Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) provide detailed information online to help understand the admissions requirements and navigate the process. The main thing to understand is that the student will have to select and apply for a major. Each major is offered at either High Tech High or County Prep, so by selecting a major the student is also selecting which school they are applying to.
The HCST high school application process is the most labor-intensive of any of the public options, requiring students to create a portfolio and write two admissions essays. HCST does not require students to take the PSAT to apply. For admissions, HCST takes into account where a student lives and demographics (the schools aim for a student body that is representative of Hudson County), as well as the student’s grades, portfolio, attendance, test scores, letters of recommendation, and the other applications for the same major.
Any incoming student admitted to High Tech High or County Prep will need to pay $600 at the time they return their letter of intent to attend the school. (A $250 fee is required each subsequent year they attend.)
Choose your major (see HCST Majors Booklet Programs of Study at the link above).
Prepare your portfolio.
Students need to create a Google Slides presentation with 10 slides or fewer showcasing work that demonstrates interest and achievement related to their chosen major.
More details about portfolio requirements can be found for each school under Information for Prospective Freshmen at the link above.
Write your admissions essays (see Criteria for Review - Student Responsibility at the link above)
Attend HCST open houses.
This isn’t required but is highly recommended to get a look at the school facilities and talk to students and teachers about their experiences.
Open houses are announced at the admissions link above, around the same time as the applications open (late September/early October). Families have to sign up to attend.
Request a recommendation from one teacher (you will need the teacher's email when you complete the application). The school counselor will also be notified to submit grades, attendance, and standardized test scores (you will also need the school counselor email for the application).
Submit your application.