What Score Do I Need on the SHSAT? [Updated for 2026]
Introduction: What is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a critical entrance examination administered to middle school students for entrance to the eight specialized high schools in New York City. These public schools are well-known for their rigorous academic programs and provide excellent opportunities for the most academically ambitious students in the city. Each year, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) releases the cutoff scores for the specialized high schools. These are the minimum scores a student would have to achieve to gain admittance to a given school. Since the SHSAT is graded on a curve, the cutoff scores can vary from year to year.
How is the SHSAT scored?
The SHSAT is comprised of 114 questions: 57 ELA and 57 Math. Of these questions, 20 are experimental questions, which do not factor into the student’s score. However, the test-makers do not identify which questions are experimental, so every student must answer every question. Each student is then given a raw score, which is converted into their composite score. The composite score is what matters.
SHSAT Cutoff Scores 2020-2026
Cutoff scores for the various specialized high schools have followed specific trends over the years. Historically, schools like Stuyvesant High School, HSMSE, and Bronx Science have had the highest cutoff scores, whereas Brooklyn Latin, Brooklyn Technical High School, and the High School of American Studies at Lehman College have typically had lower cutoff scores.
The trends continued in 2024, with the following cutoff scores for current 8th graders:
| School | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuyvesant High School | 566 | 559 | 563 | 561 | 561 | 556 | 561 |
| High School for Mathematics, Science And Engineering At City College | 522 | 515 | 532 | 518 | 542 | 526 | 539 |
| The Bronx High School of Science | 531 | 517 | 524 | 521 | 526 | 518 | 525 |
| High School of American Studies at Lehman College | 517 | 502 | 516 | 510 | 514 | 504 | 507 |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | 507 | 493 | 506 | 503 | 507 | 505 | 506 |
| The Brooklyn Latin School | 494 | 481 | 497 | 493 | 492 | 496 | 495 |
| Queens High School For The Sciences At York College | 522 | 515 | 523 | 527 | 524 | 518 | 531 |
| Staten Island Technical High School | 529 | 520 | 527 | 521 | 519 | 527 | 517 |
For students who missed their target cutoff as 8th graders or for students who move to NYC in 9th grade, the NYC Department of Education administers the test for current 9th graders. Since spots at these high schools are in high demand, there only very limited seats available for those students who take the test in 9th grade. As a result, the cutoff scores are even higher.
| School | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuyvesant High School | 566 | 559 | 563 | 561 | 572 | 562 | TBD |
| High School for Mathematics, Science And Engineering At City College | 522 | 515 | 532 | 518 | 523 | 556 | TBD |
| The Bronx High School of Science | 531 | 517 | 524 | 521 | 650 | 525 | TBD |
| High School of American Studies at Lehman College | 517 | 502 | 516 | 510 | 510 | 485 | TBD |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | 507 | 493 | 506 | 503 | 543 | 537 | TBD |
| The Brooklyn Latin School | 494 | 481 | 497 | 493 | 490 | 484 | TBD |
| Queens High School For The Sciences At York College | 522 | 515 | 523 | 527 | 523 | 520 | TBD |
| Staten Island Technical High School | 529 | 520 | 527 | 521 | 524 | 572 | TBD |
Determining your target score
Deciding what score to aim for on the SHSAT depends on several factors, including personal goals for the test, considerations about the commute, and determining which schools align with your academic and personal interests. Here are some steps to help you determine your target score:
- Identify Your Preferred Schools: Research the specialized high schools and make a list of your top choices. Consider factors like academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and location.
- Assess Your Academic Strengths and Weaknesses: Look at the subjects covered in the SHSAT and evaluate where you stand in terms of your abilities.
- Consider Your Commute: Think about the practicality of commuting to and from the school every day.
- Set Achievable Goals: Based on the above factors, set a target score that aligns with your top-choice schools but also remains within reach based on your preparation.
How to improve your SHSAT Score
The SHSAT can be a challenging test, and achieving a high score requires dedicated preparation. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and the overall structure of the test.
- Create a Study Schedule: Dedicate specific times for study and focus on both your strengths and weaknesses.
- Utilize Resources: Consider using SHSAT preparation books, online resources, or even joining a tutoring program to help you prepare.
- Take Practice Tests: Regularly take timed practice tests to understand your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Stay Committed: Persistence and regular effort are key to success in the SHSAT.
When will SHSAT scores be released?
The Department of Education (DOE) sent out scores and offers on March 5, 2026.
We’re here to help!
Determining the right SHSAT score for you involves considering your goals, commute, and aligning schools with your individual needs. It requires careful planning, effort, and sometimes, professional guidance. Honors Prep is here to help you navigate this important process and help you achieve the score you need for your dream specialized high school. Contact us today to get personalized support, tailored to your unique situation. Together, we can help you achieve your goals!