In 2024, 25,678 students took the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), competing for 4,072 available seats across eight specialized high schools. This 15.9% acceptance rate makes these institutions more selective than many elite universities. This guide provides parents with essential data, school profiles, and practical information needed to navigate this competitive admissions landscape.
Critical Update for 2025-2026 School Year Applications
Starting in Fall 2025, the SHSAT will be administered digitally for the first time. Students applying for admission to specialized high schools for the 2026-2027 school year will take the exam on DOE-provided devices at designated testing locations.
The content remains identical - same number of questions, subject areas, and time limits - but the format change requires new preparation strategies. In Fall 2026, the test will transition to a computer-adaptive format that adjusts question difficulty based on student performance.
What this means for families: Students need to practice with digital interfaces and build screen-based test stamina. The NYC DOE will release digital practice tests in Spring 2025.
New York City's eight specialized high schools serve approximately 16,000 students, representing 5% of the city's high school population. These schools maintain distinctive academic programs and admission standards that set them apart from the city's 400+ other high schools.
The demographic composition of these schools reflects broader educational disparities in New York City's public education system. While 65% of NYC public school students identify as Black or Latino, these groups received only 12.1% of specialized high school offers in 2024, highlighting significant demographic disparities in admissions outcomes across racial and ethnic groups.
Research indicates that specialized high school graduates achieve higher college acceptance rates than the general student population. However, academically comparable students attending other high-performing NYC schools also demonstrate strong college outcomes. The specialized schools provide excellent education, but multiple pathways exist to academic success in New York City.
Location:
345 Chambers Street, Manhattan
Enrollment:
3,300 students
2024 SHSAT Cutoff:
556 (highest among all schools)
Gender Split:
57% male, 43% female
Competition:
850 seats available annually
Key Highlights:
Location:
Creston Avenue and 184th Street, Bronx
Enrollment:
3,000 students
2024 SHSAT Cutoff:
518
Gender Split:
54% male, 46% female
Competition:
748 seats available annually
Key Highlights:
Location:
29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn
Enrollment:
5,700 students (largest specialized school)
2024 SHSAT Cutoff:
505
Gender Split:
43% female, 57% male
Competition:
1,490 seats available annually
Key Highlights:
Location:
485 Clawson Street, Staten Island
Enrollment:
328 students
2024 SHSAT Cutoff:
527
Gender Split:
44% female, 56% male
Competition:
328 seats available annually
Key Highlights:
Location:
240 Convent Avenue, Manhattan (City College campus)
Enrollment:
485 students
2024 SHSAT Cutoff:
526
Gender Split:
35% female, 65% male
Competition:
140 seats available annually
Key Highlights:
Location:
Lehman College campus, Bronx
Enrollment:
400 students
2024 SHSAT Cutoff:
504
Gender Split:
57% female, 43% male
Competition:
104 seats available annually
Key Highlights:
Location:
223 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn
Enrollment:
520 students
2024 SHSAT Cutoff:
496 (lowest among specialized schools)
Gender Split:
43% female, 57% male
Competition:
215 seats available annually
Location:
94-50 159 Street, Queens
Enrollment:
498 students
2024 SHSAT Cutoff:
518
Gender Split:
42% female, 58% male
Competition:
116 seats available annually
Key Highlights:
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test determines admission to all eight specialized schools. Understanding its structure and scoring helps families prepare effectively.
The SHSAT runs 180 minutes and contains 114 questions divided equally between English Language Arts and Mathematics.
The ELA section includes Revision/Editing and Reading Comprehension components
The Mathematics section features 52 multiple-choice questions and 5 grid-in problems
Calculators are prohibited
Students receive a raw score based on correct answers, which converts to a scaled score with a maximum around 700. The 2024 testing cycle produced these statistics:
Average Score
Median Score
Score Range
Middle 50%
Students are ranked by their SHSAT scores from highest to lowest. Starting with the top scorer, each student gets their first choice school if seats are available. If their first choice is full, they get their second choice, and so on.
Example: 5 students, limited seats (Stuy: 2 seats, Bronx Science: 1 seat, Brooklyn Tech: 1 seat)
Student Rankings:
• Student A (600): 1.Stuy, 2.Bronx Science, 3.Brooklyn Tech
• Student B (580): 1.Bronx Science, 2.Stuy, 3.Brooklyn Tech
• Student C (560): 1.Bronx Science, 2.Stuy, 3.Brooklyn Tech
• Student D (540): 1.Brooklyn Tech, 2.Stuy, 3.Bronx Science
• Student E (520): 1.Stuy, 2.Bronx Science, 3.Brooklyn Tech
Results (processed by score order):
• Student A → Gets Stuy (1st choice) [Stuy: 1 seat left]
• Student B → Gets Bronx Science (1st choice) [Bronx Science: now full]
• Student C → Bronx Science full, gets Stuy (2nd choice) [Stuy: now full]
• Student D → Gets Brooklyn Tech (1st choice) [Brooklyn Tech: now full]
• Student E → Stuy full, Bronx Science full, Brooklyn Tech full → No specialized school
Bottom line: Your score matters most. School rankings matter much less.
