal growth may apply for non-matriculation.* Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a 2.75 cumulative average or 3.0 in the major from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or proof of equivalent preparation from a foreign university or college. Admissions are competitive, and decisions are made by program admissions committees. Notification of a decision will occur in writing. A non-matriculant wishing to matriculate into a program must submit a separate application and all documentation necessary for matriculation according to the appropriate deadlines. Subsequent admission as a matriculant is not guaranteed.

Once accepted, a non-matriculant may enroll in graduate classes open to them if they meet the prerequisites and if space is available. Permission from the graduate coordinator and/or the instructor teaching the course may be required to register for a particular course. Occasionally, a graduate student wishes to enroll in an undergraduate course. On such occasions, the graduate tuition rate would still apply.

A non-matriculant may apply for admission as a matriculant in a graduate degree or certificate program; however, matriculation is not guaranteed. A non-matriculant has one year from the time of initial enrollment to matriculate into a degree program in order to utilize up to six credits taken prior to matriculation toward that degree or program. Failure to matriculate within this timeframe will negate the use of these credits toward a degree or program at TCNJ.

A non-matriculant is not eligible for need-based or federal financial aid.

*Non-matriculation is not available to students intending to apply for matriculation into the RTC program. Students intending to study at one of TCNJ’s global sites and are not ready to apply for matriculation into a specific program may contact the Global Office at [email protected] regarding attendance as a visiting student.

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Students can choose from the following certificates or emphases: TCNJ-Based Certificates

• Bilingual Endorsement Certificate
• Educational Leadership Certificate
• Environmental Sustainability Education Certificate
• Inclusive Literacy
• Integrative STEM Educational Methods Certificate*
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Teacher of Students with Disabilities
• Supervisor Certificate
• Teacher Leader Certificate
• Teachers of English as a Second Language Certificate

RTC-Based Certificates

• Brain-Based Teaching Certificate*
• Classroom Climate Certificate*
• The Differentiated Classroom Certificate*

The following certificates lead to eligibility for state endorsements:

*Certificate can be completed online

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The College of New Jersey

From the School

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has created a culture of constant questioning. In small classes, students and faculty members collaborate in a rewarding process. They seek to understand fundamental principles, apply key concepts, reveal new problems and pursue lines of inquiry to gain a fluency of thought in their disciplines. This transformative process is at the core of the educational experience at The College. In order to enhance student development and empowerment, TCNJ's curriculum is built around five key experiences which permeate every major across seven academic schools. Small classes prioritizing discussion and inquiry create a Personalized, Rigorous, and Collaborative Learning Environment where students and faculty work side by side in developing skills and applying concepts. Undergraduate Research, Mentored Internships, and Field Experiences give TCNJ students opportunities to get out of the classroom, develop their professional skill sets, and discover exciting career paths and academic endeavors. Passion for civic responsibility and a commitment to Community-Engaged Learning ensures that TCNJ graduates enter the professional world as top-notch scholars and citizens. Opportunities for Global Engagement found on campus and facilitated through internationally recognized study-abroad programs allow students to expand their internal scope and frame their academic goals and achievements in a truly global context. Finally, academic and extracurricular programs designed to foster Leadership Development help students build confidence and decision-making skills that they will need to solve the problems of tomorrow and build a brighter future. TCNJ admits a diverse class each year full of ambitious students, eager to build on their educational foundations and dive into new topics. These students will ultimately find a home away from home on campus, and ninety-five percent of first-year students will return for their second year. The most successful admits are prepared to steer their own academic pursuits toward post-graduation goals of graduate school, professional training, or satisfying careers. Prestigious graduate schools, including the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown Law School, Maxwell School at Syracuse University, NYU Law School, and Harvard, Yale, and Northwestern Universities, routinely welcome TCNJ alumni into their ranks. TCNJ graduates boast a 64% acceptance rate into Medical School and an 88% acceptance rate into Law School. Many top corporations recruit TCNJ graduates, providing avenues into rewarding jobs directly after graduation. Other barometers of student success include the 100 percent pass rate of education majors taking the state teacher preparation test and the 94 percent three-year pass rate for nursing students obtaining their license. The numerous learning opportunities at The College prepare students to prosper in any arena after the completion of their undergraduate career.

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College of New Jersey Undergraduate College Application Essays

These College of New Jersey college application essays were written by students accepted at College of New Jersey. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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GradeSaver provides access to 2365 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11012 literature essays, 2781 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

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College Application Essays accepted by College of New Jersey

Lesson well learned anonymous, college of new jersey.

The black and white keys mesmerized me, as always. They were of another ancestry - Steinway – different from the Yamaha I owned; but as I sat on the meticulously handcrafted ebony bench, I felt at home. My hands floated effortlessly upward, and...

Seeing the World Through A Poet's Eyes Anonymous

“Passionate people put pens to paper to produce poetry.”

While a third grade teacher may gush over this sentence, most others would find it appalling. Nevertheless, the truth behind it is undeniable; poetry rises from the fires in people’s eyes...

The Big Red Barn Anonymous

In the U.S., there are five standard barn styles. Iron Horse is a Midwestern classic; Homestead, is basic, easily adaptable. Offset Roofline takes a more angular structure, while Round Barn is the circular American original. Gambrels are...

Recent Questions about College of New Jersey

The Question and Answer section for College of New Jersey is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

I Have A Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr.

From the text:

"I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of...

I need your help!

http://www.gradesaver.com/the-book-of-the-duchess-and-other-poems/q-and-a/help-104779

in the book Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court why does morgan travel around the country as "a freeman of peasant degree"

"My idea was to disguise myself as a freeman of peasant degree and wander through the country a week or two on foot. This would give me a chance to eat and lodge with the lowliest and poorest class of free citizens on equal terms."

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Seven-Year Medical Program

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and Rutgers’ New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) has a formal articulation agreement allowing incoming freshman applicants to be accepted to both the medical school and TCNJ and to earn both the baccalaureate/BS degree from TCNJ and the MD degree from NJMS in seven years.

Students enrolled in this program spend three years at TCNJ in an approved major (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, Philosophy, Physics, Economics, Biomedical Engineering, Math, Spanish, or History), and four at NJMS. Engineering majors require earned college credit (by qualifying AP test scores or completing college courses) in General Physics I and II, and Calculus I and II. 

Upon completing the first year of medical school, the student is granted the BS or BA degree in the chosen undergraduate major from TCNJ. The MD degree is earned at the end of four years at NJMS.

What makes TCNJ’s 7-Year BS/MD program unique?

