When applying to colleges, some of the things that I most wanted to find were a place with a striking scenery, an out of state location, a good nightlife, and of course, hot men. Yes, I was immature and shallow, but I know that I wasn’t alone. I applied to many colleges that met my criteria, and to appease my parents, I even applied to TCNJ. When I was accepted to TCNJ, my parents made it clear that it was the school they wanted me to enroll in; they gave me their reasons, but I was not convinced. It was with reluctance that I eventually enrolled into TCNJ. And here I am three years later, about to tell you why TCNJ was the best decision of my life. TCNJ may not have the best scenery (except those nice looking pixie balls that they call decorations), or the best nightlife (except for the college's most popular bar, which also doubles as a bowling alley), but what TCNJ does have is a small community of involved, high-achieving students; a place we all like to call home.
“Looking from the outside in, you can never understand it. Standing on the inside looking out, you can never explain it.” -Unknown
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1. The students are really bright.
It is likely that people outside of
2. It’s the best bang for your buck.
TCNJ is affordable. We all have friends who brag about going to schools like Fordham, Northeastern, or
3. TCNJ is 97 percent N
Some people may see this as a negative, but it really isn’t. TCNJ is quite diverse; you will meet many different types of people, and because most of them are New Jersey residents, you will find it easy to maintain these new friendships when you are not at college. For me, this is hugely convenient during summer and winter breaks when I am only about an hour away from my best friends from college. I am able to have a job at my school during summers and breaks and still have time to spend with family!
4. It is the perfect size.
When you think about the "typical college,” you may picture the big schools with the crowded football games and the big tailgates on Friday nights. But, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the fact that I attend a small school where my teachers know me on a first name basis and even know the clubs and activities that I am involved with. I like becoming friends with the dining hall workers (shout out to my girl Eve), and I weirdly enjoy the perks of going to a party and knowing everyone there... These kinds of close relationships make me feel like TCNJ is my home, rather than just the place I will spend four years of my life.
5. The location is convenient.
I know what you’re thinking -- what’s so special about
6. You can participate in multiple clubs/sports/activities at one time.
TCNJ is a Division III school, which goes to say that you will have the opportunity to be involved in more than one club or sport or activity. It is completely possible to be involved in a sport, club, and Greek life all at one time and still keep up with school work. I am thankful that I am on the diving team, I am in DPhiE, and I have participated on the club swim team, as well as the cheerleading team, all while taking classes.
7. The floor vibes.
Living in the towers gives you a million opportunities to create relationships with other freshmen. Your freshmen floor mates were the first people you met -- they saw you at your worst and at your best. I’m sure we even all remember our freshmen floor chant! I remember mine.. (“I got 99 problems but a boy ain’t one!” Can you tell I was on the all girls floor?)
8. It’s comfortable.
The easiest friendships I have made are those that I have made at TCNJ. At TCNJ, the students are welcoming and humble; everyone seems to share the same financial concerns, desire to do well in school, and desire to do well in life. TCNJ is a highly selective school, but the students are down-to-earth. And finally, TCNJ has its share of “hot” men and women, but these people are also smart and are genuinely good people! What more could you ask for?
TCNJ is the best decision I’ve ever made. TCNJ is what I call home.
