BCA Prep: A Guide to Bergen County Academies
Niche currently ranks Bergen County Academies (BCA) as the #1 Best College Prep Public High School in New Jersey, the #2 Best Magnet High School in New Jersey, and the #3 Best Public High School in New Jersey. US News and World Report rates it #4 in NJ High Schools. So, the quality of BCA is nothing to sneeze at.
In 2023, BCA only had 1,119 students, 265 of which were seniors. Their acceptance rate that same year was 22%, published here. Due to such high demand, getting into BCA may be your biggest hurdle. BCA accepts about 270 students per year, and BT accepts approximately another 170 students.
There are three magnet schools in Bergen County that are similarly competitive. The application process to these schools can be overwhelming. Fortunately, MEK Review can guide you through this process. We have a proven record, and we are the uncontested experts on the BCA application process! Let’s start with some basic information you need to know.
Prestigious Bergen County Magnet Schools
- Bergen County Academies (BCA) – Hackensack, NJ
- Bergen County Technical Schools (BT) – Teterboro, NJ
- Academies at Englewood (AE) – Englewood, NJ
BCA – Academies and Programs
Unlike a typical high school, applicants at BCA choose from seven specific Academies/Programs. Each of these academies has a different focus. Students are encouraged to choose a concentration that interests them, rather than thinking of it as a career choice. Applicants supply a first choice and second choice of Academy or Program. But no worries, this does not mean that they are restricted to study in only one arena. Students may take electives offered by other academies and there are over 130 clubs and organizations that nurture a wide variety of interests!
The seven Bergen County Academies are:
- AAST – Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology
- ABF – Academy for Business and Finance (International Baccalaureate Option)
- ACHA – Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (International Baccalaureate Option)
- AEDT – Academy for Engineering and Design Technology
- AMST – Academy for Medical Science Technology
- ATCS – Academy for Technology and Computer Science
- AVPA – Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, Visual Arts)
While each of these Academies has an emphasis on a particular career path, students receive a comprehensive education through a number of electives during their 4 years of high school. These cross-academy courses help them pinpoint and develop their interests even further. Additionally, these varied electives make students more well-rounded, which in turn makes them attractive candidates for competitive universities. Through a strong college prep program, BCA places a heavy focus on preparing students for college success. Overall, BCA is great place to plan out a student’s career path.
BCA’s Current Application Process
To apply, you must be a resident of Bergen County by September 1. Only 8th grade students are allowed to apply, and they are allowed only one submission. Duplicates will be deleted from their system, so it’s very important that you follow all guidelines and deadlines. Read here for more information.
After the initial application process, approximately 600 students will receive an interview invitation for BCA. Final acceptances are about 270 at BCA and 170 at BT. The Academies at Englewood will accept about 110 students every year.
Applications will include:
- 7th grade report card
- First marking period of 8th grade report card
- NJ PARCC Score – advanced proficiency in both subjects
- Teacher recommendations – English, Math, and Science
- Application Essay
- Admission Exam
- Portfolio (for certain programs)
- Interview
Application opens on September 1, 2024. BCA and BT are completed through the same online portal. Check for portal close date and other deadlines. You can alter and change your application up until the final day the portal closes.
A@E application is submitted here. Unlike BCA and BT, the application and essay are completed through different links both found on this page. Check for this year’s deadlines.
It is best to start the application process early. You’ll need time gather all the necessary documents, and you’ll want to give your child plenty of time to complete the application essay.
About the entrance exam
Success on the entrance exam requires strong problem-solving skills, which is not often taught in middle school classrooms. From 2011, BCA eliminated open-ended questions on the math exam. After 2011, the exam added more word problems and challenging questions. The English section asks students to analyze a complex text and write a high school level 5-paragraph literary analysis essay from the prompt given. The entrance exam is the same for BCA and BT. The A@E test is slightly different, but has very similar content and skill requirements as the BCA and BT test.
Entrance exams don’t measure an applicant’s achievement, but rather comprehensively evaluates their reasoning skills. It is not just about teaching students the information on the test but teaching them the best strategies for any type of problem or prompt they might encounter on exam day.
Upcoming BCA/BT Prep Seminar
BCA/BT Prep Seminar + Placement Test
Tuesday, August 13th, 6:30 PM
Closter Campus
MEK Review’s BCA Prep program
Our 20+ year BCA Prep program helps parents successfully navigate the complex admissions process and helps students ace the challenging entrance exam!
Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of students gain admission to BCA.
In 2022, 54 of our students were accepted to BCA, 16 were accepted to BT, and 22 were accepted to A@E.
Get started by contacting us today!
For more BCA tips and general high school admissions advice, check out:
