Getting into a competitive high school like High Tech High School in New Jersey can seem daunting, but it’s not impossible if you prepare well and meet the requirements. High Tech High School is a STEM-focused magnet public high school located in Lincroft, NJ. It is part of the Monmouth County Vocational School District. High Tech High School is highly selective, with an acceptance rate around 20% each year. Students go through a competitive application and admissions process to get in. So is it hard to get into High Tech High School in NJ? The short answer is yes, it is quite challenging due to the school’s selectivity and academic rigor. But if you work hard and aim to fulfill all the requirements, your chances improve significantly.
Overview of High Tech High School
High Tech High School first opened in 1991 as the MCVSD Academy of Allied Health & Science. It was established to provide high-achieving students with specialized training in math, science, and technology. The school was renamed High Tech High School in 2007. High Tech High School serves students in 9th through 12th grade from across Monmouth County. It has a total enrollment of about 600 students. High Tech High School is consistently ranked one of the top high schools in New Jersey and the nation. It offers a competitive STEM-focused curriculum designed to prepare students for college degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Students take honors and AP courses in subjects like math, science, computer programming, engineering, biomedical science, and more. The school culture emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and real-world problem solving. High Tech High School students can participate in award-winning robotics teams, internships, and other enrichment programs. Many graduates go on to attend top universities and pursue STEM majors and careers.
High Tech High School Admissions Requirements
To be eligible to apply for admission to High Tech High School, students must:
– Be residents of Monmouth County, NJ
– Complete 8th grade before the year they would enter HTHS
– Have at least a 3.0 GPA upon finishing 8th grade
– Achieve competitive scores on the High School Placement Test (HSPT)
– Get strong teacher recommendations addressing their work ethic, character, and academic achievement
Additionally, applicants must meet course requirements in 8th grade (or equivalent for transfers) including:
– Math – Completed Algebra 1
– Science – Completed introductory course with lab
– English/Language Arts – On track with grade level requirements
– World Language – Passed at least 1 year
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria gets students into the applicant pool but does not guarantee admission. The admissions process is highly competitive. Here is an overview of required steps:
Step 1 – Attend an Information Session
Prospective students and families must attend an information session at High Tech High School during the fall of 8th grade year. This is an opportunity to learn about the school’s programs, culture, and admissions process.
Step 2 – Take the High School Placement Test
All applicants take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) administered through their school district. This is a timed, standardized test with sections on verbal skills, math, reading, and language. Applicants must achieve competitive scores compared to other applicants.
Step 3 – Submit an Application
The application includes the student’s grades, extracurricular activities, test scores, teacher recommendations, and required essays. All materials must be submitted by the deadline.
Step 4 – Interview
Students who make it past the initial application screening are invited for an interview. This gives the admissions team an opportunity to assess students’ interests, communication skills, and potential fit for the school.
Step 5 – Receive Admission Decision
Admission decisions are mailed to students in February-March of 8th grade. The school admits about 20% of applicants each year.
What Makes High Tech High School Admissions Competitive?
There are a few key factors that make High Tech High School so selective:
– **Limited seats** – As a smaller magnet school, HTHS can only accept a limited number of students per grade level. There are typically about 150 seats available for over 1,000 eager applicants.
– **High standards** – The school seeks high-achieving, self-motivated students with proven records of academic success and extracurricular involvement. Applicants are held to high standards across the board.
– **Strong interest** – As a STEM-focused school with an excellent reputation, HTHS attracts many of the top students interested in science, tech, engineering, and math career paths. Competition is fierce for seats.
– **Exceptional test scores** – Students admitted to HTHS tend to have HSPT scores in the 90th percentile or higher. The average admitted student scores in the 97th percentile. Applicants need incredibly competitive exam scores.
– **Stand-out essays/interviews** – With so many qualified applicants, the essays and interviews are key for standing out. The school assesses communication skills, interests, and personality fit.
– **Teacher recommendations** – Strong letters from teachers validating academic ability and work ethic are vital to show the admissions team a student’s full profile.
– **Rigorous coursework** – Students who have taken above-grade-level classes like high school algebra and earned strong grades have an edge. Advanced coursework prepares students for HTHS’ accelerated curriculum.
What Are Some Tips for Getting Into High Tech High School?
Here are some top tips for students hoping to get into High Tech High School:
– **Start early** – Plan ahead and begin preparing your application as early as 7th grade. Give yourself plenty of time to impress teachers, boost grades/scores, and refine your application.
– **Get excellent grades** -Aim for mostly A’s on your middle school report cards, especially in STEM classes. Take the most challenging classes offered and do well in them.
– **Score high on the HSPT** – Study hard and prepare rigorously for this critical exam. Some applicants work with tutors or prep programs to boost their scores.
