The Masters Preps BCA Prep program is a one of a kind program catered to competitive students who wish to attend the magnet school. Our BCA prep program is selective and requires the applicant to take a diagnostic test and to submit her/his 6th and 7th grade report cards along with PARCC results for evaluation.
The Bergen County Academies (BCA or BA) is a public magnet high school located in Hackensack, New Jersey. As a public school, BA accepts students from across the county at no cost to the student (the costs are covered by the students home district). The school is divided into seven specialized college-preparatory programs, each called an “academy.” BCA was recognized in 2009 by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best high schools in the United States. According to statistics from Newsweek (2011), BCA students scored an average of 2100 on the old SAT, the second highest average among US high schools; overall, Newsweek ranked BA 23rd in the nation and 2nd in the state. In addition, Bloomberg Businessweek cites BA as New Jerseys best high school (the BCA/BCTS profile to be updated).
Our BCA prep course starts in the summer and runs through the end of December. During the summer, we provide lessons on fundamental, challenging math topics that have been tested on previous BCA Entrance Exams and help our students enhance their problem solving and application skills. For the essay portion of the exam, we focus on developing students critical reading and thinking skills, logical reasoning skills, and effective writing skills.
To start the process, please make an appointment and visit Masters Prep. We will provide an individualized presentation about how to apply to BCA/BCTS and how we prepare students for the successful admission into the academies. If possible, please come with your child (recommended) so that he/she can take our evaluation test during or after the presentation. Please fill out the inquiry form below. Once we receive your inquiry, we will contact you to schedule an appointment. If your child takes the evaluation test, there is a $40 fee for the evaluation, which will be credited against the tuition amount if you register your child for our Bergen County Academies prep course. If you are already ready to apply to our BCA Prep program, please fill out the application form. (There is no application fee.)
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The Path to Applying for BCA
It is well known that Bergen County Academies is very selective with its applications. Out of the 1600 students who apply, only 15% are accepted.
With this fact in mind, MEK Review engages students and parents regarding the pros and cons of attending BCA. Together, they explore important questions like: Is this a good fit for my student? Are they willing to commit to a rigorous study plan to increase their chances? Will they be overwhelmed by the courses at BCA, or will they be positively challenged by them?
However, MEK Review’s BCA Prep course itself is selective, requiring students meet necessary academic guidelines to be admitted. This ensures that eligible students can confidently excel in the competitive, high-achieving environment present at one of the nation’s top private high schools.
Such rigorous discipline, positive habits, and strong academic foundation can be developed through a unique, preceding course sequence, which includes Pre-BCA Prep and Summer Exam Prep 8 courses.
Read more on MEK’s special preparation for the BCA admissions process here.
MEK Review’s BCA Prep students are eagerly awaiting news in early April. This is when BCA will send out acceptance letters for the lucky students joining the BCA Class of 2024.
In Fall of 2019, 1 in 6 new, incoming freshmen for Bergen County Academies were alumni from MEK Review’s unique BCA Prep program.
Such success illustrates the importance of determination, hard work, and smart strategy when it comes to achieving goals.
For 8th grade parents seeking to give their child the best opportunities for academic development, MEK Review recommends Summer H.S. Honors Math & Science, perfect for mastering tough AP or Honors courses in the Fall of freshman year; and (P)SAT Core Reading & Writing for getting a valuable head start on the SAT.
bergen academies interview questions
The second portion of the interview will ask questions pertinent to your academy. The interviewer may ask, “Why did you choose this academy,” or, “What experience do you have in this academy?” Again, you know why you want to join your specific academy, but you must convey your ideas, and convince the interviewer you are the right fit for Bergen Academies. Also, write down a list of questions that are significant to your academy and rehearse them. Now is the moment to let your enthusiasm shine through.
The first portion of the interview will include basic questions about yourself and your school. For example, the interviewer will ask, “How do you think you can handle a long school day,” or “What is your favorite book?” Similar to the picture above, it is not uncommon to see two interviewers for every one student. Many students will feel intimidated and outnumbered especially if the questions become more difficult. Relax while answering questions and wait a second or two before answering to collect your thoughts. It may help to remember you are not alone. Every student being interviewed will face the same situation.
Congratulations! You have done well on the exam and now you are ready for the next phase of admission; the interview. Give yourself a round of applause. Up to this point you have made it further along than nearly 2/3 of the best and brightest applicants in Bergen County, but only about 1 in 2 will make it past the interview to become a Bergen County Academies student so, to use a sports analogy, stay on your game. I will break the interview into its most basic steps. You understand why you deserve to go to Bergen Academies and your only job is to convince your interviewer. This article will give you the tools to be prepared for many questions and impress your interviewer.
When the interview is over, you may be asked if you have any questions about the school. Make sure you are prepared to ask a good question about the school. I cannot stress this enough! Additionally, if the interviewer does not ask this question, bring up the topic yourself. Interviews can be nerve-racking, but they should be a two-way street. The interview is as much an opportunity for you to evaluate the school as it is for the school to evaluate your application. You will want to take every chance you can to make sure BCA is the right fit for you.
bergen academies interview questions
The Masters Preps BCA Prep program is a one of a kind program catered to competitive students who wish to attend the magnet school. Our BCA prep program is selective and requires the applicant to take a diagnostic test and to submit her/his 6th and 7th grade report cards along with PARCC results for evaluation.
To start the process, please make an appointment and visit Masters Prep. We will provide an individualized presentation about how to apply to BCA/BCTS and how we prepare students for the successful admission into the academies. If possible, please come with your child (recommended) so that he/she can take our evaluation test during or after the presentation. Please fill out the inquiry form below. Once we receive your inquiry, we will contact you to schedule an appointment. If your child takes the evaluation test, there is a $40 fee for the evaluation, which will be credited against the tuition amount if you register your child for our Bergen County Academies prep course. If you are already ready to apply to our BCA Prep program, please fill out the application form. (There is no application fee.)
Our BCA prep course starts in the summer and runs through the end of December. During the summer, we provide lessons on fundamental, challenging math topics that have been tested on previous BCA Entrance Exams and help our students enhance their problem solving and application skills. For the essay portion of the exam, we focus on developing students critical reading and thinking skills, logical reasoning skills, and effective writing skills.
The Bergen County Academies (BCA or BA) is a public magnet high school located in Hackensack, New Jersey. As a public school, BA accepts students from across the county at no cost to the student (the costs are covered by the students home district). The school is divided into seven specialized college-preparatory programs, each called an “academy.” BCA was recognized in 2009 by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best high schools in the United States. According to statistics from Newsweek (2011), BCA students scored an average of 2100 on the old SAT, the second highest average among US high schools; overall, Newsweek ranked BA 23rd in the nation and 2nd in the state. In addition, Bloomberg Businessweek cites BA as New Jerseys best high school (the BCA/BCTS profile to be updated).
