Specialised High School Admissions Test Complete Guide – SHSAT Schools
If you're preparing for the SHSAT, understanding the specialized high schools it leads to is just as important as knowing the exam itself. In this guide, we’ll break down what the SHSAT is, which NYC schools use it, and what makes each school unique—so you can make informed choices when ranking your preferences.
Contents
What is the SHSAT?
Which schools use the SHSAT?
How Competitive Are the SHSAT Schools?
What About LaGuardia High School?
How Are Offers Made?
Which SHSAT School Is Right for My Child?
Final Thoughts
What Is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a standardized exam used for admission to eight of New York City’s most competitive public high schools. It’s taken by thousands of 8th graders each fall, and admission is based solely on your SHSAT score and your ranked school preferences.
Which Schools Use the SHSAT?
There are currently eight SHSAT schools in NYC that admit students based on SHSAT scores:
1. Stuyvesant High School (Manhattan)
Known for: Top academic ranking nationwide, strong STEM focus
Cutoff score: Typically the highest of all SHSAT schools
2. Bronx High School of Science (Bronx)
Known for: Science research, Nobel Prize-winning alumni, math and robotics teams
3. Brooklyn Technical High School (Brooklyn)
Known for: Engineering programs, architecture, computer science, college-style majors
4. Brooklyn Latin School (Brooklyn)
Known for: Smaller size, classical education, focus on public speaking and humanities
5. High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College (HSMSE) (Manhattan)
Known for: STEM programs, German language focus, City College partnership
6. High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS) (Bronx)
Known for: Emphasis on U.S. history, liberal arts, small class sizes
7. Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (Queens)
Known for: Strong STEM curriculum, York College campus access, smaller student body
8. Staten Island Technical High School (Staten Island)
Known for: Engineering and technology curriculum, athletics, and student-led initiatives
How Competitive Are the SHSAT Schools?
25,678 students sat the exam in 2024, competing for about 4,072 seats. This is a 15.9% acceptance rate
What About LaGuardia High School?
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts is often grouped with the specialized high schools, but it does not use the SHSAT. Instead, students are admitted based on:
Auditions (for music, art, dance, drama)
Academic records and portfolio work (depending on major)
How Are Offers Made?
When your child takes the SHSAT, they’ll also rank the specialized high schools in order of preference. After the exam:
Students are ranked by score
Offers are made starting with the highest scorers
Each student receives only one offer, and it’s to the highest-ranked school on their list for which their score meets the cutoff
This means it’s important to understand each school and rank wisely based on your child’s goals and interests—not just reputation.
Which SHSAT School Is Right for My Child?
Each SHSAT school has its own culture, academic strengths, and extracurricular focus. Here are a few questions to guide your decision:
Does your child thrive in large or small school environments?
Are they more interested in STEM, humanities, or the arts?
Do they want access to college-level resources?
How long would the commute be?
You can find open house dates, virtual tours, and admissions data for each school on the NYC DOE website and the schools’ individual sites.
Final Thoughts: SHSAT Success Starts with Research
Choosing the right SHSAT school isn’t just about scoring high—it’s about finding the right fit. By understanding what each school offers, how admissions work, and what your child values most in their education, you can make smart choices and boost their chances of thriving in high school and beyond.
For more SHSAT tips, preparation strategies, and practice materials, check out our full SHSAT Complete Guide.
