Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ, USA

Reviews

Montclair State University

Elisha from Blackwood, NJ

a current student here
36 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Montclair State University's student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1, and class size is not large. The environment is just right for learning, and it is put together for your academic success.
Am enjoying being here
Montclair State offers a variety of academic programs to support you in the pursuit of your career goals. I have made many friends in a program I am enrolled in, and making friends makes college life that much more enjoyable. There are also many clubs to get involved in. There is the Latin American Student Organization(LASO), the Carribean Student Organization(CaribSO), the Organization of Students for African Unity(OSAU), and many others. There are multiple Greek Life fraternities and sorroties you can become a member of. There are many spiritual organizations to join, according to your faith. For example, there is Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which I am a member of, and the Muslim Student Organization. Make sure to get involved with clubs and activities.
Bang for the buck
Montclair State is very affordable, tuition, room and board, and fees adding up to about $20,678 per year. With these prices going up every year, Montclair State will always be more affordable than many other private instutions, since it is a public institution. Montclair State's office of financial aid will assist you in finding financial aid through scholarships, grants, and loans. They are extremely helpful to me when I have questions about financing my education.
Tips for prospective students
The search for the right college for you starts with knowing who you are as a person. Find out what you were created to do. What are your passions and desires? What is it that you do that gives you the most enjoyment? The answers to these questions will give you an idea of what you are called to. Look into whatever you answered to these questions and see if you can match it into a subject of study, a major , or a career goal. Once you have done this, start looking for colleges and universities that have these areas of study. Visit some of these campuses and see which one fits you best. Decide on a college, hopefully Montclair State University, and prepare for adjustments that will most likely have to be made if you are living on campus. You will most likely have a roommate, a meal plan, and will be sharing a bathroom. Try to get along with your roommate as best as possible, and make friends that have the same goals and interests as you. Choose friends that want to see you succeed, and help each other reach your goals. Last but not least, be safe have fun!
Great for these types of students
Montclair State is an artsy school, a school that is well known for its arts. Montclair State's arts programs like music, acting, dance, musical theater, and painting are well known across the nation. Also, Montclair State has a well known teaching program, and has the nation's only doctorate program in pedagogy. Montclair State was originally founded in 1908 as a school to train, educate, and produce qualified teachers.

Benjamin

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
Montclair has a lot of Majors and programs!!! And you will also learn from the people you meet. there are a lot of facilities and resources available on campus. Research is also on the rise at this institution.
Am enjoying being here
O yeah before I came to this school I didn't like it because of all that I heard but later on I found out they were just lies ..... I enjoy most of the time here even though some days don't just go as wished or planed. My time so far in MSU is worthwile.
Bang for the buck
Affordable!!! I believe that what we are paying for we are even getting more the type of education being received at MSU I can say is quite similar to the ivies...the only difference is that it is cheaper!!!
Tips for prospective students
Well you would have probably heard a lot of things about Montclair( many terrible things) but I want to tell you otherwise MSU is one of the greatest public schools in the state and country at large. It is very affordable, environment is very conducive, students are active friendly and intelligent, staff are resourceful and helpful even though there maybe some exceptions, food is OK, plenty activities to do a lot of clubs and organizations, financial aid and scholarships are available, on campus jobs are available and they even bend it around your schedule, there is also a train station on campus that takes you to NY. People MSU is really a great school I believe you should come and see for yourself. Just get good grades in High school, get involved in as many extra curricula activities as you can and also apply early.
Great for these types of students
MSU is great for all kinds of students campus community is very diverse fun and beautiful. Many activities to do. I'll recommend this school to anyone who wants to have a future!!!

Neftali from Passaic, NJ

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Each one of my courses has its own challenges and keeps me on my feet. Class size arent huge at all and you can have one on one discussions with the professor during their office hours. It is a great learning institution and your professors will showcase that.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is comfortable and easy to get around in. Shuttle buses are FREE and come about every 5 mins. The student center is most likely where you will spend most of your days. Here you will find cafeterias, printing labs, computer rooms, the place for financial aid help, ID's, or even the school store filled with books and souvenirs to take home or wear! They even have fooseball!
Bang for the buck
Montclair is a great choice for its price. I am a commuter and my tuition is only about $13,000; now if you board it'll be about 20,000. You get many priviliges and have so many choices of programs and entertainment to participate in from C.S.I . Sounds cool? Well it is. Come join and find out!!
Tips for prospective students
You will do the best you can.
Great for these types of students
ALL STUDENTS. NO MATTER WHAT.