Strategy: Rank all schools in your true order of preference. There's no advantage to "playing it safe" with lower-ranked schools higher on your list.
The SHSAT typically occurs in late October or early November for 8th-grade students and eligible 9th graders. Registration opens in late summer with results released in March for the following school year.Use our free calculator to track your preparation progress throughout this timeline.
Two programs specifically target underrepresented students in the specialized high school system.
Eligibility requirements:
Current enrollment in 7th grade at a NYC public or charter school
Minimum scores of 3.31 on 6th-grade Math state test and 3.25 on ELA state test
Residence in or school attendance in designated high-need districts
The program offers Saturday and summer intensive instruction specifically targeting SHSAT content. DREAM participants compete in the regular admission pool without reserved seats. However, DREAM students meeting Discovery criteria may access Discovery's reserved seats if they score in the appropriate range.
Important timing consideration:
Applications must be submitted during 7th grade. Awareness of this program and its timeline is essential for eligible families to take advantage of this opportunity.
Important distinction:
Unlike Discovery, DREAM has no reserved seats. DREAM students compete in the regular SHSAT admission pool alongside all other test-takers. However, DREAM students who score in the Discovery range and meet Discovery criteria could potentially access Discovery's reserved seats.
The Discovery Program is a pathway for students who score just below the cutoff and meet specific criteria.
Seat Allocation System: 20% Reserved for Discovery Students
This is crucial to understand: 20% of all specialized high school seats are specifically reserved for Discovery Program participants. This means approximately 800 seats annually across all eight schools are set aside and cannot be filled through regular SHSAT admission.
Who qualifies (must meet ALL criteria):
Low-income household OR live in temporary housing OR English Language Learner for less than 4 years
Attend a high-poverty school (Economic Need Index of 60%+)
Score within a specific range (typically 470-480 based on recent years)
Listed the school on their SHSAT application
What it involves:
3-5 week summer program
Successful completion guarantees admission to one of the reserved Discovery seats
About 800 students participate annually, filling the 20% reserved allocation
Important:
Discovery doesn't guarantee admission. You still have to successfully complete the summer program. However, if you do complete it successfully, you're guaranteed one of the reserved Discovery seats, not competing for regular admission spots.
Test preparation is an important consideration for families. The market offers numerous options across a wide price range. Research provides valuable insights into effective preparation approaches:
Books ($20-30): Kaplan, Barron's, and ArgoPrep
Online Platforms ($25-175): TestPrepSHSAT for $25/year
Free Resources: NYC DOE practice tests, StuyPrep
High-end tutoring with huge variation in quality. Some tutors report excellent results, but there's no guarantee.
Smith Street Workshop: $90/student per hour
Admission Squad: $850 boot camp
Kweller Prep: $1,650-$5,000
Research findings:
Studies indicate that the key factor in test preparation success is consistent, targeted practice over time rather than the cost of preparation materials. Students who maintain regular study habits and focused practice can achieve strong results with various preparation methods, from self-study materials to structured programs. Before investing in expensive prep programs,calculate your current score to establish a baseline and track improvement.
$199/year vs $1,000s for tutoring. We built SHSAT.ai after seeing NYC families choose between expensive tutoring and limited self-study options.
What makes us uniquely effective:
AI diagnostics pinpoint exactly where your child needs help
Adaptive practice adjusts to your child's learning pace
Ready for 2025 digital SHSAT format
Track progress with detailed analytics parents love
Compare the Value
Each NYC borough offers unique resources and faces different challenges in specialized high school preparation. Here's what parents should know by location:
Advantages: Close proximity to Stuyvesant and HSMSE. Abundant tutoring options on Upper East Side.
Resources: StuyPrep (free), numerous prep centers, library systems with SHSAT materials.
Consideration: Higher competition density; many students have access to expensive prep programs.
Advantages: Home to Brooklyn Tech and Brooklyn Latin. Strong community prep programs.
Resources: Brooklyn Public Library SHSAT prep, community centers in Bay Ridge, Park Slope.
DREAM eligibility: Many Brooklyn districts qualify for free DREAM program participation.
Advantages: Home to Queens High School for Sciences. Diverse community with strong academic focus.
Resources: Flushing, Bayside libraries offer prep programs. Many affordable tutoring options.
Transportation: Consider commute times to Manhattan/Brooklyn schools when ranking preferences.
Advantages: Home to Bronx Science and HSAS. Strong DREAM program eligibility.
