OPEN HOUSES & INFORMATION SESSIONS

• County Prep High School/ATD CTE Showcase/Open House
  • Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM

• High Tech High School/ACTE Open House/Academy Showcases
  • Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 5:30 PM

APPLICATION DEADLINES

🟢 Application Opens: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM
🔴 Application Due: Friday, November 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM
🔴 Teacher Recommendation Due: Monday, November 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM
🔴 Counselor Submission Due: Wednesday, December 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM
🔴 Student Portfolio Due: Wednesday, December 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM

AUDITION DATES

• Saturday, December 5, 2026
  • Music Technology
  • Dance: Performance
  • Theatre: Drama

• Saturday, December 12, 2026
  • Audio/Visual Production
  • Music Technology
  • Dance: Choreography
  • Theatre: Musical Theatre

1. Submit a Separate Application for Each Student
   • If you have more than one student applying, please complete a separate application for each.
   • Only one application may be submitted per student. If multiple applications are received, the student and parent/guardian will be contacted to confirm which application should remain active. All other submissions will be voided.
2. Complete the Application in One Session
   • The application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save your progress and return later. Please be prepared before starting.
3. Prepare Required Information in Advance
   • Before you begin the application, have the following information ready:
     • School Counselor’s contact information
     • Recommender’s name and email address
     • Chosen major(s)
     • Student’s written essay(s)
4. Email Verification Required for ONLY ONE Parent/Legal Guardian
   • One parent/legal guardian listed in the application must have their email address verified. This step ensures that we have the correct contact information associated with your student’s application.
   • A verification code will be sent to the listed email address. Please check your inbox (and spam/junk folder) to complete this required step.
   • The email address you provide and verify will be used exclusively for application-related communications. All updates, reminders, and important information about your child’s application will be sent to this verified email only. Please ensure you enter an active and regularly monitored email address.

BEFORE YOU START

The application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save it and return later.

Have these ready:

• Parent/guardian information
• School counselor's name and email
• Teacher/recommender's name and email
• Your first-choice major
• Optional second-choice major
• Your 400-600 word admissions essay

Only submit ONE application per student.

What is on the application?

The application sections are:

Section 1: Parent/Legal Guardian Information

Section 2: Student Information

Section 3: Student's Demographics

Section 4: Student's Current School Information

Section 5: Teacher Recommendation

• One (1) Mandatory Online Recommendation from a classroom teacher.  Classroom teacher refers to teachers who provide instruction in core academic subjects such as Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
  • You must have your designated teacher's CORRECT email address.  There is a section on the application to input the recommender's email address.
  • Your selected recommender will receive an email to complete the recommendation form online.
  • Hard copies or emails of recommendation letter will not be accepted.

Section 6: Career & Technical Education (CTE) Major Selection

• Primary Selection: Select your first-choice Career and Technical Education (CTE) Major.
• You will be asked: “Would you like to select an OPTIONAL 2nd choice major?”  If you choose "Yes" to the question, you will be given the opportunity to select a second-choice major.
  • Disclaimer: Please note that while applicants are permitted to select a second-choice major on their application, it is very rare that admissions offers are extended through this option. Admission decisions are primarily based on the applicant’s first-choice program. Applicants should carefully select their first-choice major as this is the program that will receive primary consideration.

Section 7: Admission Essay

• 1st Choice Program of Study
  • Why have you selected this major as your Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program of Study to pursue as a high school student? (Minimum 400 words, Maximum 600 words)
    • What details of this major most interest you?
    • What experiences, if any, have you had that have prepared you for this major? (Experience not necessary)
    • What characteristics or qualities do you embody that have prepared you for this major?
    • How will this major help you achieve your overall goals in your future endeavors?
• 2nd Choice Program of Study (OPTIONAL)
  • Why have you selected this major as your second choice? (Maximum 250 Words)

Section 8: Application Deadlines, Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement & Electronic Signature

Important: It is the student/parent’s responsibility to provide the correct recommender email address on the application. If the email is entered incorrectly, the recommendation request will not be delivered.

How it works:
Upon submission of the student’s application, the listed recommender will automatically receive an email with a link to complete the Applicant Recommendation Form for the 2027–2028 school year.

The parent/student does not complete the recommendation form. The teacher/recommender selected on the application must complete this step.

Hard copies or emails of recommendation letter will not be accepted.

Deadline:
The recommendation is due by Monday, November 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM.

