The SHSAT is offered to 8th graders (and first-time 9th graders) residing in NYC who wish to apply to these schools. It’s typically administered each fall for admission to the following school year. For example, students testing in fall 2025 are vying for admission in September 2026. The exam tests English Language Arts (ELA) and Math skills, with a total of 114 questions (57 in each section) and a time limit of 180 minutes (3 hours). There is no essay—only multiple-choice questions (and starting 2025, some tech-enabled interactive questions). Importantly, there’s no penalty for wrong answers, so students should attempt every question.

How long is the SHSAT? The standard test duration is three hours for all students without accommodations. Students with certain testing accommodations (ELL or IEP/504) may receive extended time or other supports, especially as the exam moves to a computer-based format in 2025.

Starting in fall 2025, the SHSAT will transition from the traditional paper format to a digital exam, aligning with a broader trend in standardized testing. The 2025 digital SHSAT will still have the same sections, number of questions, and time limits, just delivered on a computer. By fall 2026, the SHSAT is planned to become a computer-adaptive test (CAT) – meaning the difficulty of questions can adjust based on a student’s performance as they take the exam. This is a significant change, as students will no longer be able to revisit questions on an adaptive test (each new question depends on previous answers). Despite format changes, the core content and standards tested remain consistent, covering middle school ELA and math curricula.

In summary, the SHSAT is a challenging, high-stakes exam for NYC students aiming for specialized high schools. Next, we’ll cover the timeline of important SHSAT dates by year, how scoring and cutoffs work (including SHSAT score calculators and raw score conversions), where to find SHSAT practice tests (PDFs and online), top prep strategies and books, tutoring options, and an overview of each specialized high school (like the score needed for Stuyvesant High School SHSAT score cutoff or Brooklyn Tech SHSAT score cutoff in recent years).

Important SHSAT Dates (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026)

When preparing for the SHSAT, it’s crucial to keep track of the key dates for registration, test administration, and results. Below is a breakdown of important SHSAT dates for recent and upcoming years. (Always double-check the NYC Department of Education’s official SHSAT page or announcements for the latest information, as dates can shift slightly year to year.)

• SHSAT 2023 (for Fall 2024 admissions): Registration opened on October 3, 2023 and closed on October 27, 2023. The exam was administered in early November 2023: most NYC 8th graders took the SHSAT in school on Wednesday, Nov 8, 2023, and additional weekend testing took place on November 18–19, 2023 (and December 3 & 9, 2023, for make-up dates). Students received their results and high school admissions offers in March 2024 (offers were released on March 7, 2024).

• SHSAT 2024 (for Fall 2025 admissions): Registration was held in the fall of 2024 (opening by early October). The SHSAT test dates for 8th graders were October 30, 2024 (for NYC public school 8th graders taking it on a school day) and November 16–17, 2024 for 8th graders in private/parochial or those who needed weekend testing. 9th-grade testers (students applying to enter specialized high schools as 10th graders) took the exam on **December 7–8, 2024. Results for this cycle were released in March 2025 – for instance, the DOE sent out scores and offers on March 6, 2025.

• SHSAT 2025 (for Fall 2026 admissions): This will be the first year the SHSAT is administered digitally. Registration is expected to open in early fall 2025 (likely September) and close by mid-October. While exact dates will be announced by the NYC DOE, we anticipate the 8th grade SHSAT will occur in late October 2025 (school-day test for public school students) with additional weekend dates in November for others, similar to past years. 9th-grade testers will likely sit for the exam in late November or early December 2025. Students will get their results by March 2026, as has been the norm. (Keep an eye on DOE updates, since the shift to computer-based testing might come with slight scheduling adjustments.)

• SHSAT 2026 (for Fall 2027 admissions): This exam will be computer-adaptive (CAT) – a first for the SHSAT. Key dates are not yet published, but if trends hold, registration will open in September 2026, with the test administered in fall 2026 (probably late October for 8th graders, with weekend sessions into November, and 9th grade make-up testing by December). The results would then be released by March 2027. The adaptive format in 2026 means students will need to practice with the new format in mind (since you cannot return to previous questions on a CAT exam). The DOE has already provided a digital tutorial and will offer practice tests on the new platform to help students prepare.

