Parent FAQ
Questions from parents
Answers drawn from what Bergen County Technical Schools has published.
Checked against BCA's published admissions pages on November 4, 2026.
Before you enroll
Questions from parents.
Who can apply to BCA?
Only 8th grade students can apply. Transferring into Bergen County Academies is not permitted. The student's primary residence must be in Bergen County, NJ by September 1, 2026, regardless of where the student attends school.
When is the application due?
The application deadline is Sunday, November 8, 2026. BCA says all sections must be completed correctly by the deadline.
What is the admissions test like?
The admissions test takes about 2 hours. It is taken on Chromebooks that BCA provides, using the Pear Assessment software. BCA says it uses neither the HSPT nor the COOP.
Can my student pick a test date?
BCA selects each student's test date and time, and applicants cannot choose. Families check the student portal on or after November 12 to find the date and time. The admissions test is planned for Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026. BCA asks families to keep both days open between 7:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Is there a practice test?
BCA posts a 40-question practice test that resembles the math portion of the entrance exam, with a full answer key. On the sample test, applicants get sixty minutes without a calculator for 40 questions. Each correct answer earns two points, and one-half point is deducted for each incorrect answer. Unanswered questions are not counted.
Will we see my student's test score?
Test scores are never released to applicants or parents and guardians.
Does BCA recommend tutors or prep programs?
BCA says the Admissions department is not affiliated with any programs or tutors and does not make recommendations. It suggests that all applicants review middle school English and math coursework and view the sample test.
Who writes the recommendations?
BCA requires 3 recommendations from middle school teachers: English, science and math. Only the 8th grade math teacher can write the math recommendation. The counselor and teacher help page lists Monday, January 4, 2027 for transcripts and recommendations. For anything submitted after that date, it tells counselors to email admissionsupport@bergen.org.
Can my student apply to more than one academy?
A student can submit only one application to the Bergen County Technical Schools district. A student may be invited to a second-choice program instead of the first choice, based on seat availability. A student who applies to Bergen County Academies and / or Bergen County Technical School, Teterboro counts as one application, and dual applicants should write two essays.
When do families hear back?
BCA says applicants to the Bergen Academies are notified in February, through the portal at studentrecs.bergen.org, about whether they will continue in the application process.
Is transportation provided, and is there tuition?
Transportation is provided by the sending district, which also pays the tuition of the accepted student.
Is BCAPrep affiliated with BCA?
No. BCAPrep by EduAvenues is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Bergen County Academies. Check every requirement and date on the school's own website before you apply.
How current is the admissions information on this site?
The admissions facts on this site were last checked against the school's published pages on November 4, 2026. Schools can change requirements and dates at any time.