Admissions
Each fall, all public and many private high schools nominate sophomores that have demonstrated an interest in enrichment as well as a strong GPA. Typically, nearly 300 combined sit for either the Science or Humanities the entrance exams. Once the top 50 in each track are selected, their membership extends from the middle of the sophomore year to the middle of the senior year.
Joe Berg Scholars are required to participate in at least eighteen of the twenty-four sessions in order to be eligible for the Joe Berg Seminar certificate. Additionally, all participants must fulfill two service requirements with the Jacksonville Museum of Science and History, which hosts the seminars.
An important feature of the program is that the students volunteer to attend for intellectual purposes only. They receive no high school credit for their involvement in the program. Joe Berg Graduates have truly demonstrated a love of learning as well as considerable self-discipline to attend evening seminars through their busy senior high years. From this they have received elegant introductions to a variety of disciplines far beyond the scope of their high school curriculum.
The Sophomore Entrance Exam is usually held the first or second Saturday in November on the UNF campus.
Alternate Testing Date or Test Accommodations: Students who would like to request an alternate test administration or accommodation, for any reason, must contact their nominating teacher or school counselor to request that information. Students or parents who contact us directly will be referred back to the nominating teacher or counselor, who will then make the request on your behalf.
Please note: The Sophomore Entrance Exam Online Registration Form will only be available for 10 days, from November 1st - November 10th. Examinees will not be allowed to access the form outside of that time period.
Joe Berg Scholars are required to participate in at least eighteen of the twenty-four sessions in order to be eligible for the Joe Berg Seminar certificate. Additionally, all participants must fulfill two service requirements with the Jacksonville Museum of Science and History, which hosts the seminars.
An important feature of the program is that the students volunteer to attend for intellectual purposes only. They receive no high school credit for their involvement in the program. Joe Berg Graduates have truly demonstrated a love of learning as well as considerable self-discipline to attend evening seminars through their busy senior high years. From this they have received elegant introductions to a variety of disciplines far beyond the scope of their high school curriculum.
The Sophomore Entrance Exam is usually held the first or second Saturday in November on the UNF campus.
Alternate Testing Date or Test Accommodations: Students who would like to request an alternate test administration or accommodation, for any reason, must contact their nominating teacher or school counselor to request that information. Students or parents who contact us directly will be referred back to the nominating teacher or counselor, who will then make the request on your behalf.
Please note: The Sophomore Entrance Exam Online Registration Form will only be available for 10 days, from November 1st - November 10th. Examinees will not be allowed to access the form outside of that time period.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of their attendance and volunteer requirements, are given a letter describing their participation in the Society to include with their college applications. A ceremony is held for their graduation from the Society, and they receive a certificate. Graduates of the Joe Berg program have truly demonstrated a love of learning and significant self-discipline and have experienced elegant introductions to a variety of disciplines beyond the scope of the high schools. In fact, many of our seminar speakers are former Joe Berg Scholars themselves.
- “The Series are a way for high school students to learn things they are interested in and could never be taught in high school.”
- “The Joe Berg Seminar Series are made for adolescents who enjoy expanding their knowledge and having fun while learning new things.”
- “It is a program where high school students get to attend seminars. These seminars can allow them to widen their horizons and learn about other topics not taught in school.”