STUDENTS/PARENTS: NO ACTION REQUIRED

Your school counselor completes Step 3.

Parents/students do not need to submit report cards, transcripts, attendance records, or test scores. Your school counselor will provide this information directly to HCST.

The student's school counselor is responsible for the following criteria and will submit the information on their counselor dashboard.

• Provide a recommendation for the student’s social and emotional development on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 indicates the highest level of performance:
  • Emotional Maturity
  • Shows Self Control
  • Integrity
  • Respects Others and Property
  • Fulfills Responsibilities
  • Listens and Follows Directions
  • Positive Social Interactions
• State of NJ Identification Number (SID) (If applicable)
• Number of absences
  • 8th grade (1st marking period or 1st trimester)
  • 7th grade
  • 6th grade
• Total Number of Suspensions from Grades 6 through 8
• Total Number of Home Instruction from Grades 6 through 8
• 8th Grade – 1st Marking Period or 1st Trimester Report Card Grade
  • Math
  • Language Arts
  • Science
  • Social Studies
• Grades from the 6th and 7th Grade Transcripts
  • Math
  • Language Arts
  • Science
  • Social Studies
• The school counselor will submit any standardized test scores the student has taken from grades 6 through 8. Examples include: Iowa, NJSLA, NWEA MAP Growth, Start Strong, TerraNova, and PSAT 8/9.
  • Please note: The PSAT 8/9 is not a requirement for admission to HCST.

The Student Portfolio is a required part of the admissions process and must be completed by the student.

How Will I Receive My Portfolio?

After the application deadline, each student will receive an email containing a personalized Google Slides portfolio link based on the Program of Study selected on their application.

The personalized Google Slides portfolio link will be sent to the verified parent/legal guardian email address provided on the application on Monday, November 16, 2026. Please check your inbox and spam/junk folder.

Portfolio Deadline

Wednesday, December 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Students must complete all updates to their Google Slides portfolio by the deadline.

At 3:00 PM on December 23, 2026, the sharing permission for the Google Slides portfolio will change from Editor to Viewer. Students will no longer be able to make changes after the deadline.

Below are sample Google Slides you may review to become familiar with what to expect.

On November 16, 2026, applicants will receive an email asking them to acknowledge receipt of their portfolio. After completing the acknowledgement, you will receive your individual Google Slides portfolio link.

Important: Each student will receive a unique portfolio link. Do not share your Google Slides link with anyone else.

Please review the instructions included in your portfolio carefully and complete your maximum 10-slide portfolio by the required deadline.

County Prep High School/Academy of Technology and Design

• Health Sciences - Kinesiology and Exercise Science
• Health Sciences - Medical Science
• Professional Services - Business
• Professional Services - Childcare Provider
• Professional Services - Cosmetology
• Professional Services - Culinary Arts
• Professional Services - Fashion Design
• Technology - Audio/Visual Production
• Technology - Computer Science
• Technology - Graphic Design
• Technology - Music Technology
• Technology - Networking
• Technology - Photography

High Tech High School/Academy of Career and Technical Education

• Design and Fabrication (D|Fab) - Architecture
• Design and Fabrication (D|Fab) - Computer Programmer
• Design and Fabrication (D|Fab) - Engineering
• Design and Fabrication (D|Fab) - Industrial Design & Animation
• Design and Fabrication (D|Fab) - Wood Technology
• BioMedical Science
• Culinary Arts
• Environmental Science
• Performing Arts - Dance Performance & Choreography Division
• Performing Arts - Theatre Arts: Drama & Musical Theatre Division
• Media + Visual Arts - Interactive Media
• Media + Visual Arts - Commercial & Advertising Art
• Media + Visual Arts - Radio & Television Production

 

• How will we receive admissions updates?
  • All official communications are sent to the verified parent/guardian email address used on the application. Families should also check spam/junk folders.

• Does HCST provide transportation?
  • Yes. Hudson County Schools of Technology provides round-trip transportation at designated bus stops for accepted students. Click here to view bus stops for the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus in Secaucus and Earl W. Byrd Center in Jersey City.

• Does HCST offer after-school programs?
  • Yes. Hudson County Schools of Technology provides after-school programs for accepted students. Click here to view after-school programs for the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus in Secaucus and Earl W. Byrd Center in Jersey City.

