Here are all the details on how to get accepted into one of the state’s highly specialized, competitive academic institutions for high schoolers.
For several years now, New Jersey has been cultivating a diverse array of school districts with county-run specialized programs for high schoolers to explore their passions and intellectual capabilities.
Long before they even begin college applications, a portion of these New Jersey students are already going through the application process- in eighth grade! But it’s well worth it, especially if the student is very particular about the field of study they wish to pursue.
One of the most advanced high schools in New Jersey, even the country, is known as High Technology High School. It’s been part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District since its initial opening in 1991. While many NJ public high schools are home to special academies, High Tech (and the other schools in MCVSD) have their establishments. High Tech is located in Lincroft at Brookdale Community College.
It’s been recognized twice as both a NJ Star School AND a Blue Ribbon School!
High Technology’s profile includes a mission statement that encompasses the breadth of their school as a whole. It states:
High Technology High School, a pre-engineering career academy that emphasizes the interconnections among mathematics, science, technology, and the humanities, prepares students to become creative problem solvers, effective communicators, and tomorrow’s leaders through a rigorous, specialized curriculum and collaborative partnerships.
It’s one of the country’s top STEM high schools with very accelerated academics. Much of the curriculum differs from a conventional high school curriculum being that it’s designed specifically for the pre-engineering school, placing a lot of emphasis on fundamental engineering & technology education. However, they do require subjects such as English, History, Science, and Foreign Language.
The electives at the school are much more specific than that of a traditional high school. Rather than being a vast cultivation of other subjects, pretty much all of them are based in engineering.
The intensity of High Tech High School appeals to many young motivated minds. They see it as an especially enlightening opportunity to get a head start on learning the basics behind engineering, technology, even research methods and data analysis! Not only that, but the school offers them varying situations to strengthen their collaborative work skills as well as college readiness.
If you are passionate about creating impact in the world of tech and/or engineering, this is the school for you!
So how do you even get into this prestigious school? It takes a lot of diligence, energy, time, and devotion. It isn’t easy.
All of the MCVSD institutions, which are also known as the magnet schools, have various steps to be eligible for potential acceptance.
According to High Technology High School, it’s required to take an admissions exam in eighth grade. This assessment doesn’t need prior preparation such as studying; it simply assesses a student’s verbal and math skills they’ve developed in their middle school (7th & 8th grade) education. Alongside the admissions exam is a formal application and attendance to one of High Tech’s informational interest sessions. Those considered for acceptance have their transcripts, grades, and application thoroughly reviewed.
At High Tech, you’ll receive a traditional high school diploma alongside an engineering-centric education. Many who graduate High Tech and choose to pursue college attend some of the most elite higher education institutes in the country & world.
If you are officially accepted, then you’re set for your next four years of schooling!
There are modifications implemented for the different locations students can hail from. For instance, High Tech & the other MCVSD schools have specified bus routes. This is to ensure every child from every area can receive proper transportation to and from their school.
Some of the modifications at High Tech, however, require an extra step to ensure the fullest extracurricular opportunities for students. Because of such a diverse student body, High Tech High School isn’t able to have their own sports teams; the students are eligible to be a part of their hometown high school’s athletics! The school does have their Performing Arts, Creative, and Technology oriented clubs for students to join!
The students of this immersive academy have very fulfilled, well-rounded lifestyles. Regardless of their interests, they can find or make a way to further explore them. Even though this school is a pre-engineering academy, the faculty and staff of High Tech recognize the reality of deciding an entire future at such a young age.
One of the many things about this school is their ability to recognize they have no expectations for any student to purpose engineering as a career. They make it a point to address that young minds have growing interests and are naturally subject to change. Even if you attend this fine institution, you are in no way bound to only this particular career path!
Although very competitive to get into, High Tech brings a unique experience to high school education. If you are interested in learning about the other career academies included in the Monmouth County Vocational School District, check out their website.
If you also happen to be a New Jersey resident looking for your specific district’s check out the organization responsible for all these unique academies!
Eric M Earle is fascinated by high school admissions and researching the top high schools in America. He is the founder of TutorPortland.com, mathtutorboston.com, & mathtutorsmiami.com.