Other Important Milestones Each Year:

• Registration: Typically opens in early fall (late September or early October) and closes by late October. Students register through their school counselor or the MySchools portal. Mark this on your calendar as “SHSAT Registration” and don’t miss the deadline – late registration is not an option.

• Test Tickets: Schools distribute SHSAT admission test tickets in mid-October. The ticket lists your test date, time, and location (for weekend testers). Keep it safe; you’ll need it to enter the test site.

• Results: SHSAT scores and high school admission offers are released in March of the following year (often early to mid-March) once all tests are scored and the admissions process is run. For example, SHSAT takers in fall 2024 got their results in March 2025. Students will see their scaled score (composite score) and which school (if any) they were admitted to.

Always refer to the NYC DOE Specialized High Schools website or your school for the official SHSAT calendar, as exact dates and procedures (like registration methods) can change. Additionally, be aware of any announcements about format changes (especially the move to digital) that might affect when and how you take the test.

SHSAT Score Calculation and Cutoffs

Understanding how the SHSAT is scored will help demystify the results and what score you might need for your dream school. After you’ve taken those SHSAT practice tests and the real exam, here’s what happens with your answers:

• Raw Score: This is simply the number of questions you answered correctly on each section (ELA and Math). There are 57 questions per section, but note: each year about 10 questions per section are experimental field test questions that do not count toward your score. You won’t know which ones those are, so you should treat all 57 questions as if they count. There’s no penalty for guessing, so it’s always better to put an answer for every question. Your raw score per section is converted after the test into a scaled score.

• Scaled Score: The raw-to-scaled conversion adjusts for difficulty differences among different test forms and fits the scores into a curved distribution. The scaled score for each section typically ranges up to around 350. However, the exact scaling differs each year (depending on the curve), and an extra raw point near the top or bottom of the range can boost or drop your scaled score by a larger amount than in the middle. This is why two students who both got, say, 50 questions right in math could end up with slightly different scaled scores if they took different forms of the test – the conversion is adjusted yearly.

• Composite Score: This is the sum of your ELA and Math scaled scores, and it’s the number on which admissions decisions are based. When you hear about “cutoff scores,” it’s referring to the composite score. What is the highest score on the SHSAT? There’s no fixed maximum, because of yearly recalibration, but in practice the highest composite scores are usually around 700 (each section max around 350). There’s no official “perfect score,” but roughly speaking ~700 is the top possible composite in a given year.

Each specialized high school offers seats to students in descending order of SHSAT composite score. The cutoff score for a school is effectively the composite score of the last student who was admitted to that school. These cutoffs only emerge after the exam, when admissions are finalized, and they vary year to year based on how many seats are available and how students ranked their school choices.

Recent SHSAT Cutoff Scores: As an example, here are the cutoffs from the 2024 admissions cycle (students who took the SHSAT in fall 2023 entering in fall 2024) and 2025 cycle (SHSAT in 2024 for fall 2025). The 2024 cutoffs for 8th grade test-takers were approximately: Stuyvesant ~561, Bronx Science ~526, Staten Island Tech ~519, HSMSE ~542, HSTAT (York Science) ~524, Brooklyn Tech ~507, HSAS ~514, Brooklyn Latin ~492. In 2025, some cutoffs shifted slightly (for example, Stuyvesant was 556 for 2025 admissions). These numbers give a general target – if you aim for a composite score at or above a particular school’s recent cutoff, you have a good chance for that school. Keep in mind cutoffs aren’t predetermined or guaranteed; they depend on the year’s pool of test-takers. For instance, Stuyvesant High School’s SHSAT score cutoff has hovered in the high-550s to low-560s in recent years, making it the highest cutoff of all the schools. Brooklyn Tech’s SHSAT score cutoff has been around the low-500s (approximately 503–507 in the last few years), reflecting its larger number of seats (Brooklyn Tech admits about 1,400 students, so the score needed is a bit lower than the very top schools).

What about 9th Grade SHSAT? There is a second, smaller round of SHSAT for students in 9th grade (who either moved to NYC after 8th grade or didn’t get into a school and want another shot). Cutoff scores for 9th grade admissions are higher because there are very few seats open for 10th graders. For example, the cutoff for a 9th grader entering Stuyvesant in 2025 was 562, compared to 556 for an 8th grader. (Bronx Science’s 9th-grade cutoff even spiked dramatically one year, showing 650 for 2024 – likely an outlier due to very few spots.) The takeaway: if you’re trying in 9th grade, you usually need an even higher score than the 8th grade cutoffs, so prepare accordingly.

SHSAT Score Calculator: Because of the raw-to-scaled conversion, many students wonder how to estimate their SHSAT scores from practice tests. In fact, queries like “2026 SHSAT score calculator” or “SHSAT score cal” are common. Several test prep companies provide SHSAT score calculators or conversion charts. For example, Caddell Prep has an online SHSAT Score Calculator where you input your number of correct ELA and Math answers, and it outputs an estimated scaled score for each and a total. These tools are based on publicly available conversion tables from recent years. They can give you a ballpark figure of your score. For instance, one such conversion chart indicates that about 55 raw correct answers in a section translates to a scaled score around the mid-340s for that section. (Keep in mind on an actual exam, 55/57 correct in both sections would be an exceptional performance, likely yielding a composite in the high 600s.) While no calculator is 100% precise due to yearly changes, using a score calculator during practice can help you gauge whether you’re near the cutoff range of your target schools.

Discovery Program: If your score falls just below a cutoff, there’s a program worth knowing about. The Discovery Program is a summer enrichment program for certain students who score just under a school’s cutoff and meet eligibility criteria (such as coming from a high-poverty school or underrepresented background). Each specialized high school sets aside a percentage of seats for Discovery students. If, for example, Brooklyn Tech’s cutoff was around 505 and you scored a bit lower but qualify for Discovery, you might be admitted through this program after completing the summer session. The exact score range for Discovery varies; it might be, say, within a few dozen points below the cutoff. The program is a great opportunity for hard-working students who narrowly missed the cutoff. If you think you might qualify, talk to your guidance counselor about applying to Discovery (usually done after results, in the spring).

In summary, focus on getting the highest score possible rather than chasing an exact cutoff. Use practice exams and maybe an SHSAT score calculator to gauge your progress. If your practice scores are, for example, around 520, you’ll know you’re in range for several specialized schools (though maybe not Stuyvesant). And remember, admissions uses your score and your school preference order – always rank the schools in your true order of desire, because you will be considered for your top choice first, then down the list. Now that we’ve covered scoring, let’s look at how to practice for the SHSAT and what resources you can use.

SHSAT Practice Tests and Resources (PDFs, Online Tools)

Practice is critical for the SHSAT. Taking SHSAT practice tests under realistic conditions will build your stamina and identify areas to improve. Here are some top resources for practice tests and prep materials, including official PDFs and online tools:

• Official SHSAT Practice Tests (PDFs): The NYC Department of Education releases an official SHSAT handbook each year (often titled “Guide to the SHSAT for Students Entering High School in Fall [Year]”). This guide includes two full-length practice tests with answer keys and explanations. For example, the 2024 Admissions SHSAT Guide PDF contains practice tests tailored for that year’s format. Starting with the 2025 digital exam, the DOE has also provided an online practice test portal. According to the DOE, families can access the official “[How to Prepare for the SHSAT]” guide, practice tests, and answer explanations through the NYC SHSAT Portal online. Tip: Download the latest SHSAT handbook PDF from the NYC DOE website or ask your school counselor for a copy. Even older editions of the handbook are useful for practice questions (just be mindful of any minor changes in format).

• Online SHSAT Practice Tests: In addition to PDFs, the DOE’s new digital portal provides two full online practice tests that simulate the computer-based exam environment. These are highly recommended, especially if you will be taking the test on a computer – they let you practice using the on-screen tools, navigating between questions, and getting used to the tech-enhanced item types introduced in 2025. All you need is a web browser (no special software) to access these practice exams. For the 2025 test, there is also a Student Readiness Tool (SRT) tutorial available, which is basically a guided demo of the new test platform. Make sure to take advantage of these free official resources.

• SHSAT Practice Test PDFs with Answers: Beyond the official handbook, many test prep companies offer free sample questions or sell practice test collections. For instance, Tutorverse and Kaplan have SHSAT practice books that include several exams’ worth of questions. You might find PDFs of practice tests floating around online (some forums or groups share past tests or practice questions). Just ensure any material you use is current and reflects the latest format. (The exam format was fairly steady from 2018 through 2024: 57 ELA questions – including revising/editing and reading comprehension – and 57 Math questions. In 2025, while the number of questions stays 57+57, a few questions might not be multiple-choice, but the content coverage remains the same.) If you find a “SHSAT practice test PDF with answers,” verify it’s from a reputable source or an official DOE release. Using at least one timed, full-length practice test per week in the months leading up to the exam is a good way to track progress.

• Practice Questions and Worksheets: In addition to full tests, focus drills can help. You can find SHSAT math questions practice sets (covering arithmetic, algebra, probability, geometry, etc.) and ELA practice (editing sentences, reading passages). Websites like Khan Academy (while it doesn’t have a specific SHSAT course) offer free exercises on the underlying math skills (e.g. arithmetic, pre-algebra, geometry) and reading comprehension practice. For example, if you struggle with a certain math topic from the SHSAT, you can search that topic on Khan Academy and get practice problems to reinforce your skills. Similarly, ELA skills like identifying grammar errors or analyzing reading passages can be honed by practicing SAT or PSAT reading sections on Khan Academy, since they involve similar comprehension skills. Use these free resources to strengthen fundamentals alongside SHSAT-specific prep.

• SHSAT Prep Websites and Tools: Some specialized sites offer question banks or even adaptive practice. For instance, you can check out Caddell Prep, Khan’s Tutorial, Tutorverse, Kaplan, etc., which often have blogs or free sample questions. The DOE’s official SHSAT site sometimes links to sample items (for 2025, they provided sample tech-enhanced questions to illustrate the new format). Also, consider joining the conversation on forums – the SHSAT subreddit on Reddit (r/SHSAT) is a community where students share advice, and you can even find links to study guides or people sharing their experiences on the test. (One highly-upvoted Reddit discussion thread provided a “mega guide” with study tips and resource recommendations, which many students found helpful.) Engaging with a community can make prep less lonely – you can pick up tips or ask questions when you’re stuck on a tough problem.

One more thing: Always review your answers after a practice test. Whether you got a question right or wrong, ensure you understand why. This review process is where a lot of learning happens. If the practice test provides answer explanations (the official ones do), read them to learn from mistakes. If not, try to figure out the solution or ask a teacher/peer for help. Keeping an error log of questions you got wrong and revisiting them later is a powerful technique to avoid repeating mistakes.

In summary, make use of official practice tests (they reflect the real exam best), supplement with additional questions as needed, and practice under timed conditions. Now, let’s discuss some of the best prep strategies and books to elevate your study plan.

Best Prep Strategies and Books

Preparing for the SHSAT can feel daunting, but with the right strategies and study materials, you can make steady progress and go into the exam with confidence. In this section, we’ll outline effective prep strategies and recommend some of the best SHSAT prep books and resources. The tone here is student-friendly – remember, you got this! With practice and persistence, you can improve your score. Here are some key strategies:

1. Understand the Test Format and Content: Start by familiarizing yourself with what is on the SHSAT. Know the sections (ELA and Math), the question types, and the timing. For example, in ELA, you’ll see revising/editing questions (where you fix grammar or improve a passage) and reading comprehension questions. In Math, questions cover arithmetic, algebra (equations, inequalities, word problems), geometry, basic statistics, and logic problems. Knowing the format (114 questions, 180 minutes) helps you mentally prepare for the test day experience. The more practice tests you take, the more comfortable you will become with the test’s length and style.

2. Take Timed Practice Tests Regularly: We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth emphasizing. Simulate real test conditions: find a quiet spot, set a timer for 3 hours, and take a full practice exam (either on paper or the official online practice, depending on what format you’ll take the test in). Afterward, score it and analyze it. Regular practice test-taking (for instance, one every 1-2 weeks initially, then weekly as the exam nears) is one of the best ways to build endurance and track your score trajectory. It also helps with time management – you learn how to pace yourself, so you’re not rushing at the end or leaving questions blank.

3. Analyze Your Weaknesses and Target Them: As you review your practice tests or quizzes, note which questions you got wrong or found difficult. Was it the geometry problems? Vocab-in-context questions? Identifying grammar errors? Once you identify patterns in your mistakes, focus your study on those weak areas. For example, if math word problems are tripping you up, dedicate extra time to practicing those. If you realize you’re rusty on certain math formulas (like the formula for the volume of a rectangular prism, or how to calculate probability), write them down and drill those concepts. Improvement comes faster when you address your specific gaps.

4. Use Quality Prep Materials (Books and Guides): A good prep book can make a difference in your study routine. Here are some top SHSAT books and resources:

   • Kaplan’s New York City SHSAT Prep (2024-2025 edition) – A comprehensive book with strategies, review sections, and practice tests. Kaplan’s material is student-friendly and up-to-date, including a few full-length practice tests.

   • Barron’s SHSAT guide – Barron’s is known for slightly harder practice questions, which can be good for over-preparing. It offers detailed topic review and practice problems that mirror the SHSAT format.

   • The Tutorverse SHSAT Practice Tests – Tutorverse publishes a book of practice tests that are very close to the real exam in difficulty. It’s a great way to get additional full-length tests beyond the official ones.

   • Princeton Review Cracking the SHSAT – This book provides solid strategies and practice questions. It also has a section on test-taking techniques which can be very useful if you struggle with timing or anxiety.

   • SHSAT Handbook (Official DOE guide) – Worth mentioning again: this is free and official. Make sure you work through the official practice tests and review the answer explanations given – they often illustrate the quickest solution or the rationale behind correct answers.

   • ArgoPrep SHSAT Prep – ArgoPrep offers workbooks and video explanations for SHSAT questions, which some students find helpful, especially for visual learners who benefit from video walkthroughs of problems.

   Each of these resources has its strengths. For instance, Barron’s and Kaplan provide strategy and review, while Tutorverse is great for raw practice. Using a combination (say, a Kaplan or Barron’s for learning content and strategies, plus Tutorverse for extra tests) can cover both learning and practice.

5. Develop a Study Schedule and Stick to It: Consistency is key in test prep. Carve out a regular study time each week (or each day as the test gets closer). It could be an hour after school on weekdays for practice problems and a longer session on weekends for a practice test. Write down your schedule and treat it like a class or appointment that you can’t miss. This helps avoid last-minute cramming. Spread out your learning – for example, tackle one ELA passage and a set of 10 math questions daily, rather than trying to do huge chunks infrequently.

6. Practice Time Management: Within each section of the SHSAT, learn how to allocate your time. There is no separate time limit per section in the SHSAT – you get 3 hours to use across both sections as you see fit. A common strategy is to spend roughly 90 minutes on ELA and 90 minutes on Math, but you can adjust based on your strengths. If you’re faster in math and need more time for reading, that’s fine. During practice tests, experiment with the order (you are allowed to choose which section to do first). Some students prefer to get Math done first while they’re fresh, others like to save Math for last. Figure out what works for you. Also, practice skipping and returning to tough questions – don’t let one hard question burn 10 minutes. It’s often better to mark it, move on, and come back if time allows.

7. Learn Testing Strategies: Little techniques can boost your score. For ELA, read the questions before the passage so you know what to look for. For revising/editing items, if you’re unsure, read the sentence aloud in your head – your ear might catch an error your eyes missed. In Math, if you’re stuck, try plugging in answer choices or picking a number for variable questions. Eliminate obviously wrong answers to improve your guessing odds. These test-taking strategies, combined with solid content knowledge, will help on exam day.

8. Stay Calm and Positive: Test prep can be stressful, but remember to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, especially the week of the exam. On test day, eat a good breakfast. During prep, take short breaks if you’re studying for long periods. It’s normal to plateau or even see a dip in practice test scores occasionally – don’t be discouraged. Trust the process: if you put in the work, you will improve over time. Keep a growth mindset; every practice question you get wrong is an opportunity to learn something new.

Recommended Prep Programs: If self-study isn’t enough, you might consider an SHSAT prep course or tutoring. Many NYC-based programs (like Kaplan, Princeton Review, local tutoring centers, or specialized programs like Khan’s Tutorial or Elite Prep) offer classes. These can provide structure, additional practice, and expert instructors to answer questions. There are also free or low-cost programs for students from underrepresented communities (some schools offer afterschool SHSAT prep, and organizations like DYCD have provided prep programs for eligible students – for example, initiatives focusing on helping African American and Latino students prepare for the SHSAT). If you fit certain criteria, look into programs like the DREAM program (offered by NYC DOE) or others geared toward equity in specialized high school admissions. They often start in 7th grade summer or early 8th grade.

Speaking of help, let’s move on to tutoring and online support in the next section, which can supplement your self-study and provide personalized guidance.

Tutoring and Online Prep Support

You don’t have to prepare for the SHSAT all by yourself. Plenty of tutoring options and online support resources are available to help you master the material and stay motivated. Here’s an overview of how you can get extra help:

• In-Person and Online Tutoring: Working with a tutor can provide customized instruction focusing on your specific needs. If you prefer in-person help, you can find local tutoring centers or even high school/college students who tutor SHSAT in your community. For example, many Stuyvesant or Bronx Science students tutor 8th graders on the SHSAT as a side gig. Alternatively, online tutoring is very popular and effective – you can have one-on-one sessions over Zoom or similar platforms. This flexibility means you can find the perfect tutor fit, even if they live across the city. Some well-known SHSAT tutoring providers include Khan’s Tutorial, Test Prep HSAT, Caddell Prep, and others, which offer both classes and private tutoring. When choosing a tutor or program, look for someone experienced with the SHSAT format and who has good reviews or recommendations.

• Academic Support Services: There are also academic support platforms that assist with test prep and schoolwork. For example, Class Proctor is a service that helps students manage their academic workload – it can be used to get help with exams, assignments, and study guides. Such a service might support you in staying on top of SHSAT prep by providing accountability and resources. Another platform, Scholarly Freelancers, offers access to premium test papers and expertly crafted answers for various exams. They provide practice materials (including test papers with step-by-step solutions) that could be very useful for SHSAT preparation. If you’re looking for additional practice questions or even custom test materials for extra drilling, a service like Scholarly Freelancers might be helpful. These kinds of platforms essentially give you more tools in your study arsenal – just be sure to use them ethically (as learning aids, not to shortcut learning).

• School Resources and Teachers: Don’t overlook your own math and English teachers at school. Many middle school teachers are familiar with the SHSAT and may offer extra help or resources if you ask. Some schools run after-school SHSAT prep clubs or weekend bootcamps, especially in the lead-up to the exam. If your school has a guidance counselor or coordinator for high school admissions, they can also provide information and possibly connect you with prep resources.

• Online Communities and Forums: As mentioned earlier, online communities like Reddit can be surprisingly helpful. The r/SHSAT subreddit is full of students (and some tutors/teachers) discussing prep strategies, sharing success stories, and answering each other’s questions. For example, you can find threads where students who got into Stuyvesant or Brooklyn Tech share what they did to prepare, which books they used, and tips for test day. It’s a supportive community – people celebrate each other’s improvements and give advice to those feeling nervous. Just remember to take any specific advice with a grain of salt (what worked for one person might not work for everyone), but overall it’s encouraging to know you’re not alone in this journey. Other forums like College Confidential have SHSAT sections, and there are Discord study groups as well. These communities are great for asking specific questions like “How do I solve this math problem?” or “Any tips for improving reading speed?” and getting quick responses.

• Motivation and Accountability: Tutoring and classes not only teach content but also provide a schedule and someone to answer to, which can boost your discipline. If you’re studying solo and find it hard to stay on task, consider forming a study group with friends. You could meet at the library once a week to go over practice questions together. Sometimes explaining problems to peers (or hearing them explained in a new way) can deepen your understanding. Also, celebrating small achievements (like “I improved by 20 points on my practice test!”) with others can keep you motivated.

• Balancing Prep with School: 8th grade can be busy, and adding SHSAT prep on top of regular schoolwork and activities is a challenge. A tutor or structured program can help you create a balanced plan so you don’t burn out. They can also help you integrate SHSAT prep into your school studies (for example, the reading skills you build for SHSAT will help in English class, and vice versa). Good tutors act as coaches – they’ll encourage you, give you homework, and keep you accountable each week.

In the end, whether you use a tutor, take a prep course, or self-study with books, the key is consistent effort. If you ever feel stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out for help – be it a teacher, a tutor, or even an online friend who’s also prepping. Many have walked this path and are willing to guide others. Stay focused and remember why you’re working hard: the opportunity to attend a top-notch high school that can open doors for your future.

SHSAT Schools Overview (Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech, and Others)

There are eight testing specialized high schools in NYC (the ones you gain entry to via the SHSAT score). Each has its own unique programs, culture, and admissions score profile. Let’s briefly overview each school, including what they’re known for and their approximate recent cutoff scores (for context), as students often ask about things like the “Stuyvesant High School SHSAT score” needed or how the schools compare.

• Stuyvesant High School: Commonly just “Stuy.” Located in Manhattan, Stuyvesant is often considered the most competitive specialized high school. It’s renowned for its advanced STEM programs, a wide array of AP courses, and a beautiful campus by the Hudson River. Stuy typically has the highest SHSAT cutoff – in 2024 it was around 561. That means you generally need a top-tier score to get in. Stuy has ~800-850 seats for incoming freshmen. Alumni include notable scientists, politicians, and even actors. If you love math and science and thrive in a rigorous environment, Stuy is an amazing place, but be ready for a challenge.

• Bronx High School of Science: Known as Bronx Science. Located in the Bronx (Bedford Park), it’s another prestigious school famous for its science and math focus, with many graduates going on to win science competitions and even Nobel prizes. Bronx Science’s SHSAT cutoff is usually the second-highest after Stuy. For example, for 2024 admissions it was in the mid-520s. The school offers lots of research opportunities and has a strong humanities program too. Student life includes everything from a stellar Speech & Debate team to championship sports. Commute-wise, it’s way uptown, but it’s accessible via subway for many.

• Brooklyn Technical High School: Often called Brooklyn Tech. Located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, it’s the largest specialized high school (class size ~1,400 students per grade!). Brooklyn Tech has a unique system of majors – in junior year, students choose a major (like Computer Science, Law & Society, Mechanical Engineering, etc.) which guides some of their coursework. The Brooklyn Tech SHSAT score cutoff tends to be a bit lower than Stuy/Bronx Sci because the school has more seats; recent cutoffs have been around the low 500s (approx 507 in 2024, 505 in 2025). Don’t be fooled by “lower” cutoff – Brooklyn Tech is still very competitive and an excellent school. It has a huge range of clubs, sports, and an active student life. If you’re looking for a big school experience with specialized tracks, Tech is fantastic.

• Staten Island Technical High School: Referred to as Staten Island Tech or SIT. Located on Staten Island (New Dorp), it’s a smaller community-oriented specialized high school with a focus on engineering and technology. Staten Island Tech’s cutoff is usually on par with Bronx Science or just below; for 2024 it was around 519. Obviously, this school is most convenient if you live on Staten Island or nearby Brooklyn, but some students travel from other boroughs. SIT offers a strong robotics program and even teaches Russian language to all students (a unique feature from its history). It consistently ranks high in terms of SAT scores and college admissions among NYC schools.

