General
Research consistently shows that low-income students, even those with high achievement levels, often attend lower-quality schools compared to their more affluent peers. Why?
Low-income students have less resources available for high school admissions since many resources are costly.
What exam is used to determine admission to eight of NYC’s specialized high schools?
The SHSAT
What specialized high school requires an audition for programs in dance, drama, music, and art?
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School
What types of high schools select students based on grades, test scores, and other criteria?
Screened schools
What type of assistance can families request when applying to private schools to help cover tuition costs?
What is the online system where students rank up to 12 schools to apply for NYC public high schools?
MySchools
How many hours long is the SHSAT?
3 hours
For admission to visual arts programs, what type of creative collection do students have to submit?
A portfolio
What high schools give admission priority to students living in a specific area?
Zoned schools
What type of in-person or virtual meeting do many private schools conduct with applicants as part of the admissions process?
An interview
When does the NYC high school application typically open?
October
What 3 sections does the SHSAT consist of?
Revising and Editing, ELA, and Math
What live demonstration do performing arts high schools often require students to complete?
An audition
In addition to grades, what written response do some screened schools require students to submit as part of their application?
An essay
What written piece, often required by private schools along with transcripts and test scores, allows students to express their interest?
An essay
What is the hexadecimal that each student is given in the high school process?
The student's lottery number
What are the 3 high schools with the highest cutoff scores in 2025?
Stuyvesant, Staten Island Tech, and HSMSE
In LaGuardia, after the initial audition, what do students that are invited back for a second-round evaluation before final decisions are made receive?
A callback
What additional test does schools like Bard High School Early College require students to take?
An admissions exam
From which two types of school staff members do private school applications typically require letters of recommendation?
Teachers and principals (or school counselors)
What month do NYC students receive high school offers?
March
What was the cutoff score for Stuyvesant in 2025?
556
What are students applying for vocal music programs required to sing without instrumental accompaniment?
An a cappella piece
Zoned schools give admission priority to students based on what factor that is determined by home address?
Residency
What type of standardized test do many NYC private high schools require students to take as part of the admissions process?
ISEE and SSAT