Every year, hundreds of 8th graders from Edison Township compete for limited seats at Edison Academy and Woodbridge Academy — two of the most prestigious magnet schools in Middlesex County. If your child attends Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Herbert Hoover Middle School, or Woodrow Wilson Middle School, here is everything you need to know about the admissions process and how to give your child the best chance of acceptance.
What Is Edison Academy?
Edison Academy (officially the Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Technologies) is a magnet high school located on the Middlesex County College campus in Edison, NJ. It consistently ranks among the top 10 public high schools in New Jersey, offering an accelerated STEM-focused curriculum that prepares students for top universities.
Students who attend Edison Academy take college-level courses alongside their high school curriculum and graduate with a strong foundation for engineering, computer science, mathematics, and science programs at competitive universities.
What Is Woodbridge Academy?
Woodbridge Academy (Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences) is another magnet program within the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools system. It focuses on health sciences and biomedical research, ideal for students interested in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or biomedical engineering.
The Admissions Timeline for Edison Students
Here is the typical admissions timeline (check the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools website for exact dates each year):
- September–October: Applications open. Edison middle school guidance counselors distribute information and application materials.
- October–November: Application deadline. Students submit transcripts, teacher recommendations, and application forms.
- November–December: Entrance exam administered. This is the most critical component of the admissions process.
- February–March: Admissions decisions released.
What the Entrance Exam Tests
The entrance exam evaluates two primary areas:
Mathematics
- Pre-algebra and algebra concepts (variables, equations, inequalities)
- Number operations and properties
- Fractions, decimals, and percentages at advanced levels
- Geometry and measurement
- Data analysis and probability
- Pattern recognition and logical reasoning
Reading & Language Arts
- Reading comprehension with complex, grade-level-and-above passages
- Vocabulary in context
- Inference and critical thinking
- Grammar, usage, and mechanics
- Written expression
5 Strategies for Edison Students Preparing for Magnet School Admissions
1. Start Preparing Early — Ideally in 7th Grade
The students who perform best on the entrance exam are not the ones who crammed for a month. They are the ones who have been building strong math and reading foundations throughout middle school. If your child is currently in 7th grade, now is the time to ensure they are on track in algebra readiness, reading comprehension, and analytical thinking.
2. Identify and Address Weak Areas
A diagnostic assessment can reveal exactly where your child stands relative to the entrance exam requirements. Many students are strong in one area (say, math computation) but weak in another (say, reading inference or algebra word problems). Knowing these gaps early gives you time to close them.
3. Practice With the Right Materials
Generic test prep books will not adequately prepare your child. The entrance exam tests specific competencies at specific difficulty levels. Use materials aligned with the actual exam format, or enroll in a structured prep program that targets these exact skills.
4. Strengthen the Academic Record
The entrance exam is the most weighted factor, but grades matter too. Make sure your child is performing at their best in 7th grade classes, as this transcript will be part of the application. Strong grades in math and English/language arts are particularly important.
5. Get Expert Help if Scores Are Not Where They Need to Be
If your child’s practice test scores or classroom performance suggest they are not yet at the level needed for magnet school admission, targeted tutoring can close the gap. At PALS Learning Center in Edison, we offer structured magnet school prep that targets the specific skills the entrance exam evaluates.
What Happens If Your Child Does Not Get In?
Not getting into a magnet school is not the end of the road. Both JP Stevens High School and Edison High School offer strong honors and AP programs that can provide an excellent college preparatory experience. Many students who do not attend magnet schools go on to attend top universities by excelling in their comprehensive high school’s honors and AP tracks.
The skills your child develops while preparing for magnet school admissions — advanced math, strong reading, analytical thinking — will serve them well regardless of where they attend high school.
Want to know where your child stands? Schedule a free diagnostic assessment at PALS Learning Center. Call (732) 930-0094 or learn more about our magnet school prep program.