Afshan from Dumont, NJ

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I think like any experience, a college education is what you make of it. Montclair State has a surplus of resources to take advantage of and can truly be the college you are proud of. I have had the opportunities to be an active member and leader in on-campus organizations, be a part and establish research project, take part in volunteer work (both off campus and on), study abroad, and redefine myself.
Tips for prospective students
Go in with a positive attitude and always listen! There are so many things happening everyday that you do not want to miss, including things that might impact your entire life. Don't always take the easy teachers, challenge yourself because when you've gone through a tough course, at least you can say you made it out alive. Go to professors' office hours. They can put a face to a name and you'll be a step closer to getting that A.
Academic Rigor
Depending on the course and professor, the classes can either be super simple or highly challenging. You'll get to know which professors expect more. But don't believe everything on those professor rating sites. Figure out where you stand and choose your classes wisely.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is pretty great! I've lived on campus all four years, the first three in Freeman Hall and the last year in the Upper Heights. Being on campus all the time really is convenient when you want to be involved. It's a great way to maintain friendships, too. The quality of the dorms have improved, and as long as you take care of your side of the room, you can't complain all that much.
Food and Dining
Not too bad, not the best thing in the world. Interesting system of paying for food. But hey, can't get enough of the sushi!
What to do for fun
Go to the Rec Center to work out. Be near the Student Center for cool events and free stuff. Hop on a shuttle to Clifton Commons for some good food and shopping. Go to class (seriously!).
Bang for the buck
Again, college is what you make of it. I'd say ... yes!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
It's hard to say what is unusual if I haven't attended another college. But everyone knows and loves the space behind the Rec Center where you can see the NYC skyline, which is gorgeous at night. Construction is a constant at MSU, so always expect that!
Great for these types of students
Vibrant students who just want to ... do stuff would be amazing here.
Clubs and Activities
We have over 140 clubs alone. And probably hundreds of activities to become involved in. There's an activity for everything.
Campus Safety
You can ask for a security escort to walk you to where you want to go in the evening. It is an open campus so it could be tricky. Thankfully, we haven't experienced any dangerous situations in the past four years.

Cassandra from Union, NJ

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Professors at Montclair State University are all very well educated. They are very understanding and are available during their office hours to help students out. I have no trouble following my teachers during their lectures and they give me a wealth of information that is easy to remember.
Am enjoying being here
For me being here is a lot of fun. The people here are all very nice and it is very easy to make friends. There is always something to do on campus like go to free theater performances that the school puts on or going to a sporting event. There are also numerous clubs and geek life that puts on events for the students to attend like dances.
Bang for the buck
Since Montclair State University is a state university it is not that expensive for me. It is very true about what is said about the educational services here, numerous amounts of people have told me that people graduating from Montclair State University come out being just as well off as people from well known institutes if not better.
Tips for prospective students
Do not be afraid to go for extra help. Montclair offers tutoring for a variety of classes and enough tutors to be able to assist the students needing help. Also the Professors are all required to have office hours where the students can go for extra help. Remember people are not going to ask how much help you had to get your BMW they are just going to know you have it.
Great for these types of students
Any student that is interested in music or theater should consider Montclair State University. Our music and theater programs are rising fast and are becoming very popular.

D'Andre from Newark, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
MSU is a huge school. It has been people from all backgrounds and sexual orientations/preferences. Also, MSU is home to many orgs and the different types of people who are in them.
Tips for prospective students
Pay attention in class no matter what is going. Take good notes because it may end up on the tests. Go to office hours often if you know you need it and ask questions.
Academic Rigor
The course is only crazy rigorous if the teacher that your taking is the kind of teacher who makes things extremely hard for you as a student.
Dorm Life
I haven't dormed, but from what I seen and while I stayed on campus with friends before the dorm life isn't bad at all. People make a lot of cool people and have a decent living space to live in while staying on campus.
Greek Life
loads of many different orgs.
Campus Safety
has their own police station on campus.