• Select from a variety of majors
• Complete minors or double majors in secondary fields of interest
• Study abroad for one full semester while staying within program requirements
• Invitation to join TCNJ-AZ, our 7-year medical society
• Engage in research during the semester and during the summer (not required) in any field you want
• There is no summer coursework required
• Benefit from all the resources that TCNJ has to offer, and learn in an environment with small class sizes, diverse course offerings, engaged students, and committed faculty

Important Dates

*Completed within two weeks of receipt or Dec 7, whichever comes first

LINK TO 7-YR BS / MD SLIDE PRESENTATION   (Oct 2023)

What is the TCNJ/New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) 7-Year Combined BS/MD Program?

It is a joint undergraduate-medical degree program in which a student spends three years at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in an approved major, and four additional years at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). Approved undergraduate majors currently include biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer science, economics, mathematics, English, history, philosophy, physics, and Spanish. Upon completing the first year of medical school (year four), the student is granted the BS or BA degree in the chosen undergraduate major from TCNJ. The MD degree is awarded after the successful completion of the program in the seventh year by NJMS.

What is the process for applying to the College’s seven-year medical program?

Students should apply to The College of New Jersey’s Seven-Year Medical program utilizing the Common Application (usually available by late July) available at admissions.tcnj.edu and indicate as their first choice the Seven-Year Program in the preferred major area of study (i.e., Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Math, English, etc.). Additionally, the student may want to indicate regular admittance to a four-year program of study at TCNJ as a second choice, should the student not be selected for the Seven-Year program.

School Status upon admissions: Applicant must be a high school senior. It is not possible to transfer into this program from other colleges or other 3 or 4-year programs within The College of New Jersey. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be eligible to be interviewed for the Seven-Year program. The first interview (via Zoom) is with a Medical Career Advisor at TCNJ. 

Assuming this interview is favorable, you will be considered for a later interview with a New Jersey Medical School Admissions representative in Newark, New Jersey. This interview must be done in person, regardless of home location. New Jersey Medical School makes the final admission determination. There is no early decision process for the Seven-Year Medical program. There is, however, an early decision process for the college (please contact admissions for that application deadline).

Admittance to Program: The admission process is not finalized until the first week in April. Dr. Nayak, the Seven-Year Program Director at TCNJ, will notify the accepted students once the list has been received from NJMS. PLEASE NOTE: There is no waitlist or alternate list, nor are there subsequent rounds of admission to this program.

Please attempt to submit your application when all standardized test scores have been taken. Your application must be postmarked by the November 1 deadline. State of residence has NO bearing on your admission to the Seven-Year program. You must, however, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident by the time you enter medical school. Again, please note that 7-year BS MD applicants are excluded from early decision options at TCNJ.

What are the MINIMUM academic eligibility requirements to apply for admission to the TCNJ 7-Year Medical Program?

The following are the MINIMUM academic eligibility requirements to apply:

• Standardized Test Scores: Students must have a minimum SAT score of 1400 (Evidence-Based Reading and Math sections only) from ONE TEST DATE. No exceptions will be made. (The test may be taken more than once, but the combined score must be from one sitting.) Alternatively, a 32 or higher composite ACT score AND rank in the top 10% of their high school class may substitute for the SAT. However, if the SAT is taken, this score will also be considered.
• High School academic achievements: Applicants must be in the top 5% of their class, and have an approximately 3.8 (or higher) /4.0 cumulative, unweighted GPA. You should have participated in school, community, or other activities demonstrating service and leadership. You should also have had good exposure to medicine and/or healthcare. While IB and AP tests are optional, they are strongly encouraged.

What is the deadline for applying to this program?

The Application Deadline is November 1st. The Application Completion Deadline (all materials must be received by) is December 1st.

Is there a Supplemental Application involved?

Yes, a supplemental application link will be sent to qualified candidates and must be completed within two weeks of receipt, or by December 7th (whichever comes first). Those candidates with strong supplemental applications will be offered a TCNJ interview from mid-December through the 3rd week of February. NJMS conducts final interviews for the top candidates on a rolling basis through the 3rd week of March at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Do AP credit and previous college coursework count toward completing undergraduate requirements at TCNJ?

Yes, but with certain qualifications : The AP credit and college course(s) must be deemed equivalent to courses required by the college or major; the credit equivalency is applied to introductory, entry-level courses only (except for Foundations of Biological Inquiry), which cannot be exempted by AP credit); and at least eight classes of approved science coursework are completed at TCNJ.

During the 3-year undergraduate program at TCNJ, is the credit load per semester greater than in a normal 4-year undergraduate program?  Are summer courses required?

No, the semester load is the same as that of other full-time TCNJ students. For Biology majors, the only course taken earlier than normal is Biology Seminar, a 4-credit journal-based course usually populated by seniors. No summer classes are needed as long as the curriculum is followed.

Is there an admissions quota, and how many Seven-Year students are currently enrolled at TCNJ?

Usually, about 20 freshmen enroll in the Seven-Year Medical program at TCNJ. There is currently a cohort of about 60 students enrolled in the three-year program at TCNJ who will continue to NJMS.

What is the retention criterion for the 7-Year program?

To remain in the program, students must:

• Complete the three-year undergraduate curriculum at TCNJ in an approved major, and earn a 3.5 (B+) cumulative and science average GPA EACH semester;
• Earn no grades below A- in any introductory biology or chemistry science course required by NJMS (BIO 201, CHE 201, CHE 202), taken at TCNJ or at another institution;
• Earn no grade below a B- in any course taken at TCNJ or another institution;
• Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) no later than the SPRING of the third (and last) year at TCNJ. There is no minimum score required; and
• If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must obtain U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status by the time you ENTER NJMS.

What is a typical numeric breakdown of the high school senior applicant pool for the Seven-Year Medical program at TCNJ?

What financial aid is available at TCNJ?

Financial Aid and Scholarship monies are awarded through the Admissions Office and the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Please contact these departments for further information.

• The Undergraduate Admissions office is located in Trenton Hall, Room 228; (609) 771-2131
• The Student Financial Assistance  office is located in Green Hall, Room 101; (609) 771-2211

Who makes the final admissions decision for acceptance into the Seven-Year Medical Program?

The Rutgers NJMS Admissions Committee makes the final decision, based on the student’s Common Application and attachments, and evaluation of both interviews.

What are the housing opportunities at The College of New Jersey for Seven-Year students?

All students admitted to the Seven-Year program are guaranteed on-campus housing during their three years at TCNJ. 

If I am not accepted to the TCNJ Seven-Year Program, what is the fate of my application?

TCNJ Admissions still process your college application if you have indicated a second-choice major on the Common Application. You will be considered for admittance to the major of your choice, financial aid, and all other offerings. Please note that the average freshman accepted to The College of New Jersey is in the top 7% of their graduating class and has an average SAT score of about 1300 in critical reading and math.

Is this program the only pathway to medical school from The College of New Jersey?

