<p>What are your thoughts about The College of New Jersey?;</p>
<p>Hi Mommypain, I am a senior at a high school is South Jersey. I can tell you what I know from others that have applied. As you know TCNJ and Rutgers (besides Princeton) are two of the most prestigious instate NJ schools. A lot of people consider these to be very strong in academics and are known to have a great social life etc. I can say that TCNJ is not the "in state safety" people used to refer to it as. It is very competitive. Many kids every year from my school apply to Rutgers and TCNJ that are well/over qualified for their "average" applicant. TCNJ is usually for qualified kids instate that do not want to venture far from home, yet still get a superb education and small school atmosphere. Many kids at my school have applied Early Decision too! It is very popular choice on many people's college lists. I can definitely say that a solid high 1200-1300 SAT is usually what they have been accepting from my school. Below a 1200 can be done, but not frequently accepted as in the past. I have not seen the campus, but from what I hear, honestly aesthetic wise, it isn't anything to be in awe over. (Again I haven't visited so I do not know how much truth there is to that). Again, NJ (although I am trying to go West Coast) has a lot to offer to a student out of state that wants to experience living somewhere else. "Jersey" has a lot to do which includes frequent trips to Philly, the shore, etc. (if you have a car) So there are some great opportunities. TCNJ also seems to be pretty good with Sciences if that is what you are looking for. Sorry if this post is scattered or what I know is "on the surface". I can really only say what I have heard and experienced going to a school where TCNJ is a popular choice for many. I know a few people that go there and absolutely love it. I don't think you can make a wrong choice with TCNJ. If you want to ask me anything I can try and answer as best I can. Hope this helps and Good luck with everything.</p>
<p>Interesting side note;</p>
<p>Up until a few years ago when you graduated from Princeton University you were in reality graduating from The College of New Jersey. When TCNJ changed its name from Trenton State the college up the street, Princeton University, sued claiming they had rights to the name due to the fact that the real name of PU was The College of New Jersey and it only used Princeton as a DBA (doing business as).</p>
<p>The case went to court where the judge agreed with Princetons position but he also ordered Princeton to start using the TCNJ name again or lose their rights to it.</p>
<p>Princetons reply was something to the effect: Ah ..never mind, forget we said anything.</p>
<p>And thats how Trenton State College became The College of New Jersey.</p>
<p>MommyPain-
Our son is a freshman at TCNJ and is very happy.
Many NJ kids aspiring to Ivys or big name schools seem to use TCNJ as a safety. So the applicant pool has good credentials; I believe it has the most competitive admissions criteria of the NJ publics.</p>
<p>Nice size school, about 6000 undergrads. Gorgeous campus. Too few dorms but they're working on that.<br>
Some unusual and interesting programs, small classes, great placement rates for grad schools, jobs.
As a parent, I love the 'feel' of the place. Our son seems to be enjoying studying harder than he ever has had to in his life! He has many friends already, an on campus job and seems totally connected to the place.</p>
<p>It does attract almost exclusively NJ kids, which I find a minus. And many kids DO leave on weekends. Proximity to Philadelphia is a plus, at least for our city loving son!</p>
<p>Yea, I think they should make a separate board for TCNJ, its getting a lot of attention lately and should on CC as well :)</p>
<p>thanks for explaining the origin of TCNJ.....I'm originally from Bergen County, and couldn't figure out why all of a sudden there was a new large college that I'd never heard of before.</p>