First Steps

What should I expect after learning about the NJ STARS program?

Notification to Prospective NJ STARS Students

  • If you were in the top 15% of your class, your high school will notify you of your eligibility for the NJ STARS program at the end of your junior year.
    Each February, HESAA sends a letter to graduating students whose high schools have identified them as potential NJ STARS candidates.
  • If you receive this letter, you can still apply to the NJ STARS program at Bergen Community College for up to five semesters after high school graduation, even if you attended another college.
    After receiving the list from HESAA, Bergen Community College will send qualifying students in Bergen County more information about the NJ STARS program, usually by mid-March.

Students who did not receive correspondence from HESAA or Bergen Community College

  • If you didn’t receive a letter from HESAA, it means you may not have been in the top 15% of your class at the end of your junior year.
    However, you can still become eligible if you’re in the top 15% of your class at the end of your senior year. Please check with your high school guidance office for more details.
  • Students who believe they should have been on the HESAA list or who qualify at the end of their senior year can still be eligible for the NJ STARS Program.
    They will need to provide proof of their class rank and class size, either through an official, signed, and sealed transcript or the Certification of HS Class Rank Form for Prospective NJ STARS Students from their high school which must contain the school seal.
  • Qualified out-of-county students should receive a letter from HESAA but would receive correspondence from their home county college.

Placement Tests are No Longer Required

On June 21, 2021, the full New Jersey Council of County Colleges unanimously approved a resolution that changes the test used for final NJ STARS eligibility, designating “a student’s high school academic ranking as the test of a student’s final eligibility for NJ STARS.”

Accordingly, prospective NJ STARS students no longer have to take placement tests but they must be waived from taking the tests before registering for their courses. Students who still wish to take the placement tests may do so.  If a student takes the tests and requires a remedial course or courses, they can either choose to be waived, or they can take the remedial course or courses if necessary, but they must still register for 12 or more college-level credits.  Please note:  NJ STARS will only pay for college-level courses.

NJ STARS Application Steps Checklist

Below is a simplified 10-step guide based on the detailed instructions you provided for self-identifying as a prospective NJ STARS student at Bergen Community College:

1. Download and Submit the Self-Identification Form

2. Apply to Bergen Community College

  • Get started at bergen.edu/enroll
  • You’ll receive an acceptance packet within two (2) weeks. Contact Admissions Office if you don’t.

3. Choose an Eligible Degree Program

  • Pick a transfer degree program {Example: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) }.
  • Please note, Certificate programs are NOT eligible for NJ STARS.

4. Activate Your Student Portal Account

  • Once accepted, you’ll get an email with your Bergen username and password.
  • Log in at my.bergen.edu to access email, registration, financial aid info, and more

5. Submit Your Final Official High School Transcript

  • After graduation, mail your official transcript [must includes your high school seal] to verify your Graduation Date, Class Rank and Size,
  • Please note, your High School Guidance Office may also need to submit the Certification of Class Rank Form.

6. Complete Financial Aid Requirements

  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) – Apply at fafsa.gov and use Bergen school code: 004736.
  • HESAA/NJFAMS – Create an account at njfams.hessa.org and check for any additional requirements.
  • Deadline: April 15 each year (even if you don’t qualify for aid).

7. Register for Classes

  • Register for at least 12 college-level credits (NJ STARS covers up to 18).
  • Meet with an STARS Academic Advisor either in person or by emailing [email protected]

8. Sign the NJ STARS Contract

After registering for classes:

  • Log in to the NJ STARS Application/Contract
  • Sign and submit it online for eligibility review and confirmation.

9. Read and Sign the Scholarship Maintenance For

  • After your contract is approved, sign the Scholarship Maintenance Requirements form to confirm you understand how
    to keep your scholarship.

10. Confirm Residency and Pay Required Fees

Ensure you:

  • Live in New Jersey (or complete out-of-county chargeback forms, if applicable)
  • Pay all required fees (tuition is covered, but fees are your responsibility). Learn more at bergen.edu/bursar for payment options information.

Please visit the How to Apply to the NJ STARS Program Web page to begin the NJ STARS certification process.
The steps outlined above are also the first steps on the webpage. Students and their parents can view the videos that are on the FAQs webpage.