No, it is not! For over 30 years our graduating seniors have been admitted to a wide variety of US medical schools. The vast majority of our pre-meds are NOT in the Seven-Year program. Over the last five years, about 65% or more of traditional medical school applicants from TCNJ have entered one or more US medical schools. (i.e., Case Western, Duke, Dartmouth, Drexel, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Jefferson, University of Virginia, University of Maryland, University of Alabama, Tulane, Mt. Sinai, Einstein, NY Medical College, SUNY-Syracuse, Temple, NYU, Pennsylvania State-Hershey, Columbia, Washington University and of course, New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School).

Our mission is not only to prepare the pre-med for success in the application process but, more importantly, to prepare our students for success in medical school and beyond.

How can I tour The College of New Jersey including the Biology Department and dormitories?

Please see the Visit TCNJ page for tours and other opportunities to become familiar with our campus.

If I am accepted to the Seven-Year Medical program at TCNJ/NJMS, must I attend NJMS (in Newark, New Jersey)?

You are free to withdraw from the Seven-Year program at any time during your three years at the College of New Jersey. The medical school, of course, will then withdraw its guarantee. During your fourth year at TCNJ, you may apply to any medical school you wish. Your medical school acceptance will be based on the regular criteria: cumulative GPA, MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, medical school interviews, and experience.

Our Medical Careers Advisory Committee (MCAC) consists of faculty members who offer personalized advisement on all aspects of pre-medical preparation. The MCAC also hosts an informative advising website, mcac.tcnj.edu. Our local chapter of AMSA (American Medical Student Association) also offers valuable resources for the pre-medical student. The AMSA chapter sponsors presentations by health career students and practitioners, leads tours of area health professional schools, engages in charity fund-raising, and offers peer and faculty advisement on all phases of pre-medical preparation.

Note: Students formerly in the Seven-year program with good MCAT scores and grades have successfully applied to other medical schools during their junior year (i.e., Temple, Robert Wood Johnson, University of Texas-San Antonio, SUNY Syracuse, Washington University, and Duke University). Seven-year students must officially declare their intention to matriculate at NJMS or to withdraw from the Seven-Year Program before December of their Junior year.

What are the pertinent phone numbers and email addresses for questions about the program?

Admissions Office: 609.771.2131 or [email protected]

Financial Aid Office: 609.771.2211 or [email protected]

Student Housing Office: 609.771.2301 or [email protected]

Program Director: Dr. Sudhir Nayak, [email protected]

7-Year BS/MD Program Office: [email protected]

*December through February is our busiest time. Returning e-mail messages can take a week or more during this period.

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Watch CBS News

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau deaths stun Boston College, an "unimaginable loss"

By Matt Geagan

Updated on: August 31, 2024 / 11:28 AM EDT / CBS Boston

BOSTON -- Former Boston College hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were both killed in a crash Thursday night in New Jersey while riding bikes, police said Friday.

Boston College "stunned"

"All of us in the Boston College community are stunned by this tragic news," BC spokesman Jack Dunn said in an email to WBZ-TV.

"Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest players in the history of Boston College hockey, but one of the nicest as well. Matthew was a gifted [player] who was equally beloved by his teammates. Our prayers are with Johnny, Matthew and the entire Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss."

Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and played three years at BC, from 2011 to 2014. Matthew was 29. He played for the Eagles from 2013 to 2017. They played together for just one season, 2013-14, in Chestnut Hill.

They were riding bikes together in Oldmans Township, New Jersey Thursday when they were hit by a Jeep just after 8 p.m. The driver, who was allegedly drunk, stayed at the scene and was taken into custody, police said.

Gaudreau family wedding

According to the Knot wedding  website , the Gaudreaus were home for the wedding of their sister Friday. The brothers were going to be groomsmen in the ceremony.  

"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans," family spokesperson Jim Gaudreau said on social media .

"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief. From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families)."

Johnny Gaudreau was "Johnny Hockey"

Johnny Gaudreau was a star at BC, where he earned the nickname "Johnny Hockey." He helped Boston College win a national title in 2012 as a freshman and won two straight Hockey East Player of the Year awards. Gaudreau won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's best player in his junior season before going on to play 11 years in the NHL.

"Our favorite players"

The Gaudreaus were incredibly talented, but that's not how their coaches best remember them. Both were incredibly humble and amazing teammates, and left a lasting impact on anyone they shared the locker room with in Chestnut Hill.

Longtime Eagles head coach Jerry York said that while Johnny Gaudreau was one of the best players in the world, he never let that get to his head.

"To be 'Johnny Hockey' but not wear that label, he was well respected by all the students and teachers here. Ask us to name our favorite players, both boys are among them," York said at a news conference Friday afternoon.

"They brought a ton of joy to the rink. They were happy to be there, truly happy all the time," said current head coach Greg Brown, who was York's assistant when the Gaudreau brothers played for the Eagles. 

"The things they could do on the ice, that's what people who don't know them remember. But everyone loved having them on the team. They were tremendous teammates and lit up the room when they came in.

"They had special abilities, but they treated every one of their teammates like a brother," added Brown.

"Loved his family"

Mike Cavanaugh, the head hockey coach at UConn, was the associate head coach at Boston College when Johnny Gaudreau won the national championship there. He told WBZ in an email he was "devastated."

"This is just unimaginable. I'm heartbroken. My prayers are with the Gaudreau family," Cavanaugh said. "I had the good fortune of coaching Johnny for two years when I was there. Never had a chance to coach Matthew, but I recruited him."

"Johnny was a unique hockey player. And it's hard to describe just how great he was. More importantly, he was just an awesome kid," Cavanaugh said "Loved his family."

Gaudreau was a seven-time All-Star after being drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut at the end of the 2014 season, and was named to the NHL's All-Rookie team the following year when he tallied 64 points for the Flames. 

He played nine seasons overall in Calgary, and won the Lady Byng Trophy in 2016-17, which goes to the player who exbibits "the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability." Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022 and was an All-Star last season when he scored 12 goals and had 48 assists. 

"The absolute best dad in the world"

In a statement posted on Instagram , Gaudreau's widow Meredith shared photos of him with their children and described him as "caring and loving."

"The absolute best dad in the world," said Meredith Gaudreau. "We are going to make you proud."

Columbus Blue Jackets statement

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend," the Blue Jackets said in a statement Friday. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew."

"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets," the statement continued. 

"He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy."

Calgary Flames statement

The Calgary Flames said , "It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also a beloved member of our community."

NHL statement

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on Gaudreau's death Friday morning.

"The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. While Johnny's infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path," said Bettman.

Matthew Gaudreau career

Matthew Gaudreau played wing at Boston College and scored 16 goals and had 47 assists in 119 games. He later played for Bridgeport of the AHL and the Worcester Railers of the ECHL before getting into coaching. 

