<p>I thought I’d throw in my own observations. Our high school sends a lot of kids to TCNJ almost all from the top 10% of the graduating class and many from the top 5%. Lower ranked kids from our town pretty much get shut out of TCNJ. For every one that is accepted 3 or 4 more have applied. The kids choose to apply and attend TCNJ because the feedback that they hear from their friends already at the school is very positive and the school is an amazing value. </p>
<p>That said there are differences between TCNJ and Lafayette for you to consider:
S choose Lafayette because of its smaller size. He also felt he would be less inclined to come home weekends from Lafayette. I would not call TCNJ a suitcase school since I know a number of kids that stay on campus many weekends however they are home more often than S.
From our perspective Lafayette has a stronger alumni base for purposes of internships and job searches, a stronger academic program (however S was not looking at any science studies), smaller class sizes and more opportunities to get to know and work closely with faculty.</p>
<p>It is true that TCNJ has come a long way since its days as Trenton State College. When I graduated high school some 30+ years ago it was much more prestigious to go to Rutgers College than Trenton State. My friends who went to Trenton were there for either teaching or nursing. I wouldn’t let that background bother you though since it is absolutely not the same school today and now enjoys a solid reputation (at least in this area of the country).</p>