Bergen Experience Program at Bergen Community College
The Bergen Experience Program provides motivated high school students with the opportunity to take real college courses, explore career interests, and earn transferable college credits before graduating.
Program Benefits
Some of the program benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Earn college credits before you graduate high school
- Experience college-level coursework and expectations
- Explore career paths and academic interests
- Build confidence in academic abilities and college readiness
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the Bergen Experience Program, students must:
- Be in grades 10-12 and at least 16 years old at the start of the semester
- Have parent/guardian and school counselor approval (consent form with signatures required for registration)
- Meet course prerequisites (some courses require placement testing or prior coursework)
Enrollment Options:
- Rising juniors (students who have completed 10th grade) can begin in the summer before junior year.
- Students can take up to 6 credits in the Fall and Spring, and up to 8 credits in the Summer. Students interested in enrolling in additional credits must obtain approval from BCC and the High School.
Bergen Experience students can enroll in any college course as long as course requirements and prerequisites are satisfied (i.e. placement or prerequisite courses). We encourage students to avoid registering for any courses where AP or Dual Enrollment credit is already anticipated at their high school.
Visit the BCC Academic Catalog to review Advanced Placement (AP) equivalencies, course prerequisites, course descriptions, and sample course syllabi. The following quick links will be most helpful for academic planning:
- “Admissions-Becoming A Student”- Advanced Placement and CLEP equivalencies
- “Academic Programs (A-Z)” – Degree program requirements
- “Courses (A-Z)” – Course descriptions and syllabi
Search for Available Courses here: Search for Courses
Application & Registration Process
- Submit an Application – Complete the Bergen Experience Program Application
- Obtain Required Signatures – Upon completion of the application, an email will be sent with registration instructions and a consent form.
- Complete or waive the Accuplacer (optional in some cases – see Placement Testing Requirements information)
- Course Registration – Search for courses and complete the electronic registration form. Academic advising appointments are available to assist students with academic planning and course selection.
Advising Appointment Schedule: Email [email protected] to request an appointment scheduling link.
Placement Testing Requirements
Students enrolling in courses that do not require English or Math placement are not required to take a placement test.
Placement testing is required for students enrolling in English or Math courses or any course with an English/Math prerequisite. However, a test waiver may be available based on:
- Advanced Placement (AP) or CLEP scores
- Standardized test scores (SAT/PSAT)
- Previous dual enrollment coursework
To learn more about the Basic Skills Placement Test and review the full list of placement test waiver eligibility requirements, visit the BCC Testing Page.
Program Costs
Bergen Experience students pay standard tuition rates per credit. Financial aid is not available for this program. To learn more about cost of attendance, including the current tuition rate and payment options, please visit BCC Tuition and Fees Page.
Academic Expectations & Policies
- All courses taken through the Bergen Experience Program will be recorded on a permanent college transcript.
- Transcripts can be requested once final grades are posted.
- Students must adhere to BCC academic policies and the Student Code of Conduct.
Request a Transcript: BCC Transcript Request
Review Student Policies: BCC Student Code of Conduct
Review Grading Scale: BCC Academic Catalog – click on the “Academic Matters” quick link
Credit Transfer & High School Graduation Requirements
High school graduation requirements are determined by individual school districts. Credits earned through Bergen Experience do not automatically count toward high school graduation. Students interested in using these credits for high school completion should discuss Option II approval with a school counselor.
Credits earned through the Bergen Experience Program are generally transferable to two-year and four-year colleges and universities. However, transfer policies vary by institution. Students should consult with prospective colleges regarding course equivalencies. Enrolled students are encouraged to attend BCC’s College Fairs and connect with our College Partners. Visit the BCC Career and Transfer Page for more information.
To learn more about course equivalencies and transferability to New Jersey colleges and universities, please contact the receiving institution and visit the NJ Transfer Course Equivalency Page.
Bergen Experience Program Contact Information
Office of College Readiness and Early College Programs
Location: Pitkin Education Center, Room B-105
Phone: 201-879-7964
Email: [email protected]