Gaudreau was the head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School's hockey team the last two seasons. The brothers both played for the school in Gloucester City, New Jersey.

"The ECHL and its member teams mourn the loss and express their condolences to the family and friends of former Worcester Railers and Reading Royals forward Matthew Gaudreau," the league said in a statement Friday. 

"The Worcester Railers HC Organization is incredibly saddened by the passing of both Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau. They represented the sport of hockey and their family at the highest level both on and off the ice," the Railers said on social media Friday.

"Matty will always be remembered as one of the original Railers who helped to guide the organization in our inaugural season. We remember his time spent in Worcester fondly. We offer our deepest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family." 

The Boston Bruins also issued a statement , saying they were "heartbroken" by the news.

"The Gaudreaus will forever be a part of the Boston hockey community thanks to the incredible impact they made as student athletes on and off the ice at Boston College."

• Boston College

Matthew Geagan is a sports producer for CBS Boston. He has been part of the WBZ sports team for nearly 20 years. He moved over to the web in 2012 and has covered all the highs (and a few lows) in Boston sports.

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• Applications
• International Applicants

Guidelines for International First-year Applicants

What are the minimum academic requirements to apply to tcnj as an international first-year student, how do i apply to tcnj as an international first-year student, a complete international first-year application includes:.

• Common Application OR Coalition Application – www.commonapp.org OR Coalition Application
• Essay – The Common Application essay is the official essay used in the evaluation process.
• $65.00 Application Fee – Check or money order payable to The College of New Jersey issued by a U.S. bank or electronically submitted through the Common Application system: www.commonapp.org .
• All Official Transcripts from Grades 9-12 of High School – Transcripts must be submitted through The Common Application.  Transcripts must be translated in English. Additionally, and in most cases, transcripts must be submitted to a United States agency that provides foreign credential evaluations before being sent to TCNJ. TCNJ will accept foreign credential evaluations from any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Click  here for a list of current NACES members approved by TCNJ. (Students enrolled in an International Baccalaureate program, in the U.S. or overseas, do not have to submit their transcript to an evaluation agency.)
• 2 Letters of Recommendation – One recommendation letter must be from a high school teacher. The other letter can come from a different teacher, the head of school, a guidance counselor, coach or advisor. We strongly encourage that applicants use The Common Application Teacher Evaluation form when possible. If the Common Application Teacher Evaluation Form is not available, we will accept a letter directly by email ( [email protected] ) from any school official.
• SAT or ACT Scores – SAT or ACT test scores are optional through fall 2023.  However, any scores submitted must be sent from the official testing agency or printed on an official school transcript.
• ****TOEFL or IELTS Scores – For applicants whose first language is not English, or who attend a high school in which English is not the language of instruction, TCNJ requires results from the TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency exam. Scores must be sent from the official testing agency or printed on an official school transcript.

Beyond the elements of a complete admission application, are there any additional department-specific requirements I must meet to apply to TCNJ?

Yes. There are additional requirements for the following programs:

How do I pay the application fee?

There are two methods of making your non-refundable payment.

• Submit payment through the Common Application.
• Mail check/money order by selecting “Fee Waiver” on the Common Application and mailing payment to:

Can the application fee be waived?

Yes. TCNJ will waive a student’s application fee if they submit one of the following:

• TCNJ International Applicant Fee Waiver
• College Board Fee Waiver
• NACAC Fee Waiver
• Common Application Fee Waiver Request Form (signed by school official)
• A formal letter from a school official at the applicant’s school (must contain specific reasons why the counselor believes a waiver is necessary for this student)

Do my transcripts have to be in English?

Can i email my transcript or recommendation letters to tcnj.

TCNJ cannot accept official transcripts or letters of recommendation via email. All official transcripts and recommendation letters must be sent by a school official online through the Common Application or mailed to:

The College of New Jersey Attention: International Admissions – Trenton Hall, 228 2000 Pennington Rd Ewing, NJ 08628 USA

Which test results should I submit with my application?

Do i need to take the sat or act, what are the minimum sat or act scores, what are the average sat or act scores, does tcnj superscore the sat or act, does tcnj use the writing sections of the sat or act, does tcnj accept the old sat and new sat, does tcnj require any sat subject tests (sat2), what are tcnj’s codes for the sat and act.

• TCNJ SAT CEEB: 002519
• TCNJ ACT Code: 002614

Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency exams?

If i don’t speak english that well, can i still apply to tcnj, does tcnj have a minimum toefl or ielts score for international application consideration, if i completed an intensive english program do i still need to take the toefl or ielts english proficiency exams, if any of my test results are not available until after your deadline, can i still submit them for review, what if i have additional questions, take the next step.

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Department of Human Services

Nj human services moves to enhance direct support professional services to serve individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.

August 27, 2024

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services is moving to enhance direct support professional services that serve individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.

The Department has issued a request for proposals for provider agencies interested in having their direct support professionals (DSPs) obtain the National Association of the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) Competency-Based IDD/MI Dual Diagnosis Direct Support Professional Certification.

DSPs work with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help those individuals achieve their personal goals. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) oversees the coordination and delivery of publicly funded home and community-based services in New Jersey for about 26,500 adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Per 2023 DDD statistics, at least 3,500 of these individuals have a co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis.

“Direct Support Professionals provide vitally important support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may live full and healthy lives in their communities,” Commissioner Adelman said. “Governor Murphy’s Administration has invested significantly in this workforce by continually increasing wages to reflect the value and importance of their work, in turn improving recruitment and retention in the field. This opportunity is another important investment in this workforce and an important step to ensure DSPs are trained, equipped and qualified at the highest level to support individuals with IDD and co-occurring mental health needs. Becoming NADD Certified will be a source of pride for DSPs and a source of comfort and confidence for provider agencies and families.”

Under the plan, up to 3,000 DSPs will receive the NADD DSP Certification. Providers must have at least 10 percent of their eligible DSPs seek the professional certification, but can enroll all if they choose. Providers are encouraged to identify and enroll DSPs at programs or sites where they are supporting at least one individual with an intellectual and/or developmental disability and co-occurring mental health needs. The DDD intends to collect data throughout the course of this project to evaluate the program’s success.

“This certification will help validate and provide assurance to individuals, families, and employers that a DSP has met the standards for delivering services to individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs,” Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire said. “It adds another level of professionalization to the DSP career path, while enhancing the quality, efficacy, and consistency of service delivery for individuals. This is all about investing in DSPs and the quality of care for the individuals they serve.”

Under the $3 million plan, the state will allocate $1,000 per participating employee to successful bidders. Successful bidders may not use funds from this grant for any purpose other than NADD remittance and compensation of participating employees for the training and certification completion. Employee certification is the expected outcome.