• High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College (HSMSE): Often just called HSMSE. It’s located in Manhattan on the CCNY campus in Harlem. It’s a relatively small specialized high school. HSMSE’s curriculum has an emphasis on engineering and math (it even has a civil engineering program), and students can take college courses at City College. The cutoff for HSMSE is usually in the low 520s (e.g. 524 in 2024, 526 in 2025). Students appreciate the tight-knit feel. If you like the idea of a smaller school but still want a strong STEM focus, HSMSE is a great choice.

• High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS): Located in the Bronx on Lehman College campus, HSAS has a special focus on American history and government (as the name suggests) in addition to strong math/science. It’s also small, similar in size to HSMSE. HSAS often has one of the lower cutoffs among the specialized schools; recent cutoffs were in the low 510s (around 514 in 2024, 504 in 2025). Don’t let the lower cutoff fool you – it’s an excellent school, regularly ranking very high in NYC. Students can take courses at Lehman College and often engage in a lot of humanities research and competitions (like History Day, Moot Court, etc.). If you’re a history buff who also excels in math, HSAS offers a balanced program.

• Queens High School for the Sciences at York College: Often just called “Queens Science.” It’s in Jamaica, Queens on the York College campus. Queens Science is another small specialized high school, with a strong focus on science research (a lot of students participate in Intel/Regeneron science competitions). The cutoff for Queens Science is similar to HSMSE/HSAS; in 2024 it was about 524. Students at Queens Science can use York College facilities and sometimes take college courses. It’s a bit out of the way for some (deep in Queens), but for Queens residents especially, it’s a top choice. The environment is supportive and academically rigorous.

• The Brooklyn Latin School: Located in Brooklyn (Williamsburg), Brooklyn Latin is unique among the specialized schools for its classical curriculum. It’s inspired by Boston Latin and other historic “Latin” schools – students at Brooklyn Latin take Latin, wear uniforms, and participate in Socratic seminars and declamation (public speaking of classic texts). The SHSAT cutoff for Brooklyn Latin is typically the lowest of the eight schools, reflecting its smaller applicant pool; recent cutoffs have been in the high 480s to low 490s (around 492 in 2024, 496 in 2025). If you love literature, history, and the idea of an intimate, tradition-rich school, Brooklyn Latin could be a great fit. It still has solid math/science, but the vibe is more humanities-oriented than other specialized schools.

Note: LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts is also a specialized high school (known from the movie Fame), but as mentioned, it does not use the SHSAT. Instead, it requires an audition or portfolio in areas like dance, music, theater, or fine arts. Many students apply to LaGuardia in addition to taking the SHSAT for the other schools. If you’re artistically inclined, consider applying to LaGuardia separately – you could end up with offers from both an SHSAT school and LaGuardia and then choose.

When deciding which specialized high school to aim for, consider factors beyond just the SHSAT cutoff. Think about location (commute matters – you’ll travel every day), school size, programs offered (does the school have clubs or electives you’re passionate about?), and overall fit. During the high school application process, you will rank the specialized high schools in order of preference. Put them in your true order of preference, not by where you think you’ll get in. The reason is, the admission algorithm will try to give you the highest choice that your score earns. If you qualify for a higher-ranked choice, you won’t be offered a lower one even if your score was above its cutoff. So be honest with yourself: if you really want Brooklyn Tech over Bronx Science, rank it higher, etc.

Lastly, all these schools are fantastic in their own way. Graduates of each have gone on to great colleges and careers. There’s often a bit of friendly rivalry (Stuy vs. Bronx Sci debate team! Tech vs. Stuy basketball!), but at the end of the day, you will get a stellar education and meet incredibly talented peers at any of these specialized high schools. Focus on doing your personal best on the SHSAT, and you’ll open the door to at least one of these amazing schools.

Conclusion: Preparing for the SHSAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Start early, use the resources and strategies outlined above, and maintain a positive mindset. This exam may be important, but remember it’s just one step in your educational journey. Thousands of students like you have succeeded on the SHSAT through practice and perseverance. Keep your goals in sight – whether it’s to attend Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech, or any specialized high school – and remind yourself why you’re putting in the effort. Good luck, study hard, and believe in yourself. With determination and the right preparation, you can achieve a great SHSAT score and get into a high school that’s the perfect fit for you. 🎉