– **Develop your interests** – Pursue STEM-related hobbies, clubs, and summer experiences to build your background. Robotics, coding clubs, science fairs etc. help demonstrate your passions.
– **Take advanced math** – Complete Algebra 1 in 8th grade at the latest, or take high school math classes. The higher math you complete, the better.
– **Choose teachers wisely** – Ask teachers who know your best academic qualities for recommendations. Give them time to write thoughtful, detailed letters.
– **Write stand-out essays** – Put time into crafting essays that capture your voice, interests, achievements, and goals. Essays are a critical piece of the application.
– **Interview skillfully** – When invited, practice for your interview. Highlight your qualifications and communicate your motivation for attending.
– **Apply early** – Submit your completed application as close to the start of the deadline window as possible for the best chance of admission.
What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying?
Here some pitfalls to avoid when applying to High Tech High School:
– Procrastinating on the application timeline or requirements
– Assuming minimum eligibility requirements will suffice
– Failing to adequately prepare for the HSPT
– Selecting teachers unfamiliar with your abilities for recommendations
– Rushing your application essays
– Not attending the information session
– Skipping advanced/honors math and science prep courses
– Performing poorly in 8th grade classes
– Submitting an application late or with errors/omissions
– Botching the interview by being unprepared or disinterested
Meeting the basic requirements is just the beginning. Applicants need to go above and beyond to be truly competitive for admission.
What Are Acceptance Rates Like for High Tech High School?
As a highly selective magnet school, High Tech High School sees large numbers of applicants but can only accept a small percentage. Here are some key stats about HTHS’ competitive admissions:
– **Total Applicants Per Year:** Approximately 1,000
– **Total Acceptance Rate:** Around 20%
– **Number of Open Seats Per Grade:** Around 150
So out of 1,000 annual applicants, only about 200 gain admission. The roughly 20% acceptance rate means that just 1 in 5 students who apply get accepted. Gaining one of the 150 open 9th grade seats is extremely challenging. Applicants need to stand out from the crowded and talented applicant pool.
What Happens If You Are Not Accepted?
With thousands of strong applicants vying for so few seats, even qualified students may not gain admission to High Tech High School. If you are not accepted, here are some options:
– **Request a meeting** – You can contact the admissions office and request a meeting to discuss why you were not accepted and get suggestions for improvement. Show maturity by asking for feedback on strengthening your application if you plan to apply again.
– **Consider appeals** – There is a formal appeals process if you feel an error was made in your application review. Follow the proper procedures and submit supplemental materials if you wish to formally appeal the decision.
– **Apply again** – Unless you are a 12th grader, you can go through the application process again the following year. Strengthen your profile based on the prior experience.
– **Attend another competitive program** – Look into other selective STEM programs at schools in your region you can attend instead to further your education.
– **Enroll in your assigned public school** – Your local school district will assign you to a zone school you can attend to continue your standard public school education if you are not admitted to High Tech HS.
While disappointing, not being accepted is hardly the end of the road. Use it as motivation to improve and find other great educational opportunities to pursue your goals.
Profile of a Successful High Tech High School Applicant
What does a typical accepted student’s application look like? Here is a profile of a strong candidate:
– **GPA:** 3.8 unweighted, 4.3 weighted out of 4.0
– **Test Scores:** HSPT – 97th percentile, PSAT -99th percentile
– **Math:** Completed Geometry, enrolled in Algebra 2
– **Science:** Completed Biology, Chemistry, enrolled in Physics
– **English:** Gifted/honors level ELA classes since 6th grade
– **World Language:** Completed 2 years of Spanish
– **Extracurriculars:** Robotics club founder and captain, Science Olympiad, math tutoring volunteer, tennis team
– **Essays:** Well-written and convey student’s interests, goals, achievements clearly
– **Recommendations:** Glowing letters from math and science teachers
This sample applicant has a standout transcript full of honors, AP classes, and advanced coursework. Their involvement in multiple STEM activities outside academics demonstrates motivation. Competitive test scores, essays, and recommendations complete the profile.
Very few applicants will present this flawlessly well-rounded package. But striving to excel across academics, tests, essays, activities, and recommendations is what it takes to become a top candidate for admission.
Conclusion
Getting into High Tech High School in New Jersey is very challenging due to a highly competitive applicant pool and limited number of seats. You need to stand out across grades, test scores, course rigor, essays, activities, interviews, and recommendations. While not easy, it is possible for motivated students who prepare extensively starting in 7th-8th grade. With hard work, strategic preparation, pursuit of STEM opportunities, and a strong application, prospective students can maximize their chances at admission to this prestigious magnet program. The effort required gives students an early taste of what it takes to enter and succeed in competitive high school and college STEM programs.
