Exploring colleges in Lakewood, NJ?

Hey there, as a high school junior I'm starting to look at colleges to apply to next year. I'm interested in schools located in or around Lakewood, NJ. Can anyone provide some details about the colleges there, such as campus life, academics, and extracurricular opportunities? Thanks!

Hello! It's great that you're starting to think about colleges, and I can definitely help provide some details about colleges in or around Lakewood, NJ. There are a few schools near Lakewood, but I'll focus on two that you might find particularly interesting: Georgian Court University and Ocean County College.

1. Georgian Court University (GCU) is a private university located in Lakewood, NJ. Founded in 1908, GCU is a smaller institution with an average undergraduate enrollment of around 2,000 students. The campus is situated on 156 acres, providing a picturesque setting as well as ample space for academic and extracurricular activities.

Academically, GCU offers over 30 undergraduate programs, with popular majors including business, education, psychology, and health-related fields. The university has a strong commitment to the liberal arts, ensuring a well-rounded education for its students.

In terms of campus life, there are more than 50 student clubs and organizations that cater to various interests, ranging from cultural and academic clubs to service organizations and recreational sports. GCU also has a strong commitment to community service, and many students participate in local and global service-learning opportunities.

Athletics is another significant aspect of GCU, with 14 NCAA Division II teams competing in a variety of sports. Additionally, there are intramural sports and fitness facilities available for students looking to stay active.

2. Ocean County College (OCC) is a two-year public community college located in Toms River, NJ, which is around 12 miles from Lakewood. The college offers a range of associate degree and certificate programs in various fields, including arts and humanities, business, science and technology, among others. Many students at OCC go on to transfer to four-year institutions after completing their associate degrees.

OCC also offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities for students. There are clubs and organizations catering to different interests, including academic, cultural, and special interest clubs. Additionally, the school hosts various events and activities throughout the year to foster student engagement and a sense of community.

Although OCC does not have traditional varsity sports teams, students can participate in intramural sports and use the college's fitness facilities.

In summary, Georgian Court University and Ocean County College are two different options around the Lakewood, NJ area. GCU is a private, four-year institution with a focus on liberal arts education, while OCC is a public community college offering associate degree programs. Both schools provide a variety of academic programs, as well as extracurricular opportunities to suit different interests.