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How hard is it to get into NJ governor's school?

Published in Competitive Admissions 2 mins read

Getting into the New Jersey Governor's School, specifically The Governor's School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology, is highly competitive. The program offers admission to fewer than 100 students each year, making it an exclusive opportunity for academically talented high school juniors.

A Competitive Application Process

The admission process for this prestigious program emphasizes a rigorous selection based on a limited nomination system:

  • High School Nomination: Prospective applicants cannot apply directly. They must first be nominated by their high school. This initial step itself indicates a high level of academic achievement and potential, as schools typically select their most outstanding students.
  • Limited Nominations: Schools are restricted in the number of students they can nominate. A high school can nominate only one applicant for every 325 members of its junior class. This strict quota means that even within a school, a student must stand out significantly to earn a nomination.
  • Limited Acceptance: From the pool of nominated students statewide, fewer than 100 are ultimately offered admission. This low acceptance rate underscores the program's elite and competitive nature.

Therefore, securing a spot in The Governor's School of New Jersey in Engineering & Technology requires not only exceptional academic performance and a strong interest in engineering and technology but also the distinct honor of being nominated by one's high school and then outperforming a highly qualified pool of candidates.