SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test)

🎯 SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test)

Gain comprehensive information on the SHSAT format, registration process, key dates and testing particulars for New York City’s specialized high schools.

📝 Overview & Eligibility

  • The SHSAT is the entrance examination used for eight of New York City’s specialized high schools. 

  • Eligibility: Students must be residents of NYC and eligible for Grade 8 (seeking admission to Grade 9) or Grade 9 (for entry to Grade 10) in a city school.

📅 Registration & Test Date Windows

Event Typical Time Frame Notes
Registration Opens Early Oct (or early Sept) For example: Oct 7, 2025 for 2026 entry. 
Registration Closes Late Oct Example: Oct 31, 2025 for 2026 entry.
School-Day Testing Mid Nov (8th grade, public school) Example: Nov 12, 2025 for 8th graders in public schools. 
Weekend Testing Mid-Nov (8th grade non-public/charter) & Late Nov (9th grade) Example: Nov 15-16 (8th grade charter/private) and Nov 22-23 (9th grade) in 2025. 

🧮 Format & Structure

  • The SHSAT consists of two major sections:

    • Section 1: Verbal/English (reading passages, revising/editing)

    • Section 2: Mathematics (multiple-choice and grid-in items) 

  • Time = Approximately 3 hours total for the exam. 

  • Test tickets will be issued ~2 weeks after registration closes. These tickets specify date, time, and location. 

🏫 Schools & Admissions Use

  • The eight testing specialized high schools include: Stuyvesant High School, The Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical High School, The Brooklyn Latin School, High School for Mathematics, Science & Engineering at City College, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, Staten Island Technical High School, and High School of American Studies at Lehman College. 

  • Admission to these schools is based solely on SHSAT performance (for the eight schools). 

📚 Preparation & Key Tips

  • Begin preparation in Grade 7 or early Grade 8 for 8th-grade test takers, or early Grade 8 for 9th-grade takers. 

  • Access free practice materials, sample questions and test-taking strategy resources.

  • Ensure registration is completed by the deadline and print the test ticket once issued.

  • Arrive early on test day with required materials and photo ID.