For a more in-depth understanding of the NADD DSP Certification, view a video here entitled “Introduction to NADD Direct Support Professional Certification.”

“Direct support professionals make a tremendous difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” DDD Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Seifried said. “With this certification, we are helping ensure individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs are getting the best quality care to meet their needs.”

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Community Essay Examples

When crafting your college applications, writing strong essays is essential. Through your essays, you demonstrate who you are–from your values and passions to your lived experiences. Indeed the personal statement is the most common college essay. However, you will also likely have to write some supplemental essays as part of your college application requirements. One of the most common supplemental essay types is the community essay. This essay type is also known as a describe the community you live in essay, cultural diversity essay, or community service essay.

In this article, we will introduce several community essay examples. Most importantly, we’ll describe why they are considered college essays that worked. Specifically, we will share community essay examples from the two schools:

• Princeton University
• Columbia University

By studying these admissions essay samples, you can see what makes these college community essay examples strong and apply those same principles to your writing.

Reviewing Types of College Essays

Each school has different supplemental essay prompts for their college application requirements. However, there are a few types of essays that are most common. By becoming familiar with these essay types, you can begin to brainstorm and strategize what you will write about early on. You might start as early as sophomore or junior year in high school. 

Now, let’s take a look at the most common supplementary essay questions.

Common Supplementary Essay Questions

1. why school.

A Why School essay is, as it sounds, about why you wish to attend a specific institution. The key to answering this prompt well is to be specific. You should identify examples of what you like about a school. Avoid general comments such as “it is a top school” or “it is diverse.” Share specific programs, professors, teaching approaches, cultural elements, or unique opportunities such as research or study abroad.

2. Why Major

The Why Major essay asks you to share specific reasons behind your choice of major and how it relates to your future goals. A strong response to a Why Major essay will highlight your specific motivations. But it will also connect those motivations to a school’s unique opportunities. For example, perhaps you wish to be a pre-law history major, and the school you are applying to offers law-related internships. By highlighting these specific connections, you draw a compelling connection between yourself and the school.

3. Extracurricular Activity

Many schools ask you to describe an extracurricular activity that is particularly meaningful for you. When responding to this question, do not feel limited to only talk about the most popular extracurricular activities for college applications, like clubs or sports. Consider all of the activities you do outside of school. Then choose the one that is most meaningful to you. Also, give specific examples of how you grew or made an impact within your extracurricular activities for college.

4. Community Essay

The Community Essay can have slightly different angles to it. But, the uniting factor is that the school wants to know how you engage with others around you. Some types of community essays are a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay. In recent years, the cultural diversity essay has been a more common college application requirement.

Coming up, we will share a bit more about how to break down community essay prompts. We’ll also take a look at college essays that worked. By reading these examples, you’ll know how to approach these common prompts.

How to identify a community essay?

While community essays can have slightly different focuses, they all share the goal of learning about where you come from. A supplemental essay prompt might ask you to share more about your background via a group you are part of. This is likely a community essay. Indeed, a community essay can also be called a describe the community you live in essay, or a cultural diversity essay. Other college community essay examples focus on how you will contribute to a college campus. Finally, in a describe a community you belong to essay example, you will see that students highlight any community that is meaningful to them.

You may be wondering why so many colleges have community essays as a college application requirement. For one, many colleges use a holistic admissions process. This means they care about all aspects of who you are, not simply your grades and test scores. How you engage with your communities shows them your character and values. For example, a describe the community you live in essay example about visiting church every Sunday demonstrates your commitment to religion. Similarly, a cultural diversity essay helps colleges learn more about your cultural background. 

Additionally, colleges want to learn more about how you will engage with their on-campus community. You’ll notice this important factor in the college community essay examples we will share. To some degree, how you have engaged with previous communities can be an indicator of how you will show up on their campus.

How is a community essay different?

As we mentioned, community essays can have slightly different focuses. Some prompts ask you to write a describe the community you live in essay. These types of community essays are more like cultural diversity essays. 

Keep in mind that the word “community” can have many different meanings. A community can be your school, church, or neighborhood. It could also stem from your interests. For example, your dance or robotics team can form your community.

Some community essay prompts want to know specifically how you help strengthen your communities. These types of essays are considered a community service essay. Another term for community service is “civic engagement.” An example of civic engagement might be getting people in your cultural community to sign up to vote. Or, another could be helping with church fundraisers to ensure that your local community has the resources it needs to thrive. 

In sum, the keywords you might see in a community essay prompt are “civic engagement,” “community service,” “serve your community,” “contribute to your community,” or “diversity.” No matter how it’s phrased, your essay should demonstrate the impact you’ve had on your community–whichever one you choose to highlight. 

What are some examples of community essays?

In this article, we will share several community essay examples. Specifically, we will highlight Princeton essay examples and Columbia essays examples. Let’s look at these two colleges’ essay prompts. 

The first Princeton supplemental essay prompt is a part of our college community essay examples and our cultural diversity essay examples. Here is the prompt:

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #1: Cultural Diversity Essay and College Community Essay Examples

Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. as a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. what lessons have you learned in life thus far what will your classmates learn from you in short, how has your lived experience shaped you  (please respond in 500 words or fewer.).

In this cultural diversity essay prompt, Princeton wants to know about your lived experiences. By this, they refer to any experiences that have shaped you profoundly. A lived experience can be a specific event, such as experiencing a car crash or winning an award. Or, it could be a set of experiences that resulted from life circumstances, such as being a first-generation college student or having taken a gap year .

This essay prompt will also lead to college community essay examples. Indeed Princeton wants to read about your lived experiences and how they impacted you. But, they also want to know how you will bring those lessons to the Princeton community, should you enroll . Also, note that this prompt mentions challenging ideas and beliefs via conversation. As you respond, look for ways to highlight how you have engaged in fruitful dialogue and how you would do so at Princeton.

To answer this prompt effectively, share specific examples. Additionally, be sure to answer all parts of the prompt. 

Princeton has a second supplemental essay prompt that focuses on how you engage with your community outside of the classroom. The prompt is as follows: 

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #2: Civic Engagement

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer) .

To answer this prompt well, you must highlight specific examples of how you have positively impacted your community. As a starting point, consider which of your communities you have most engaged with. How have you done so and what results did you have?

The Columbia Community Essay Prompt is another of our college community essay examples. It is a cultural diversity essay, as well. Here is the prompt: 

Columbia Community Essay Prompt: A Cultural Diversity Essay

A hallmark of the columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words or fewer).

While this prompt is similar to Princeton’s, it also references perspectives and viewpoints. In doing so, the prompt opens you up to share opinions or values that are important to you. You might consider highlighting values in your family or community that you either hold close or disagree with. 

Note that Columbia also highlights the word “collaborative” in this prompt. This indicates that your cultural diversity essay should also show how you collaborate with others.

