top of page
b22c1d99fce191a28461cca23e2a76ecda9bed67.jpeg

BCA Entrance
Exam Prep

 Bergen County Academies

Turning Elite Potential into Reality

Securing a place at the prestigious Bergen County Academies requires exceptional creative and analytical problem-solving, and our program is proven to deliver results. We are proud to announce that 100% of our students preparing for the 2024 entrance exam successfully passed the test, a monumental achievement that reflects the quality of our curriculum and the dedication of our students.

​

Our specialized BCA program is built to give applicants a competitive advantage, focusing on the unique blend of advanced mathematics and sophisticated essay writing required by the exam. The preparation process itself is a powerful academic asset; by mastering the challenging concepts on the BCA test, students thoroughly review and solidify their entire middle school math foundation. This ensures they not only excel on the exam but also enter high school with a profound confidence and mastery in mathematics, ready to tackle advanced coursework from day one.

​

But passing the rigorous exam is a monumental first step. The next is choosing which of the seven specialized academies on the BCA campus will shape your high school experience. Each academy offers a unique pathway to excellence.

BCA’s Seven Academies:
Which Pathway is Right for You?

01. Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology (AAST)

  • Identity: Focused on pure science and technology research. Its strength lies in deep theoretical learning and original research projects.​

  • Best For: Aspiring scientists and researchers who enjoy diving deep into a specific scientific field.​

  • Considerations: The curriculum is highly theoretical and may involve fewer hands-on building projects compared to the engineering academy (AEDT).

02. Academy for Business and Finance (ABF)

  • Identity: Offers specialized business education in marketing, economics, and finance at the high school level, providing practical experience in entrepreneurship and investment.

  • Best For: Aspiring CEOs and finance professionals who want an early start in understanding the principles of the business world.

  • Considerations: Has a stronger humanities/social science focus than the STEM academies, which may influence the range of college major choices later on.

03. Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (ACAHA)

  • Identity: A program for learning professional culinary skills and the know-how of restaurant and hotel management. Its greatest strength is gaining real-world experience by running the on-campus restaurant, 'The BITE'.

  • Best For: Students who dream of growing into professionals in the hospitality industry as chefs, patissiers, or restaurateurs.

  • Considerations: This is a highly specialized, career-focused path that is distinct from traditional academic disciplines like STEM or the humanities.

04. Academy for Engineering and Design Technology (AEDT)

  • Identity: An engineering-focused academy that cultivates practical problem-solving skills through Project-Based Learning (PBL), emphasizing creative design and fabrication.

  • Best For: Future engineers and designers who are excited by the process of designing and building their ideas into reality.

  • Considerations: Requires a significant time commitment to hands-on projects; focuses more on applied technology than pure scientific theory.

05. Academy for Medical Science Technology (AMST)

  • Identity: A specialized track for students aiming for medical school, highlighted by real-world medical exposure through partnerships with local hospitals.

  • Best For: Students with a firm dream of becoming a doctor, pharmacist, or biomedical engineer.

  • Considerations: The curriculum is highly specialized, making it difficult to pivot to other fields if interest in medicine wanes.

06. Academy for Technology and Computer Science (ATCS)

  • Identity: A specialized four-year program that provides a deep dive into the core fields of computer science, including software engineering, data structures, web development, and information theory. The highly rigorous and structured curriculum, which begins with AP Computer Science A in 9th grade, builds the foundation for students to become future leaders in technology.

  • Best For: Students with a pure passion for coding and problem-solving who have a firm dream of pursuing a career in technology as a computer programmer, software engineer, or IT professional.

  • Considerations: The program is intensely focused on the single subject of computer science. It can be overwhelming for students without a genuine interest in coding, and the fast-paced, demanding curriculum requires significant effort.

07. Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA)

  • Identity: A program designed to professionally cultivate artistic talent, divided into three concentrations: Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre. A portfolio or audition plays a critical role in the admissions process.

  • Best For: Students with clear talent and goals who want to develop into professional artists, designers, musicians, or actors.

  • Considerations: The admissions process requires a separate portfolio or audition in addition to the standard entrance exam, and a significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to practical training in the chosen artistic field.

Ultimately, the Prestige Institute's BCA prep program is designed to do more than just pass a test. It cultivates the fundamental mathematics and critical thinking skills needed to thrive and excel in any of BCA's demanding and highly specialized academies.

bottom of page