I am senior from NJ and have narrowed down my college choices to TCNJ and Villanova. In both I will be majoring in Bio on a pre-med track. I want to attend medical school after college, would one choice be better over the other? I heard that both have the same med school acceptance rate, around 70%.
What about socially? When I visited, I liked that both were in secluded suburbs (I’m not looking for a city school), but I really enjoyed the fact that Villanova was very close to Philly. Being close to a city might be better internship-wise. I feel that with TCNJ being 40 minutes away from a major city, there might not be a lot to do on weekends. I am also concerned about Greek life. I am not planning on joining, but will I feel pressured at either school to join?
Another thing I am wondering about is the environment and type of students at each school. When I visited both, I felt that both schools had a great sense of community, with Villanova slightly better than TCNJ. However, I felt that at TCNJ, the students seemed more down-to-earth. I guess it’s also worth mentioning that I am very academically motivated, and I want like-minded peers at whatever school I choose.
Is cost a factor? If so, then TCNJ should have the advantage. If not, then either school should be fine, but Villanova may have more name recognition in areas away from the northeast if you plan to relocate for med school.
TCNJ is a bit isolated and you wouldn’t want to wander too far off campus on foot. It is close to the Trenton train station. You can taxi/uber there in about 10 minutes and catch a train directly to Philly or NY Penn Station. TCNJ also runs bus trips to places. Last semester, they went to NYC around the holidays and this year there was a trip to the Reading Terminal Market in Philly. It’s a minimal cost to students. TCNJ also does a good job of booking entertainment on campus. Last semester they had the band The Maine on campus and this semester they had Ke$ha and BJ Novak, again at a very reasonable cost.
My daughter is a freshman at TCNJ and Greek life is there if you want it, but there’s no pressure to join. Can’t speak about Villanova greek life.
If athletics is a consideration, Nova would have the advantage because they are D1.
As many have said on CC, college is what you make of it. TCNJ offers plenty but it’s up to the student to take advantage of it.
Villanova has a stronger academic reputation but you will have to work harder for a good gpa and class rank. It will be a lot more too. If you can afford it, Villanova is a step or two up in most measures. TCNJ is a decent school, though.
Bopper: I cannot tell if you are ill-informed or being dishonest but you are clearly comparing apples to oranges. Want proof: Villanova was ranked as the number 1 regional university every year (ahead of TCNJ, obviously) before they started granting more Phds and were moved into the national category. When Villanova was ranked as regional, they had an overall score of 100/100. Now that they are national, they are being assessed against the big dogs with a different scale.
@ekdad212 , I hope your DD is loving TCNJ…we visited in the Spring an there was quite abit of construction going on (always a good thing to see) and wondering if everything has been completed…at least around the Student Center? We plan to go back next month for another visit. Thanks!
@tpcrd66, my daughter could not be happier with TCNJ. It is her home and she is living a rich life there. I think we got lucky and found a school that just fits her personality. Not sure about the student center - I’ll have to ask.
Also keep in mind with TCNJ you have to apply to a major when you apply to the college…So biology is very competitive for all the pre-meds wanting a good value college out there. You don’t have to be a Bio major to be pre-med (if that is your intention).
@ekdad212 , I’m so happy to hear that you DD is happy at TCNJ! Yes, kindly let m know what she says about ongoing construction. I’ll let you know how tour round 2 goes. Fingers crossed for increased SAT score on 10/7!! Thank you!
nickyVee- your comment “you’ll have to work harder for a good gpa” is subjective at best. TCNJ as per Barron’s was ranked as one of the top 75 (on a national basis) competitive schools academically. And while Nova was ranked #1 regionally TCNJ was right there at #3 with substantially different resources. Both are sound schools and academically close to the same. In terms of Value- TCNJ is simply way ahead , by a lot.
Just want to let everyone who was wondering know that I chose TCNJ and I love it! Although I am just about a month in, I feel very acclimated to the environment. As a Biology major, my classes are very rigorous and the professors are amazing, they truly know your name and have so much knowledge about their subject area. They really push you to succeed. If any Biology majors are out there, I do want to say that the classes are rigorous and you need to put your time and effort in if you want a good grade, there’s no breezing by these classes, especially gen chem. The construction on the student center is complete and its a popular lunch spot. As for campus town, its not as popular but the new restaurants/stores are promising, this year they are opening a nail salon, Lion Dog (a hot dog place) and an Indian restaurant. The students that I have met are hardworking to their studies and are genuinely nice to others. Overall, I am happy that I chose TCNJ because I can’t see myself anywhere else.