Which schools require a community essay?

In addition to Princeton and Columbia, many other schools have community essays as part of their college application requirements. Here are some other examples of community essay prompts:

In this UNC-Chapel Hill prompt , you must describe a specific example of how you made an impact on a community. The prompt reads:

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill: A Community Service Essay Prompt

Discuss one of your personal qualities and share a story, anecdote, or memory of how it helped you make a positive impact on a community. this could be your current community or another community you have engaged. (250-word limit).

In responding, be sure to highlight what community you are referencing, the specific impact you made, and what personal quality helped you do so.

This prompt from UMichigan is a describe a community you belong to essay example, as well as a cultural diversity essay:

The University of Michigan: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (required for all applicants. 1,500 character limit.).

In addition to describing the community, make sure to share how you engage with it and what it has taught you. Remember that community is a broad term. So, for this prompt you can respond with any type of community in mind, whether physical or cultural. In contrast to the describe the community you live in essay, you do not have to be geographically close to the community you describe here.

Duke University: Cultural Diversity Essay Prompts

Duke offers students five supplemental prompts to choose from, of which they can reply to two. Of these supplemental prompts, four are examples of cultural diversity essays:

1. We believe a wide range of viewpoints, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to maintaining Duke as a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

2. we believe there is benefit in sharing or questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with what are you agreeing or disagreeing about, 3. duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community., 4. we recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity..

Each of these prompts is a slightly different type of cultural diversity essay, from sharing a range of opinions to not fitting in within a community. Choose the essay prompts that most resonate with you. And share specific examples that bring your cultural diversity essay to life.

In this Yale University supplemental prompt , you must choose a community that you feel connected to and describe why it is meaningful. Here’s the prompt:

Yale University: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. why is this community meaningful to you you may define community however you like. (400-word limit).

When responding, be sure to highlight what you have learned or how you have grown from this community. In contrast to a describe the community you live in essay, this essay can be about any community, near or far, that resonates with you. Indeed, the prompt gives you plenty of leeway in what you consider community. 

When responding to the UC system prompts , you must choose four of the eight available personal insight questions. One of the PIQs is a community service essay prompt:

The University of California Personal Insight Question: A Community Service Prompt

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place, things to consider: think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place like your high school, hometown or home. you can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community, why were you inspired to act what did you learn from your effort how did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community.

Similar to many of the other prompts, when answering this question, be sure to identify the specific impact you made on your community.

Now that we have looked at various examples of community essay prompts, we can explore community essay examples. Reading essay examples is a great way to get inspired to write your own college essays. 

In each of the highlighted college essays that worked, note what the author did expertly. Rather than trying to copy their responses, topics, or ideas, consider how you can apply those same skills to your writing. 

Princeton Community Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Princeton essay examples that respond to their two community essay prompts: a cultural diversity essay and a community service essay. 

The first of our Princeton essay examples responds to the following Princeton prompt: 

Princeton Essay Examples #1: Cultural Diversity Essay

Now, let’s take a look at a student’s response to this prompt focusing on lived experiences. 

Princeton Essay Examples #1 Student Response

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town of 1.8 square miles called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values.

In the face of distinct cultures and customs, we forge a single identity as Highland Parkers and come together to organize large community events. The most prevalent example is our highly touted annual Memorial Day parade, where we join together with neighboring New Brunswick to invite military service members, family members of our fallen war heroes, our legislative and congressional representatives, and our townspeople. Moreover, as our high school band’s vice president, I help organize and lead our ensemble into these performances with a positive and uplifting spirit. We communicate with the town government and arrange the performances every year to perform at the parade. The parade is an example of many of our large community events that serve as a unifying force for our diverse community, reminding us that we are fundamentally connected as one cohesive group, despite our differences. 

As someone deeply interested in historical and political matters, I am well aware of the consequences that arise from dictatorial protocols that limit the freedom of speech and diversity of voices. From my experiences debating in Model UN conferences, I have grown accustomed to being able to present viewpoints from both sides of the argument, and I have learned to incorporate and respect the viewpoints of all sides of an issue before making up my own mind. For example, in a Model Congress debate, I found myself advocating for the interests of a state heavily reliant on traditional fossil fuels. While researching and articulating that perspective, I gained insights into the economic challenges faced by the states that are reliant on these resources. This experience not only broadened my understanding of the complexities surrounding environmental policies but also highlighted the necessity of considering diverse viewpoints for comprehensive decision-making. 

My background and experiences have fostered in me a profound appreciation for the value of diversity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of knowledge. At Princeton University, I will seek to contribute as an active participant in the community, actively provide unique perspectives and insights, and respect and learn from others’ perspectives even if there are disagreements. I wish to partake in student government, which has like-minded peers who want to make a substantive impact, and also participate in service programs like the Civic Leadership Council. Also, I hope to increase my impact from the leadership positions I currently hold on the Red Cross club and teen mayoral advisory council using the platforms in Princeton. I look forward to making a positive impact on both the campus and the broader community. 

Why This Cultural Diversity Essay Worked

In the first of our Princeton essay examples, the student successfully responds to all parts of the Princeton prompt. They begin by describing their community and sharing some details about its makeup. Indeed, the first sentence hooks the reader–it is unique and compelling. 

Then, the student illustrates how they specifically contribute to their community each year by leading the high school band in the Memorial Day parade. They also highlight how their experience in Model UN shaped their appreciation for diverse perspectives. In sharing these two examples, the student demonstrates their leadership and open-minded thinking. Finally, the student ends by highlighting how they would use these values to contribute to Princeton’s community– by partaking in student government and Civic Leadership Council, among other activities.

In the second of our Princeton essay examples, the student responds to the second Princeton prompt which is: 

Princeton Essay Examples #2: A Community Service Essay

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer).

And, here is a student’s response:

Princeton Essay Examples #2 Student Response

My first experience with the Red Cross was when my older sister was desperately trying to recruit people to join the club during the harsh COVID year. Things were so bad for the club that I, as a freshman, ran for the position of treasurer unopposed. My first blood drive experience was marked by masks, social distancing, and low turnout among blood donors. Even many donors who showed up ended up being turned away due to health-related issues. Needless to say, it was not the greatest first high school service experience, and I admittedly started to doubt if the time I spent on this front was worth it. 

However, as we returned in person, things quickly turned around. As the vice president of the club, I helped recruit more than twice the club membership compared to the previous year, and our blood drives started to regain momentum; our blood targets have been exceeded every time since. Organizing and participating in blood drives has become a passion. It’s fulfilling, especially when I personally donate, to know that I’m actively serving the community and saving lives. I have realized that, despite my relatively young age, I am capable of making an impact through public service. I plan to continue my commitment to the Red Cross’s adult program and participate in service programs like Community Action at Princeton to serve the Princeton community and abroad.

