Bergen County Academies offers a range of academies. Each of them has a different area of focus, from science and engineering to business, culinary arts, and the performing arts. This is why choosing the right academy is challenging, especially when several fields match a student’s interests.
So, which Bergen County Academies program should you choose? Well, the answer depends on your academic interests, strengths, and the subjects you want to pursue. Beyond just that, understanding what each academy offers is also important. It helps you compare and decide the options carefully to analyze which academy aligns with your goals.
Which Bergen County Academies Program Is Right for You?
There are seven distinct specialized academies at Bergen County Academies. All of them sound great and are worth choosing. But obviously you should pursue only one. Below are some of the factors to consider when deciding on the program.
Choose Based on Your Academic Interests
Every student’s taste is different in subjects. If you are unsure which subject you like most, think about which one naturally holds your attention.
- If you enjoy scientific questions and experiments, the Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology (AAST) may suit you.
- Similarly, students who are interested in human biology, medical research, and healthcare-related sciences choose the Academy for Medical Science Technology (AMST).
- Your interests may extend beyond science. Those can turn to Engineering and Design if they like developing and testing solutions.
- Nowadays, Computer science captures the attention of most kids. So, you can also choose it if you enjoy programming and computing.
- Students drawn to finance, cooking, hospitality, music, theatre, or visual arts should explore academies that focus on those industries.
Consider the Coursework and Learning Style
Don’t judge the subject’s learning simply by its name. Understand what each academy focuses on. It can include reviewing the topics students have covered, projects they complete, and skills they develop. For example, AAST emphasizes science and research, while AMST includes subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, and bioethics. Knowing such differences is important for a thoughtful decision.
Another important thing to consider is whether the program’s workload keeps you interested or starts to feel like a burden. This ensures you feel motivated to explore its subjects in depth and take on the academic challenges they bring.
Think About Your Future Goals Without Limiting Your Options
You must choose a program with an open mind about your career, but don’t settle on one before entering high school. You should explore different career interests for clarity. Luckily, BCA offers opportunities to explore other fields through electives, interdisciplinary projects, and clubs. Plus, its senior-year internship allows you to gain experience aligned with your academic focus.
No doubt, choosing an academy based on your current interests and favorite activities is a smarter choice, instead of just finalizing a course solely because you want to become a doctor, engineer, or entrepreneur.
What to Consider Before Applying to Bergen County Academies?
Choosing the right academy also involves taking the following steps:
Program-Specific Requirements and Expectations
Most applicants don’t even bother to check whether their preferred academy has any additional admission requirements before applying. Make sure you review them before applying. BCA admission application can ask for several components, including academic records, entrance test performance, recommendations, an essay, and an interview. Academy for Visual and Performing Arts applicants must also complete an audition or portfolio process, depending on their chosen concentration.
Before applying, review our guide on how to get into Bergen County Academies to better understand the admissions process and preparation involved.
Your Application Preferences
Keep in mind that BCA’s application instructions and eligibility rules can change by admission year. Therefore, you must review the latest official guide and confirm the permitted academy choices before applying.
Before submitting the application, think deeply about your academy choices. Indicate your passion for your first-choice program clearly in your essay. And make sure your choices reflect the subjects you genuinely want to study.
To avoid preventable errors, read our guide to common Bergen County Academies application mistakes before submitting your application.
Understand the Bergen County Academies Programs
Having proper knowledge of which academy you are applying to and what you will get from it contributes to an informed decision. Let’s learn what you will learn from their main academies.
1. Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology (AAST)
AAST academy coursework is usually based on science, mathematics, and technology topics. Alongside studying biology, chemistry, and physics, students build research skills and explore advanced topics in science and computer science. This education is for students who enjoy scientific questions, laboratory work, and investigating how things work.
2. Academy for Engineering Design Technology (AEDT)
If engineering, design, and solving technical problems attract you, AEDT can be a good choice. It focuses on connecting scientific and mathematical concepts with practical design and engineering work. Consider it only if you like analyzing problems and developing solutions.
3. Academy for Business and Finance (ABF)
In the ABF program, you learn about business, develop financial knowledge, and build skills for economic decision-making. You come to know the financial markets, business concepts, and global economic issues through this study.
Its Financial Markets Lab provides access to Bloomberg technology for financial research and analysis. This can appeal to students who are curious about how businesses and financial markets operate. ABF allows you to explore these areas in greater depth.
4. Academy for Medical Science Technology (AMST)
AMST includes medical science and research. Its curriculum ranges from anatomy and pharmacology to bioethics and epidemiology, along with laboratory work and research opportunities.
It is a good selection for someone who loves learning more about the human body, medical research, and healthcare sciences.
5. Academy for Technology and Computer Science (ATCS)
ATCS stands for Academy for Technology and Computer Science. Students study core principles of computer science and master programming in it. The main areas are software engineering, algorithms, web development, and computer architecture. You also get opportunities to explore practical topics such as game development, computer security, and artificial intelligence.
6. Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (ACAHA)
ACAHA offers study and practical experience in cooking, pastry arts, Hospitality Management, and Entrepreneurship. You learn about restaurant operations and the overall hospitality industry while training in BCA’s culinary facilities. It is worth exploring if you enjoy cooking and want to understand the business and management side of hospitality.
7. Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA)
AVPA program is a creative field study. Applicants choose one of three concentrations, which are Music, Theatre, or Visual Arts. Depending on these concentrations, students’ main aim may be to strengthen performance, animation, film, digital design, or studio art. It combines arts-related study with a college-preparatory academic curriculum.
Key Note
Every academy has its specific, specialized coursework. Your choice should not determine your entire career. That’s because BCA gives students access to other subjects through electives, interdisciplinary projects, and extracurricular activities.
How Do the Bergen County Academies Programs Differ?
Bergen County Academies offers seven specialized programs, each with a different academic focus. Some students prefer scientific research, while others enjoy designing solutions, studying finance, developing software, working in culinary arts, or creating visual and performing art. Comparing the subjects and activities involved can help you decide which academy best matches your interests.
| Academy | Best suited to students who enjoy | What makes it different |
| Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology (AAST) | Biology, chemistry, physics, scientific questions, and research | Emphasizes advanced science coursework, laboratory work, and opportunities to explore scientific research. |
| Academy for Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) | Engineering, design, mathematics, and solving technical problems | Connects scientific and mathematical concepts with practical engineering and design work. |
| Academy for Business and Finance (ABF) | Business, finance, economics, marketing, and entrepreneurship | Focuses on business decision-making, financial analysis, and understanding markets. |
| Academy for Medical Science Technology (AMST) | Human biology, medical science, laboratory research, and healthcare-related sciences | Includes subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, bioethics, and epidemiology. |
| Academy for Technology and Computer Science (ATCS) | Programming, software development, algorithms, and computer systems | Focuses on core computer science concepts and applying programming skills to practical challenges. |
| Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (ACAHA) | Cooking, pastry arts, hospitality, restaurant management, and entrepreneurship | Combines culinary training with hospitality management and an understanding of the food service industry. |
| Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) | Music, theatre, visual arts, and creative production | Offers specialized arts concentrations alongside a college-preparatory academic curriculum. |
How Do You Choose Between Similar Bergen County Academies Programs?
Some academies may appeal to students with overlapping interests. The key is to look beyond the subject names and consider the type of work you want to do.
AAST vs AMST: Both programs include science and laboratory work. AAST may be worth exploring if you are interested in a broad range of natural sciences and scientific research. AMST may be a better fit if you are particularly interested in human biology, medical science, and healthcare-related research.
AEDT vs ATCS: Both programs involve technical problem-solving, but their main focuses differ. AEDT centers on engineering and design, while ATCS focuses on programming, algorithms, software engineering, and computer systems. Consider whether you prefer designing and testing solutions or developing software and understanding how computers work.
ABF vs ACAHA: Both programs can appeal to students interested in business and entrepreneurship. ABF focuses more directly on finance, economics, marketing, and business analysis. ACAHA combines culinary and pastry arts with hospitality management and restaurant operations.
AVPA vs the other academies: If you are most interested in developing artistic or performance skills, explore the relevant AVPA concentration and its specific requirements. Applicants should review the current audition or portfolio instructions for their chosen concentration.
Once you understand your preferred academy, learn more about the Bergen Academy test format so you can understand the entrance assessment as part of your preparation.
Questions to Ask Before Selecting an Bergen Academy
Before finalizing your preferences, ask yourself:
- Which subjects do I genuinely enjoy learning, even outside the classroom?
- Do I prefer laboratory research, engineering projects, programming, business analysis, practical culinary work, or creative production?
- Have I reviewed the actual curriculum rather than relying only on the academy name?
- Do I understand the application requirements for my preferred academy and concentration?
- Have I checked the latest admissions instructions for my application year?
Bergen County Academies encourages students to select an academy based on their interests rather than committing to a particular future career. Reviewing the curriculum and current application requirements is therefore an important part of making an informed decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to some of the questions we got from students:
How many programs does Bergen County Academies offer?
Bergen County Academies has a total of seven specialized academies as of 2026. Each program focuses on a different field, including science, engineering, business, medical science, culinary arts, computer science, and the arts.
Can you change your academy after enrolling at BCA?
No, you cannot change the academy once you have enrolled at BCA. There is no policy that allows students to switch academies. So, you have to make a decision the first time thoughtfully.
Does Bergen County Academies Offer Internships?
Yes, Bergen County Academies offers a mandatory internship called “Senior Experience.” It is an internship related to the student’s academy and important for high school graduation. Students spend every Wednesday of their senior year working with an organization under a mentor. This program is worth nine academic credits.
Do All BCA Academies Have the Same Admission Requirements?
Yes, all the Bergen County Academies have the same core standard requirements. However, the expectations can vary based on the field of education. For example, the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts needs an audition or portfolio process.
Does Bergen County Academies Follow a Traditional High School Curriculum?
No, a traditional high school curriculum is not taught in Bergen County Academies. They use an advanced, technical, and research-based college-preparatory framework. Students follow their fixed academy structure. Beyond its coursework, BCA also has a more demanding daily schedule than a typical high school.
Final Thoughts
The right Bergen County Academies program can be identified by finding out which field genuinely draws you most and also the curriculum that you feel ready to pursue. By comparing the academies, reviewing course offerings, and checking the current admission requirements, you can take a favorable step.
Honestly, you do not need to have your entire career planned out. Instead, prioritize the subjects you want to learn more about and choose the academy that best fits your current interests.
After choosing an academy, students can work on their entrance exam skills using our guide on how to prepare for the Bergen County Academies test.
