Designed to give high school juniors the opportunity to get a jump start on their college search and apply for admission before their senior year even begins, the Early Bird Program is non-binding and the first of its kind in New Jersey.
How does it work?
- Interested juniors apply online for admission. Early Bird admission is open for both of Montclair’s campuses (Montclair and Bloomfield). The deadline for the Fall 2025 Early Bird Application has passed. High school seniors may apply for regular admission in August.
- Submit a copy of your high school transcript through the online application, showing your junior year courses and mid-year grades (or two marking periods).
- Students applying to a portfolio program may upload their portfolio after their Student Portal account is created. When you upload your portfolio for faculty review as part of Early Bird, make sure to have all of your artwork ready and review portfolio guidelines here.
- We strongly encourage students to submit a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) after their junior year grades are fully available. You will receive a link for SRAR in your applicant portal.
- Admission decisions and preliminary scholarship offers will be sent in July.
What are the benefits of the Early Bird Program?
- Find out if you’re admitted to Montclair before senior year even begins.
- Receive your scholarship offer in July.
- Access to exclusive on-campus events during the fall semester.
- Early access to admitted student webinars, financial aid webinars, financial aid telecounseling and enrollment coaching.
- The application is free.
Are all majors eligible for the Early Bird Program?
Students of all majors can apply for junior admission to the Early Bird Program. Some programs require an audition, interview, portfolio review, or additional materials. Students who apply to those programs might be admitted as an Undeclared student until they are able to complete the faculty review portion of the application process:
- Animation and Visual Effects (Montclair campus)
- Dance
- Illustration
- Music
- Musical Theatre
- Music Therapy
- Recording Arts
- Theatre
- Visual Communication Design
- 7-year Combined BS/PharmD
- 8-year Combined BS/MD
Do any majors require additional materials?
Yes. Please review the following carefully:
| Program | Deadline for Additional Materials | Additional Required Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Dance, Musical Theatre, Music, Music Therapy and Theatre | April 1, 2025 | Learn More |
| Recording Arts | April 1, 2025 | Learn More |
| Animation and Visual Effects, Illustration and Visual Communication Design | April 1, 2025 | Learn More |
| 7 Year Combined BS/PharmD | January 1, 2025 | Learn More |
| 8 Year Combined BS/MD | December 15, 2024 | Learn More |
When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?
Decisions will be sent on or before July 15, 2024.
What if I’m not admitted?
If the Admissions Committee is unable to offer you admission as an Early Bird, your application will be deferred and reviewed again as part of the regular application cycle. Students whose applications are deferred should send updated academic records, such as first marking period or mid-year senior year grades, when they are available.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students who are eligible for merit scholarship will be informed of their award as part of the junior admissions process. Official scholarship and financial aid awarding will begin in July. A FAFSA must be filed for a need-based financial aid package to be reviewed.
Questions?
Set up a telecounseling appointment with an admissions counselor or email askthedirector@sanmingzhi.net with questions.