Why This Essay Worked

In this admissions essay sample, we learn about a student’s volunteerism with the Red Cross as an example of civic engagement. This essay works for several reasons. First, it provides a specific example of the student’s civic engagement and demonstrates their impact by becoming vice president and increasing membership. Secondly, the essay provides an honest take on the struggles of this service experience, which lends credibility and authenticity to the story. 

The student also demonstrates an important lesson learned. This aligns with Princeton’s values– that students can have a positive impact on society. 

Columbia University Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Columbia essays examples that landed students admission to the prestigious Ivy League university. The first of our Columbia essays examples is written by the same student who responded to the first Princeton prompt above. Here’s a reminder of the Columbia prompt: 

As you read the example below, notice how the student edited their Princeton cultural diversity essay to meet the prompt and lower word count for Columbia:

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values. 

HP has convinced me that we can build institutions that are strong and united while embracing a wide variety of voices and perspectives. It has shaped my core values of diversity and inclusion. An English teacher used to encourage me to talk in front of the class by saying even if I believed my thoughts were “dumb,” I could only enrich the conversation.

At Columbia University, I will seek to continue my contributions as an active participant in the community and look to actively provide unique perspectives and insights. Actively engaging in student groups such as ColumbiaVotes will be a big part of my experience. 

The Columbia essay prompt only allows for a 150-word response. This could pose a challenge for many students. What makes this essay among the Columbia essays examples that worked is how succinctly it completely answers the prompt. 

The response begins by hooking the reader with a relevant detail of the student’s community. Then, the student shares how this community shaped them by influencing their values of diversity and inclusion. Finally, the student shares how they would engage with a Columbia organization that also supports diverse viewpoints. Though short and sweet, this response clearly answers all parts of the Columbia prompt. 

More Community Essay Examples

The final of our community essay examples is a community service essay. Let’s look at how student framed their service experience:

“I don’t believe that’s the best way to do this.” 

The moment I thought this the first time I volunteered at my local soup kitchen was one that resulted in a drastic change. When I was informed of the way the food was being served to the public, the initial excitement that I had felt diminished. We were told that the plates would be served before anyone arrived and would remain in an area where people could pick it up and seat themselves. I felt that this method was impersonal and inconsiderate, and disappointment washed over me. 

I turned to the people that were around me and discovered that they shared the same disapproval I felt. When we agreed that a change must be made, we exchanged ideas on how to present this to the woman in charge of the program. I suggested that we should serve each person one-by-one, and only give them the food if they wanted to/could eat it. They suggested multiple ideas, including that we should offer to seat them, hold their plates for them, continue to check in on them, and dispose of their plates once they finish their meal. We believed that this way would genuinely make them feel better and would allow us to get to know some of them personally. A simple smile and conversation could be enough to improve their day. 

From this day on, the way in which the local soup kitchen serves our community has changed dramatically. This experience taught me the importance of speaking up for what you believe in. In a group setting, it is likely that there will be others who share the same end goal and are willing to contribute different ideas to achieve the goal. These different perspectives can allow you to see situations in ways that you previously hadn’t, and can result in better outcomes. It also showed me the importance of leadership.

If I had never spoken up about the way the food was being served, a change might have never happened. When you work in the group, the end goal may not be for the benefit of anyone in the group, but for others who are in need. This experience also showed me the beauty in doing good for others and making others happy, even through small things such as serving them food to their liking.

In this community service essay, the student shares their experience volunteering at a soup kitchen. Volunteering at a soup kitchen is not necessarily unique in the list of extracurricular activities for college applications. However, the student highlights several aspects of the experience that make it meaningful to them. 

To start, the student shares their experience challenging the way that food was served. The student suggested that food be served directly to attendees in order to better connect with community members. Through this experience, the student learns about leadership and working with others to achieve a common goal. This specific example demonstrates the student’s collaborative values and compassionate way of thinking, both of which are great attributes to highlight in college applications.

How To Write A Community Essay

As we saw in the community essay examples, there are several hallmarks of college essays that worked. To write a good community essay, whether it be a community service essay, a cultural diversity essay, or a describe the community you live in essay, you must start by understanding the prompt. Once you have carefully read through the prompt, brainstorm examples from your own life that relate to it. Sharing specific details and examples will make your response stronger and more unique. 

Additionally, showcase how you grew throughout your response. In each of the community essay examples we shared, the student discussed a skill or perspective they developed through their experiences. Finally, connect your response to the school you are applying to. If you are writing a cultural diversity essay, for example, demonstrate how you would contribute to the cultural diversity at that school, both inside the classroom and in your extracurricular activities for college.  

Topics To Avoid In Your Community Essay

When writing community essays, there is technically no topic that you cannot discuss. However, how you discuss certain topics is important. 

For example, in a community service essay, it is important to not come off as a savior of a community with less privilege than yourself. Similarly, if you are writing a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay, you will want to avoid stereotyping any community. Speaking from your own personal experience as a member of a community is fine. However, generalizing your experience to the community at large can come across as insensitive to that community’s diversity. To avoid these pitfalls, have a variety of people read your community essay examples and look for these dynamics.

Additional Tips for Community Essays

We’ve highlighted the strengths in the community essay examples above. Now we will now share some more tips for making your community essays a strong part of your college applications:

Tips for Writing Community Essays

1. research the college.

When reviewing our college community essay examples, you will notice that students highlight specific clubs, programs, or groups on campus to which they will contribute. If you are specific, you demonstrate real interest in the school which adds strength to your college applications.

2. Tell a story

In each of the college essays that worked, students gave details that told a full story . This story incorporated where they come from and what they learned through their experiences. Rather than telling us who they were, the students used this particular story to show us.

As the college admissions landscape gets ever more competitive, students are sometimes tempted to read other students’ essays and copy ideas. Or, more recently, they may even want to use artificial intelligence to write their essays. However, AI and other students’ experiences won’t show admissions who you really are. Don’t worry about whether you have the best extracurricular activities for college or the most unique cultural diversity essay. Instead, talk about the experiences that truly matter to you. By being honest, you are more likely to come across as convincing and interesting. In each of our college community essay examples, students presented a true and well-thought-out response to the prompts.

Other CollegeAdvisor Essay Resources to Explore 

As you work on your college applications, you might be in search of additional resources. CollegeAdvisor has a wealth of webinars and articles that can help you navigate writing your essays. Here are a few:

More CollegeAdvisor Resources for Essays

1. short essay examples.

Some of the cultural diversity essays you may write will be short, meaning that they are 150 words or less. This article with short essay examples can help you understand how to write short and sweet cultural diversity essays.

