<p>I am a current TCNJ student and wanted to post here to help out anyone thinking about applying to TCNJ. I looked on this site a few times when I was applying to colleges and thought I would comment on my experience.</p>
<p>I entered TCNJ as a Biology major 3 years ago.</p>
<p>Admissions: TCNJ in general is very competitive for admissions, but especially in biology. Bio has been getting increasingly competitive for admissions since I entered 3 years ago. Last year the school got about 11,000 applications for admission. From my experience, TCNJ looks for an average SAT score of a 1300 from applicants, but I know that successful applicants to the biology program typically have SAT scores closer to 1350-1400. (Note: When I applied to TCNJ I think the acceptance rate was somewhere between 38-40%. Currently it is at 47% but this is only because the school took it's largest class in history last year. This was to make up for budget cuts from the state, but I am pretty sure they will not be taking any more large classes in the future because the school is at capacity in regards to housing, food services, etc. I read this in the school newspaper. I would expect the class sizes to be lower going into the future)</p>
<p>I would honestly encourage everyone interested in TCNJ to apply regardless of their stats. When I applied 3 years ago I thought I would be rejected rejected with a 1300 and a 3.6 HS GPA. You never know what could catch the eye of an admissions counselor. Also, TCNJ looks for a wide diversity of applicants so it might help if you are an under-represented minority or an Out of State applicant, or have awesome EC's.</p>
<p>In regards to the Biology program: It is outrageous. All of the professors I have had are TOP notch. The classes are small and interactive. The professors are approachable and I have never had a professor that didn't know my name. There are tons of opportunities to do research. Most of the students are extremely intelligent (many were in the top 5-10 of their high schools). Students get into the top medical schools and graduate schools in the country. I have a few friends that are now at UMDNJ-NJMS, one at UPenn, and others. Also be prepared to work hard because the program is very demanding and difficult. I think most students are shocked when they first get here and realize how much work they have to do - i certainly was.</p>
<p>There is a reason why TCNJ is so in-demand these days. It is a phenomenal college that directly competes with private schools that are usually more than twice the price. When I was applying to college, TCNJ was the only state school I seriously considered. I wanted to go to school far away from home, but when I got here I realized that the state my college is located in doesn't necessarily impact the type of people I encounter or how often I will go home. There is so much going on here that there is really no reason for anyone or myself to want to go home except for holidays. We may even get Drake, Whiz Khalifa, or Kesha for our spring concert.</p>
<p>Every day I have been a student here TCNJ gets even better. The school is constantly building new facilities, renovating existing buildings, beautifying the campus, responding to student concerns, etc. Within the next few months the school will even begin building its own College Town (which I am so jealous that I will not be here for)!!!. The Campus Town is going to bring new restaurants, a pub, a bookstore, a gym, a bank, student apartments, and other shopping outlets all within walking distance for students!! My experience here has been everything I could have asked for in a college - and more!</p>
<p>Sorry I went a little on a rant. Hope this helps any of you.</p>