The best place to study for the SHSAT.

There is no cost for taking the SHSAT.

You will need to bring the following to the SHSAT session:

• your SHSAT test ticket (signed by you and your parent/guardian)
• number two (No. 2) pencils, sharpened (no pens)
• eraser

There are optional items allowed and some things you should not bring. For more details about these, go to page 30 of the NYC Guide to the Specialized High School Admission Test.

Each correct answer on the SHSAT receives the same credit, so questions that may seem easy to you are scored the same as more difficult-appearing ones.

There is a possible score of 800 on the SHSAT, but the lowest qualifying scores for acceptance to the specialty high schools in New York City range from just under 500 to 563. This means that you do not have to get a top score to be admitted, but your chances are better with a higher score.

In the spring following your test, one of the specialty high schools you selected will send an offer if you pass their admission criteria. Taking the test does not guarantee admission, and the most recent data indicates that only between 17 and 18 percent of test-takers received an offer.

In New York City, you may choose to apply to any public high school. There are nine specialty high schools for which you need to either take the SHSAT (eight schools) or perform an audition (one school). If you apply to the specialty high schools, you’ll be asked to list the schools you wish to attend in order of preference.

The SHSAT is administered each year to students who seek admission to one of New York City’s specialty high schools. You must be a resident of New York City to apply for admission to these schools and currently be in the eighth grade or in the ninth grade for the first time.

In the fall of the eighth grade, students should tell their school counselor about their interest in applying to any of the specialty high schools. The counselor will have information about test dates. The test is normally administered in the fall or winter, but there is usually a summer administration for students new to the city.

To apply for admission to eight of the nine New York City specialized high schools, you must take this test. Only those with certain scores will be admitted. The schools that require the SHSAT are:

• Bronx High School of Science
• Brooklyn Latin School
• Brooklyn Technical High School
• High School for Math, Science, and Engineering at City College
• High School for American Studies at Lehman College
• Queens High School for Sciences at York College
• Staten Island Technical High School
• Stuyvesant High School

The ninth specialized high school in New York City is Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. This school does not require the SHSAT for admission. Instead, you must complete an audition as part of the application process.

The specialty high schools in New York City admit students based on only three factors: their SHSAT score, the order in which their school preference was listed, and the number of available spots at their school of choice. The student’s past academic record is not considered.

While simply attending one of New York City’s specialty high schools does not guarantee future career success, it does mean that you’ll be exposed to a rigorous and varied curriculum. You’ll also be surrounded by equally competent peers who generally have the motivation to learn. Both of these factors could propel you to a higher level of educational achievement, better chances of success in college, and a chance at a higher-paying career later.

The SHSAT is given each fall or winter, and you must apply to take it. Your school counselor should have the necessary information about the SHSAT.

To determine when the test will be offered to current eighth- and ninth-grade students, go to the New York Specialty High School Website.

A total of three hours (180 minutes) is allowed to complete the entire SHSAT. You may begin on either the Math or the ELA section, but you must watch your time carefully to allow yourself ample time to finish both. As soon as you finish one section, you may go on to the other. If there is time left after finishing both sections, you may go back and look over the questions in either section. You will be required to stay for the entire 180-minute test session.