2. Cultural Diversity Essay Examples

In this article , you will find additional examples of cultural diversity essays. Many community essays are also cultural diversity essays. As such, becoming familiar with how students write about their cultures is useful.

3. The Ultimate Guide to Supplemental Essays

In this webinar , CollegeAdvisor experts provide a rundown of how to write strong supplemental essays for your college applications. In particular, this webinar will help you decode essay prompts and make sure you answer each prompt fully.

4. Editing Your Supplemental Essays

Once you have read up on college community essay examples and written your cultural diversity essays, you might need help editing them. This webinar will provide tips for how to edit your supplemental essays effectively.

Community Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

Completing your college applications can be a daunting task, especially when you must write multiple essays. For some students, writing cultural diversity essays is challenging. These prompts ask you to dig deep and reflect upon your life influences.

In this guide to community essays, we provided an overview of what a community essay is and how to respond to the different types of community essay prompts. We shared cultural diversity essay examples and describe the community you live in essay examples. We also described what makes these essays strong and how they meet college application requirements. 

In short, the key to writing stand-out essays is to be authentic and thorough in your responses. If you need additional help writing your cultural diversity essay, seek out the support of a trusted resource like CollegeAdvisor. We are here to help you craft the best college applications that could gain you admissions to the school of your dreams!

This article was written by Courtney Ng. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Admissions

Tips from Counselors

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Tackling the Personal Essay: Tips from a Notre Dame Admissions Counselor

Published: August 30, 2024

Author: Zach Klonsinski

If you ask almost any admissions professional which part of reading applications is their favorite, it’s likely their answer will be a resounding, “The essays!” Essays are where we get to engage with students’ hopes, fears, dreams, life experiences (and more) in their authentic voice. We are humbled every year getting to “meet” all the incredible young people who are applying to Notre Dame through their essays!

Yet, writing an essay introducing yourself can be really hard. Maybe you’ve never done so before, or you haven’t for a really long time, and often it will seem really awkward. That’s OK!

It feels hard because it is–or at least it can be.

Don’t worry, though! I love sharing tips with applicants about the personal essay that will hopefully help you see it as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and then share that discernment with the colleges who will be fortunate enough to receive your application!

Getting started

The easiest way to get started is by simply brainstorming! I love using pen and paper (I’m anti-pencil, though I realize that may be a divisive opinion). The physical materials help me feel less constrained by technology, though you may find the technology comforting.

Use bulleted lists or short phrases to capture ideas, life experiences, values, and more. Every day, set aside five minutes to write about yourself or your college discernment process without stopping to think. Where does your mind lead you when you get out of your own way?

Ask your friends and family to help you identify values that are important to you or things that make you.. well… you! Often it’s easier to highlight and say nice things about someone else than it is ourselves, so lean on those who know you well!

Group these collective nuggets to see if any patterns or stories emerge. Do you see any prompts on your application that align with your brainstorming? The Common Application, for example, has seven to choose from, including a make your own prompt! Start writing on one that makes you pause, as that means you might have something to say! Don’t be afraid to go longer than your word count or to use an atypical form of writing.

While that specific level of chaos may not work for you, I always recommend staying away from sentences and avoiding constraining yourself while writing because…

Editing is more than spelling and grammar!

When we want to “edit” something, it can be tempting to start–and just as quickly end–with spell check. (Yes, your essay should have proper spelling and grammar, but please know we are not reading your essay with a red pen “grading” every single comma.)

What is far more important–though also far more intimidating–is your essay’s content.

What really improved my writing actually had nothing to do with me–rather, it was finding trusted editors to give me honest and constructive feedback. While it’s tempting to have your best friend or family member read your essay, I’ve found my best editors possess a strong rhetorical mind, ask thoughtful questions, and are not afraid to tell me when something isn’t working the way I think it is.

This may describe someone close to you, but maybe not. Maybe there’s a classmate or teacher who you have always admired, even if you don’t know them that well. Editing is an incredibly vulnerable process; don’t be afraid to lean into that vulnerability! I promise that a strong editor who works with your voice and style–rather than rewriting your essay how they would have–will help bring forth an authentic essay you didn’t even realize you could write!

Speaking of, authenticity will lead to your best essay

The best application essay is the one that helps us get to know you. Period. Full stop. Any topic can be a good topic, any topic can be a bad topic. At the end of the day, the topic you choose to write about is only a gateway to help us get to know you!

Let’s think of it another way. Say you printed out your essay at your school, without your name or other identifying information on it, and someone who knows you picked it up and read it. If they said, “I bet this is (your name)’s essay,” I can already tell you’re on the right track. There’s something truly you about it!

Where can I find more about writing application essays?

I’m so glad you asked! On our On-Demand Sessions webpage , you can find a number of helpful recorded sessions from our College Application Workshop series. One of them, co-presented by yours truly, is called “Crafting the Perfect College Essay”. My colleague Maria Finan and I present our own tips and tricks for about 20 minutes and then take questions from a virtual audience for the remainder of the 45 minute session. I invite you to check it out, as well as the other sessions we have recorded!

Ready to Write Your App Essays? Advice from an Admissions Counselor on the Notre Dame Supplement

Zach Klonsinski is a senior assistant director with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

He is the regional counselor for Minnesota, Missouri (Kansas City), Wisconsin, Rwanda, Kenya, France, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Monaco, and China - Beijing

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, best colleges for education majors in nj.

Hi there! I'm currently residing in NJ and dream of becoming a teacher. I'm wondering if anyone knows about which NJ colleges have the best programs for education?

New Jersey has several colleges with robust education programs that you might want to consider. Here are a few schools you could explore further:

1. Rutgers University : Rutgers is widely recognized, and their Graduate School of Education is ranked high in the U.S. While you're interested in an undergraduate program, a school with a robust graduate program is likely to have strong undergraduate offerings as well. Plus, should you decide to further your education later, attending Rutgers would establish strong connections and familiarity with a top-tier graduate program.

2. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) : The School of Education at TCNJ is another exceptional choice. TCNJ is known for its teacher preparation programs, and it offers a number of Education majors covering Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary education, with multiple specialization options.

3. Montclair State University : This university offers comprehensive and diverse options for Education majors. They place a heavy emphasis on fieldwork and provide plenty of opportunities for students to gain practical experience in classrooms across New Jersey.

4. Rowan University : Their College of Education is the longest accredited education college in New Jersey and holds a reputation for high-quality programs and successful graduates.

5. Kean University : Kean's College of Education is known for being innovative with a keen focus on global education. They are well-regarded for their commitment to urban education and special education.

Remember, the best program for you depends on your personal interests and career goals. Therefore, it's important to research each option thoroughly to understand their specific curricula, faculty, campus culture, and job placement rates. It may also be helpful to look at each school's teacher certification process, so you better understand the path to becoming a licensed teacher post-graduation.

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