What are my chances? --The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)

Colleges and Universities A-Z The College of New Jersey
1

Hi guys- I’m absolutely IN LOVE with TCNJ. I just submitted my application and I was looking to see what others thought about my chances.

I’m a New Jersey resident.
Major: Finance

GPA: 101.28 weighted,

Class rank: 10 of 174

ACT: 27 ( I dont think I will be submitting this though, as my SAT converts to a higher score)
SAT: 1290/1600
Math: 680
Reading: 610

AP coursework: AP Bio (3), APUSH (2), currently taking: AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics 1

ECs: Varsity Lacrosse, Varsity Football, National Honor Society Member, Science National Honor Society member, Science and Math league participant, Head Start Volunteer, Student Council VP, Habitat for Humanity member, and Im a peer tutor.

Service: 200+ hours, Coaching youth football, teaching autistic children how to play lacrosse, Volunteering in the local library

Honestly, I feel like my essay is okay. I wrote about growing up with immigrant parents and the cultural differences. I talked about how much it meant to me that they came here for a better life for me and that I cant let them down.

I have 3 letters of rec. One from my AP US history teacher who had me for a full year, One from my freshman physics honor and junior year AP Bio teacher, and one that my counselor has to write. I think they should be decent letters.

Do you think I should apply regular and try to get more money or would it better my chances and apply Early Decision? Thanks so much

2

I think you have excellent chances ED or RD; consider this, is this school your top choice or not? Ill discuss why I feel you have great chances: Excellent GPA, top 10% in class, New Jersey Resident (Instate) [More likelihood to attend], and you’re an athlete with solid ec’s where I can see what you enjoy- sports and volunteering. I’d also advise you that your ACT is higher than your SAT a 27 translates to a 1310. I think your decision is easy, ED- if you know that is your top choice or RD- if money is a concern for your family and TCNJ is not your first choice.

Best of luck,

3

Thanks so much for your response!!! I will submit both scores in that case. Also, my concern comes from my major. I want to major in finance and I have heard that any business related major (Highly ranked business program) is much harder to get into the school than something else. TCNJ is my top choice but money is also a concern.

4

Think of your application in terms of a story. When you read through your essays, extracurriculars, family background is it easy to identify yourself as someone who is interested in finance? If I was to read you application right now, would I see a future TCNJ graduate working price points for product distribution at stores like Whole Foods and Kroger? That is what the school is looking for, an application that validates the choice of major. A highly ranked business program needs… highly motivated and accomplished students interested in business, however, you’re one of them- I can tell. To take the effort and time to be a member of a website like college confidential and to be so invested in your future denotes volumes about your character. Meet with your schools GRASP or financial aid coordinator and figure out if it is “reasonable” for you to do ED or if it will be too far of a stretch for your family financially. However, don’t let your dreams just be dreams, if it is not ED your chances still look promising RD; however, I am not adcom but still I think you have great chances if you have any more questions feel free to pm me.

5

bump

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your gpa and class rank should put you in good position. But it is true that finance is a more competitive major to get into . Many are accepted into the b school but waitlisted for finance. Since you love the school I would give serious consideration to ED could make the difference. Also , the high gpa should qualify for a small merit award.

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@stones3 thanks for your reply!! Do you think i will get into the finance program regular decision?

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not sure.

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Hi!! I’m applying to TCNJ early decision for Finance too. I’m terrified of getting WAIT listed or rejected. I have about the same course work as you/ AP scores/ extra curricular and also a 1290/1600. My gpa is a 3.93 weighted but brought high school I went from non honors, to all honors, to all aps so it’s shown improvement and my essay i though described who I was. I’m really hopeful!!!

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Also for GPAs, you are only compared against the people in your school that are applying since the weights/classes and other factors are different from school to school

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Oh and one more thing, if I’m rejected from finance is it possible to accept me as the second major I put down?

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@mellsie2468 Thats awesome!! Im giving the last thoughts tonight and submitting my ED application tomorrow. Are you expecting merit money? And if someone is rejected from their first major then i believe they give you a list of the other programs youre accepted in.

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Considering I don’t have a 1300 and my gpa is a little above the average, I don’t think I’m getting merit money which is okay because I’m in state. I put down marketing as my potential other program of study so I would be happy with either!!! I’m visiting on the 11th so i’m going to doublecheck with the admissions if that’s what happens because if so I’ll feel a lot better. I rather get in and have this process done with as soon as possible!!

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I would say marketing should be no problem, finance might be a bit of a stretch.

15

Its not as selective as they make it seem. @stones3

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SAT scores weigh heavily in merit awards. My D had a 1350 on the reading and math and graduated first in her class but received zero in merit money. She chose a private university that gave her a large merit award.

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But @crazymamaB if your daughter gets a $30K scholarship to a $60K private school, that is the same out of pocket as TCNJ full price. So it is really all about net cost.

My DD had 1350 and got a $3K scholarship 2 years ago.

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mattlax27 , what’s not as selective?

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Yes @bopper, but she liked the private school much better and it is costing me almost the same. The point is that if TCNJ was significantly cheaper it would have stayed in play. For the same price–she may as well go to her top choice.