• What is the HCCC Early College (Dual Enrollment) program?
  • The Early College partnership between HCST and Hudson County Community College (HCCC) allows eligible HCST high school students to earn college credits while still in high school. Students may even work toward an associate degree depending on their pathway and progress.  For more information, click here.

• Can I submit more than one application?
  • No. Only one application may be submitted per student.
  • If multiple applications are submitted for the same student, the student and parent/guardian will be contacted to confirm which application should remain active. All other applications will be voided

• I have twins or multiple children applying. Do I submit one application or two?
  • You must submit a separate application for each child applying to HCST.
  • For example, if you have twins who are both applying, you must submit two separate applications.

• Can I save my application and finish it later?
  • • No. The application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save your progress and return later.
    • Before starting the application, make sure you have all required information available, including your school counselor's information, teacher/recommender's information, major selection(s), and admission essay.

• Can I change my major after submitting my application?
  • Your major selection is an important part of the admissions process. Please carefully review your selections before submitting your application.
  • Once your application has been submitted, contact Admissions at admissions@hcstonline.org if you believe a change is necessary.
  • Requests to change a major are not guaranteed.

• Can I apply to both High Tech High School and County Prep High School?
  • There is one application process for all HCST full-time high school programs. You do not submit separate applications for High Tech High School and County Prep High School.
  • Your school placement is determined as part of the admissions process based on your acceptance status, selected Career and Technical Education (CTE) major, and academic score.

• Can I choose two majors?
  • Yes. You must select a first-choice major and may select one optional second-choice major.
  • Your first-choice major will receive primary consideration. Although students may select a second-choice major, admissions offers through the second-choice option are very rare.
  • Choose your first-choice major carefully.

• Who can write my recommendation?
  • One online recommendation is required from a current classroom teacher who teaches you a core academic subject, such as:
    • Math
    • Language Arts
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • You must provide the teacher's correct email address on your application. After your application is submitted, the teacher will automatically receive an email with instructions for completing the recommendation online.

• My teacher did not receive the recommendation email. What should I do?
  • First, ask your teacher to check their spam or junk folder.
  • If the email cannot be located, verify that the teacher's email address entered on your application was correct.
  • If assistance is still needed, contact Admissions at admissions@hcstonline.org

• Can I submit a paper recommendation?
  • No. Paper recommendations and recommendation letters sent by email will not be accepted.
  • The designated teacher must complete the official HCST recommendation form online using the link emailed to them after the application is submitted.

• Do I send my child's report cards, transcript, attendance records, or test scores?
  • No. Parents/students should not submit these documents.
  • Your child's school counselor is responsible for submitting the required grades, attendance information, transcripts, standardized test scores, and other required school information directly to HCST.

• When will I receive my portfolio?
  • Personalized Google Slides portfolio links will be emailed on Monday, November 16, 2026, after the application deadline.

• Where will the portfolio be sent?
  • The personalized Google Slides portfolio link will be sent to the verified parent/legal guardian email address provided on the application.
  • Please make sure you provide an active email address that you check regularly. You should also check your spam or junk folder.

• Can I edit my portfolio after December 23 at 3:00 PM?
  • No.
  • At 3:00 PM on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, your Google Slides portfolio sharing permission will change from Editor to Viewer.
  • Once it becomes Viewer only, you will no longer be able to make changes to your portfolio. Late additions or changes will not be accepted.

• What happens if I miss a deadline?
  • It is the responsibility of the student, parent/guardian, recommender, and school counselor to make sure their required portions of the admissions process are completed by the published deadlines.
  • Missing a required admissions deadline may result in an incomplete application.
  • Please carefully review all admissions deadlines and do not wait until the last day to complete required items.

• Which majors require auditions?
  • Auditions are required for the following programs:
    • Audio/Visual Production
    • Music Technology
    • Dance: Performance
    • Dance: Choreography
    • Theatre: Drama
    • Theatre: Musical Theatre
  • Please review the Important Dates section of the Admissions website for the audition date associated with your selected program.

• Do I need to take the PSAT 8/9 to apply?
  • No. The PSAT 8/9 is not required for admission to HCST.
  • Your school counselor will submit any standardized test scores you have available from Grades 6 through 8.

• Can a student who does not live in Hudson County apply?
  • No. To be eligible to apply, the student and parent/legal guardian must be full-time residents of Hudson County.
  • The student must also be in 8th grade as of September 1, 2026 to apply for the 2027–2028 school year.