The student body at St. Benedict's Prep includes young men in grades 7 through 12 from widely diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds with differing academic and athletic interests and abilities. Students primarily come from Newark, N.J. and the neighboring communities. St. Benedict’s is extremely competitive and receives applications from more candidates than there are available spaces. Admissions are competitively based on the applicant's school record, recommendations, and—to a lesser—degree performance on standardized tests. Successful students are active in school or community and church activities, have strong academic, cultural, or personal qualities, and demonstrate perseverance to develop themselves in a demanding environment.