Each year more than 25,000 8th-graders take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) to vie for roughly 5,000 seats at eight of the nine specialized high schools, which include:

LaGuardia High School, the 9th specialized high school, selects students based on auditions as well as a review of their middle school academic records.

Digital SHSAT

  • Students taking the SHSAT in Fall 2026 will be the first group to take a computer adaptive version of the SHSAT, which adjusts its content during the exam based on student responses.
  • Learn more about the digital SHSAT and take practice tests via the NYC SHSAT Portal and the NYC SHSAT Readiness Tool.
  • Make sure to use practice materials designed for the latest version of the exam. Every year the exam changes a bit, so it's important to use up-to-date practice materials. Don't rely on out-dated online resources or study materials that were used by an older sibling or anyone else who took the SHSAT a few years ago.
  • Scroll down to find some free and low cost SHSAT-prep options.

Fall 2027 Exam Dates

The Fall 2027 testing dates have not yet been released. We'll post them here as soon as they are available.

Diversity Initiative

To increase integration at the specialized high schools, NYC Public Schools expanded its Discovery Program, which gives some students who just missed the SHSAT cutoff score the opportunity to attend a specialized high school by completing a summer program prior to the start of 9th grade.

Twenty percent of all seats at each of the eight specialized high schools that admit students based on the SHSAT are reserved for students who complete the Discovery Program.

To be eligible for the Discovery Program, a student must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Applied to at least one specialized high school by taking the SHSAT;
  • Be at least one of the following: from a low-income household, living in temporary housing or an English language learner who moved to the New York City within the past four years;
  • Scored below the cutoff score on the SHSAT, but still within a certain range set by the DOE; and
  • Attend a high poverty school, which is a school where the Economic Need Index (ENI) is at least 60%.

There is no separate application for the Discovery Program. Participation is by invitation only. Those who meet the above criteria will be offered a spot in the Discovery Program in the spring of 8th grade. Those who participate in and complete all of the Discovery Program's requirements will be admitted to a specialized high school.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do the exam-based specialized high schools look at middle school grades and state ELA and math scores too?
A. No. It's all about the SHSAT. In fact, these eight schools have no say in who is admitted. Instead, students are assigned based on an algorithm that factors in each student's SHSAT score, how each student ranks her preferences for attending the schools and the number of seats available at each school.

Q. Do I need to take the SHSAT to apply to LaGuardia High School?
A. No. There is a separate admissions process for LaGuardia, which selects students based on an audition. You can learn more about the audition process for La Guardia on its website.

Q. I can’t afford to pay for an SHSAT prep course, is it still worth it to take the SHSAT in the fall?
A. Yes, but study! Check out some free SHSAT prep options mentioned below. While it is true that many kids take a SHSAT prep course, it’s also true that students get into specialized high schools by studying on their own from prep books or online resources. Don’t get discouraged if at first you struggle. When studying from a book or online source, it’s important to read the tips and mini lessons and not just answer the practice questions. After taking a practice test, read the explanations in the answer key. If you think you need to learn or re-learn a specific skill tested on the SHSAT, try a free online tutoring program like Khan Academy or Brainfuse.

Q. How do I register to take the SHSAT?
A. If you current attend a NYC public school, you can sign up via your MySchools. If you encounter problems, contact your school's guidance counselor for help.

If you attend a private or parochial school, the person in charge of high school admissions should be able to help you register for the SHSAT, but if you run into problems at your school, contact a Family Welcome Center to register.

Q. I moved to New York City after the dates for the SHSAT. Is it too late to get into a specialized high school for the coming fall?
A. No. Incoming 9th- and 10th-graders who moved to the city after will be able to take the SHSAT and audition for LaGuardia High School during the summer. Typically the SHSAT for newcomers is offered in mid-August, as is the deadline to submit an an online audition for LaGuardia. Students must register ahead of time by emailing HSEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov or going to a Family Welcome Center.

Free and low-cost study aids

  • The NYC SHSAT Portal and Readiness Tool.
  • There are many prep books that you can buy at a local bookstore or online. These books provide a lot of the same kinds of tips and advice that you’d get in a prep class. Make sure to use books and other prep materials designed for the current version of the test.
  • For about $35 you can take an online prep course from TestPrepSHSAT.com.
  • Some community organizations offer free SHSAT prep to students. Check our Free Programs section for more options and also ask organizations in your neighborhood if they offer SHSAT prep.
  • Helicon Inc, a non-profit, offers a SHSAT prep program for free to Black and Latina girls.
  • SHSATLab and Union Test Prep offer a free practice tests, lessons, and tips.
  • The NYC Public Schools DREAM Program offers two free SHSAT prep programs open to New York City public school students who meet additional eligibility requirements. There’s a 22-month-long course open to 6th-graders and a Summer/Fall Intensive open to rising 8th-graders.
  • Be on the lookout for free practice tests. Some of the fee-based prep courses offer free practice exams with no obligation to sign up for their program.