By Olivia Suh
Correspondent
The College is mentioned in the recently published book “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You” by The New York Times best-selling author and award-winning higher education journalist Jeffrey Selingo.
Selingo created a list of hidden-gem schools that not only hold value and opportunities, but also are accessible and affordable. He draws attention to major factors in deciding on the right school. These include financial health, student engagement, geographic diversity and career success.
Selingo said in an Instagram video posted by @tcnj_official, “Your campus made the Dream School’s list because it embodies so much of what I believe that after working in and around higher ed for nearly 30 years makes for a truly great institution: accessibility, student engagement, financial sustainability and strong outcomes.”
According to his official bio on his website, Selingo’s “in-depth reporting and storytelling have provided practical insight about the future of higher education and the workforce to university leaders, corporate executives, as well as students and parents” for more than 25 years.
After surveying more than 3,000 parents, Selingo found what matters most when deciding on a college: career preparation, hands-on learning and belonging. To guide families, he created a list consisting of 75 schools that deliver on these priorities.
The College made the cut in part because of its low student-faculty ratio and the many undergraduate research opportunities that compete on the same level as more recognized universities.
President Michael Bernstein said in an email to the campus community, “This recognition underscores our commitment to providing an educational experience that’s affordable, academically rigorous, and deeply focused on student outcomes. Jeffrey Selingo’s holistic approach to compiling this list emphasizes all aspects of the college experience, and we’re proud that TCNJ is recognized for our efforts across so many of these key areas.”
“We’ve always focused on providing the highest quality education and will continue to do so. We are gratified for our consistency to be acknowledged and recognized,” Luke Sacks, head media relations officer at the College, told The Signal in an emailed statement.
“Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You” is a continuation of “Who Gets In and Why,” which is a book that gives an inside look at college admission offices and gives tips on “surprising strategies” that could help with the application process, according to the Google Books descriptions.
In his most recent book, Selingo shifts his focus from admissions to how families can make smarter choices when applying to colleges. Instead of fixating on the top-ranked universities, Selingo informs parents of lesser-known institutions that offer strong outcomes, affordability and community.
“Selingo highlights the fact that TCNJ competes on the same playing field as much larger institutions while staying true to our mission as a regional public university,” Bernstein said in a campus-wide email.
