Beginning with the fall 2026 administration, the SHSAT will transition to a computer-adaptive test (CAT). A CAT is an exam that selects the questions that a student sees based on their ongoing performance. For example, a test-taker who performs well on a moderately challenging prompt will then receive a more difficult item; a student who […]

SHSAT Applicant Test Result Summary – Fall 2025 Admissions Score Minimum Scaled Score Maximum Scaled Score Average Scaled Score Median Scaled Score Middle 50% ELA 20 393 199 195 162 – 237 Math 63 338 200 193 167 – 233 Composite 85 705 399 388 333 – 462 On June 29, 2025, I submitted a […]

Every year, the NYC DOE releases a set of practice questions for the additional math content tested in the 9th-grade version of the SHSAT. Listed below is a comprehensive directory of these packets. G9 Diag 1 G9 Diag 2 G9 Diag 3 G9 Diag 20172018 G9 Diag 20182019 (almost identical to 2017-2018) G9 Diag 20192020 […]

The following table shows the lowest SHSAT score that resulted in a tenth-grade offer at each testing Specialized High School, along with the number of offers that were given out. Grade 9 SHSAT Cutoff Scores // 10th Grade Seat Targets (ST) School DBN School Name 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 ST 2018 […]

This SHSAT score conversion table can be used to convert RAW scores into SCALED scores. It will produce a conservative estimate of your score for each section (ELA/Math).  Methodology The DOE website tells us… In the middle of the range of scores, an increase of one raw score point may correspond to an increase […]

Table of Contents What are the cutoff scores for the Specialized High Schools? Offers to the testing Specialized High Schools are made in descending order of SHSAT score, combined with each student’s preferences listed on their SHSAT registration. Here’s how that works: The student with the highest SHSAT score receives an offer to their first […]

The reading comprehension section of the SHSAT always includes at least one poem. The questions associated with these poems are often the most difficult for students. Across all of the official SHSAT practice tests, there are only eight poems: 2021–2022 Form A: “Ode to Fireworks” 2021–2022 Form B: “Serpent Mound” 2022–2023 Form A: “Bird Talk” […]

On March 28, 2024, I submitted a request to the NYC Department of Education (DOE) requesting the distribution of SHSAT scores calculated for students applying for 2024 admissions. Today, October 18, 2024, I received the above data in a final response to my Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request. Some highlights of note: The average […]

The Bronx High School of Science  School Ranking According to Niche, Bronx Science ranks 1st among New York City public high schools, offering an Advanced Placement® curriculum that prioritizes math and science, including genetics, multivariable calculus, and organic chemistry. In addition, several elective English and Social Studies minors complement the core Science and Mathematics curriculum.  Overview […]

Brooklyn Technical High School  School Ranking Brooklyn Technical School is a public specialized high school in New York City, located in the Fort Greene neighborhood in Brooklyn. According to Niche, one of the top-rated high schools in the borough, Brooklyn Tech ranks 12th among the best public high schools in New York City. In addition, it is […]