Chloe from Cedar Grove, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Although Montclair State seems rather large, the faculty and students really make the campus feel like a community. There are many different activities and opportunities available to everyone on-campus and off-campus. Whether it be Greek life, sports, student government or the arts, there's something for everyone at Montclair State!
Tips for prospective students
Once you apply to Montclair State, always check your WESS account for information on your application, how to sign up for classes and payment/billing.
Academic Rigor
- Classes are challenging, but manageable.
- Medium sized classes (range from 20-100 students, but the average class size is 25-30)
- Many course and programs offered, but a lot of General education requirements.
Dorm Life
The dorms are extremely nice and well kept, large room sizes and there are many different housing options; apartments, communal and suite style living.
Food and Dining
There are many different options for food on campus; dining halls, the Red-Hawk diner, Au Bon Pain coffee shop, and many small convenience-type stores.
What to do for fun
- Trips to NYC
- Sports games
- Explore the town of Montclair and surrounding areas
- Get involved in Greek life
- Check out the student arts center for plays, dance shows and more
Bang for the buck
If you live in-state, you can get extremely low tuition rates. The only thing that is rather expensive about Montclair State is room and board rates, so if you have the option to commute, I would commute.
Great for these types of students
- Students who want a larger school, but still have small class sizes
- Students who want a lot of different major and minor offered
- Students who want to get involved
- Students who want to be close to NYC
- Commuter and Resident students
Clubs and Activities
There is really wide variety of clubs and activities, so whatever interests you, I'm sure you can find it at Montclair!
Campus Safety
Montclair State has its own police force on campus, who you see regularly throughout the campus, as well as a very safe and friendly environment.

Izabella from Clifton, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Such a beautiful school with an extremely large amount of opportunities! Hundreds of fun extracurriculars and assistance provided throughout campus. I really enjoy my time at MSU and this school has really shaped me into a high achieving enthusiastic student.
Tips for prospective students
Join clubs and go to events! I assure you can find at least one exciting event every week with many opportunities to make friends. Try the delicious food spots around campus such as Red Hawk Diner and the cafe in University Hall. Teachers are extremely involved and provide a lot of assistance. I am never hesitant to ask for help and the workload is fair.
Academic Rigor
I am a Biology major so I expected to hit some difficulty. I have amazing professors to help me strive for the best. This major is very fun at MSU and they have many opportunities that coincide with Biology/Science majors.
Dorm Life
The dorms are very beautiful, food is delicious, and many amenities such as a high-quality gym is provided. You will meet so many interesting people when you dorm. You also have a beautiful view of NYC through your windows.
Food and Dining
I enjoy the food very much because I love buffet style. They have many different choices all throughout campus. I do not think you can ever be hungry here!
What to do for fun
There is a list of so many fun events every week. Some include adventure room, laser tag, karaoke, build a bear, and even commuter appreciation days! It is so amazing how much they care about the students and want them to have a great time.
Bang for the buck
This has to be the best value for a school. Has so many benefits and at such a low price! I regret applying to so many schools because MSU is a perfect fit for me without getting in a large amount of debt.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Rocky the hawk will be enthusiastically roaming the campus. One time a plant was in his way so he kicked it over. But he gave me some candy when I saw him do it, it was so funny!

William from Teaneck, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Montclair State University has a very diverse campus.
Montclair State University has 300 majors, minors, concentrations and certificate programs.
Montclair State University has an SAT optional policy on their application for admission.
Tips for prospective students
Talk to your Professors if you don't understand what the homework assignment is asking for.
Learn how to manage your time, between doing homework, extracurricular activities, jobs, being social, etc.
Go to Center for Writing Excellence at Bohn Hall if papers become difficult to write
Talk to academic advisor about major and career options
Keep on track with payment plan balance and deadlines
Academic Rigor
The work is tough, but it will be easier to manage when you ask for help from your Professor or classmates.
Some classes may require you to write up to ten pages for some papers.
The General Eds may help you figure out your strengths, which could lead to your major and career goals.
Dorm Life
I like my dorm, Blanton Hall, because it's fairly close to my class halls, it has a Chili's, Dunkin Donuts, and sandwich shop on the first floor, and majority of my classmates live there, too. That makes me feel like food and academic assistance are not that far away.
Food and Dining
There's the Red Hawk Diner open 24/7, Sam's Place and Freeman Hall (where the meal plan is unlimited), Cafe Diem, and the Student Center Cafeteria, with Dunkin Donuts and California Tortilla among others.
What to do for fun
There are over 120 clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. You can watch baseball at Yogi Berra Stadium, football at Sprague Field, take up community service opportunities, and more. There's also foosball tables, pool tables, TVs in dorm lounges, and many other things to do for fun.
Campus Safety
EMS and Police are there 24/7 to keep an eye out for anything wrong on campus: Fire drills, Drunkenness, Injuries, even Shootings. There are emergency phones all around campus,so whenever there are violent or tragic crimes of sorts happening on school grounds, someone will be there to respond, care for you, and protect you.

niah

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
i think the amount of majors that this school have is absolutely amazing and i can't wait to learn