Resources: Many schools qualify for Discovery program. Community organizations offer free prep.
Opportunity: Higher acceptance rates for Discovery-eligible students from qualifying Bronx schools.
Advantages: Staten Island Tech offers local specialized option with strong outcomes.
Challenge: Fewer local prep resources; many families rely on online programs like SHSAT.ai.
Strategy: Consider Staten Island Tech as first choice to avoid daily commute to other boroughs.
The SHSAT journey typically spans three years, with each grade level requiring different focus areas. Here's what to prioritize based on your child's current grade:
Research DREAM Program eligibility if you're in a qualifying district
Focus on strong foundational math and reading skills
Don't stress yet (starting prep too early can lead to burnout)
Apply for DREAM if eligible (applications typically open in spring)
Start researching schools and visiting if possible
Begin light SHSAT familiarization in late spring
Register for the SHSAT (typically August-September deadline)
Create a prep plan and take practice tests to establish a baseline
Consider Discovery Program eligibility if applicable
• What's your actual admission rate?
• Can you provide recent references?
• What's your refund policy?
• How do you personalize instruction?
• What's included in the price?
• Admission guarantees
• Claims of "secret strategies"
• Pressure to decide immediately
• Unverifiable success metrics
• One-size-fits-all approaches
Estimate your admission chances instantly with our free SHSAT calculator using official DOE methodology
Calculate ScoreAI-powered diagnostic assessments that adapt to your student's learning needs
Start PracticingIt's important to acknowledge the significant pressure that families may experience during this process. New York City offers many excellent high schools beyond the specialized schools, and research demonstrates that students with similar academic profiles achieve success at various institutions. Alternative pathways include:
School-specific programs like the Macaulay Honors College feeder programs
Screened schools with strong academic reputations
International Baccalaureate programs
Arts schools for creative students
Different communities may have varying perspectives on the importance of specialized high schools. Research indicates that multiple educational pathways can lead to success. The key is identifying a school environment where your child can develop both academically and personally. When evaluating options, consider your child's own educational preferences and goals, evaluate their readiness for different academic environments, and explore schools that align with their specific interests and learning style.
Specialized high schools maintain rigorous academic environments that can be demanding for students. Research indicates elevated stress levels among some students in these settings. It's important to consider not only academic readiness but also emotional preparedness when evaluating these educational options. The optimal school for any student is one that supports their academic, social, and emotional development, which may or may not be a specialized high school.
For 2024 admissions, Stuyvesant required a minimum SHSAT score of 556, the highest among all specialized high schools. Cutoff scores change annually based on the number of applicants and their performance.
SHSAT prep costs range from $20 (self-study books) to $5,000+ (premium tutoring programs). Mid-range options include SHSAT.ai at $199/year and group classes from $690-$1,650. Free options include the DOE's DREAM program and StuyPrep.
The Discovery Program reserves 20% of specialized high school seats for students who score slightly below cutoffs but meet specific criteria (low-income, high-poverty school attendance, or English Language Learner status). Students must complete a 3-5 week summer program.
The SHSAT is typically administered in late October or early November for 8th-grade students. Starting in Fall 2025, the test will be given digitally. Registration usually opens in late summer with results released in March.
In 2024, only 15.9% of SHSAT test-takers received offers (4,072 out of 25,678 students). This makes specialized high schools more selective than many Ivy League universities.
NYC DOE Specialized High Schools: Official information and application materials
DREAM Program Information: Eligibility and application details
Discovery Programs: Alternative pathway information
Free SHSAT.ai Practice Test: Full-length diagnostic exam with instant results
Official NYC DOE Practice Tests (Forms A and B available online)
StuyPrep: Free tutoring program funded by Stuyvesant alumni
Independent Budget Office Specialized High Schools Report 2024: Comprehensive demographic and admissions data
SHSAT Cutoff Scores Historical Data: Track cutoff trends over time
Local parent Facebook groups (search "SHSAT prep [your borough]")
School guidance counselors (they often have the most current information)
The specialized high schools offer exceptional educational opportunities and have long histories of academic excellence. However, they represent one of many pathways to success available to New York City students.
Key consideration for families:
The optimal school for any student is one that supports their academic, social, and emotional development. This may be a specialized high school for some students, while others may thrive in different educational environments.
Families choosing to pursue the SHSAT should develop a balanced preparation strategy that supports their child's learning while maintaining perspective on the broader educational journey.
For those seeking comprehensive, adaptive SHSAT preparation resources, we offer tools designed to support individual learning needs. Our goal is to ensure all NYC families have access to quality information and resources for making educational decisions.
This guide was compiled using 2024-2025 admissions data from the NYC Department of Education, Independent Budget Office reports, individual school websites, and test prep market research. All cutoff scores are from the most recent admissions cycle and are subject to change.
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