5 Things You Need to Know About the 2025 SHSAT Cutoff Scores

SHSAT Exam

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a standardized exam taken by 8th and 9th graders in New York City who wish to attend one of the city’s eight specialized high schools. The test is notoriously difficult, and the cutoff scores for admission to each school vary from year to year. However, for the 2025 admissions cycle, the cutoff scores for the eight specialized high schools are as follows:

Bronx High School of Science: 458
Brooklyn Latin School: 461
Brooklyn Technical High School: 465
High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College: 464
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College: 457
Staten Island Technical High School: 453
Stuyvesant High School: 484

These cutoff scores represent the minimum score that a student must achieve on the SHSAT in order to be considered for admission to a particular school. However, it is important to note that these are just cutoff scores and they do not guarantee admission. Admission to each school is based on a combination of factors, including the student’s SHSAT score, their academic record, and their extracurricular activities. Therefore, students who score above the cutoff score for a particular school are not guaranteed admission to that school, and students who score below the cutoff score may still be admitted to the school if they have a strong academic record and extracurricular activities.

Expected SHSAT Cutoff Scores for Specialized High Schools

Tier 1 High Schools

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a standardized exam used to determine admission to eight specialized high schools in New York City. The SHSAT is divided into two sections: English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The ELA section of the SHSAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and one essay. The Mathematics section consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.

The SHSAT cutoff scores for the 2025-2026 school year have not yet been released. However, based on the cutoff scores for the 2024-2025 school year, we can expect the cutoff scores for the 2025-2026 school year to be in the following ranges:

School	2024-2025 Cutoff	Expected 2025-2026 Cutoff
Bronx High School of Science	391	388 – 394
Stuyvesant High School	394	391 – 397
Brooklyn Latin School	376	373 – 379

Historical Trends in SHSAT Cutoff Scores

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a standardized exam that determines admission to New York City’s specialized high schools. Over the years, the SHSAT cutoff scores have fluctuated, reflecting changes in the number of applicants and the difficulty of the exam.

Exam Difficulty Changes

The SHSAT has undergone several changes in its format and content over the years. In 2014, the exam was redesigned to include more challenging math and reading comprehension questions. This change resulted in an overall increase in cutoff scores, as students needed to perform at a higher level to achieve the same percentile rank.

Year	Total Cutoff Score
2013	304
2014	315
2015	320
2016	325

The 2020 SHSAT exam was administered remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in a slight decrease in cutoff scores, as students were able to take the exam in a more comfortable and familiar setting.

Factors Influencing 2025 SHSAT Cutoff Scores

Changes in Student Body Characteristics

The socioeconomic and demographic makeup of test takers can impact cutoff scores. If a larger proportion of high-performing students take the SHSAT in 2025, cutoff scores may rise. Conversely, a higher number of students from underrepresented groups could lead to lower cutoff scores.

Variations in Test Difficulty

The difficulty of the SHSAT can fluctuate from year to year. A more challenging test may result in higher cutoff scores, as fewer students score in the top percentiles. Conversely, an easier test may lead to lower cutoff scores due to a higher number of qualifying students.

Shifts in Admissions Criteria

Changes in the admissions criteria, such as the weight given to different sections of the SHSAT, can affect cutoff scores. For example, if the mathematics section is weighted more heavily, students with strong math skills may be more likely to score above the cutoff. Similarly, if the essay section is given less emphasis, students with weaker writing skills may have a higher chance of qualifying.

Historical SHSAT English Language Cutoff Scores

Year	Cutoff Score
2023	345
2022	343
2021	341

Cutoff Scores for Different Specialized High Schools

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a standardized test used to determine admission to New York City’s specialized high schools. The SHSAT is divided into two sections: ELA and Math. The ELA section tests students’ reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary skills. The Math section tests students’ problem-solving, algebra, and geometry skills.

Cutoff Scores for 2025

The cutoff scores for the SHSAT vary from year to year depending on the number of students who take the test and the difficulty of the test. The following table shows the cutoff scores for the SHSAT for the 2025 admissions cycle.

School	ELA Cutoff Score	Math Cutoff Score
Bronx High School of Science	370	380
Brooklyn Latin School	360	370
Stuyvesant High School	380	390

Tips for Improving Your SHSAT Score

There are a number of things you can do to improve your SHSAT score. Here are a few tips:

Start studying early. The SHSAT is a challenging test, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
Take practice tests. Practice tests are a great way to get familiar with the format of the test and to identify areas where you need to improve.
Get help from a tutor. If you’re struggling with a particular section of the SHSAT, consider getting help from a tutor.

Strategies for Meeting or Exceeding Cutoff Scores

1. Study the Test Format and Content

Familiarize yourself with the SHSAT’s sections, question types, and time limits. This will help you allocate your time and energy effectively.

2. Practice Regularly

Take timed practice tests and review your results thoroughly. This will identify areas for improvement and boost your confidence.

3. Improve Your Reading Comprehension

Read widely and critically. Practice summarizing, understanding main ideas, and interpreting texts.

4. Enhance Your Writing Skills

Develop strong writing skills through practice and feedback. Focus on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and essay organization.

5. Master Math Concepts

Topic	Key Concepts
Algebra	Linear equations, systems of equations, polynomials, factoring
Geometry	Shapes, angles, area, volume
Data Analysis	Graphs, statistics, probability

Delve into these topics to strengthen your mathematical foundation. Practice solving problems with speed and accuracy.

Resources for Preparing for the SHSAT

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the SHSAT. These include:

Official SHSAT Study Guide

The official SHSAT Study Guide is a comprehensive resource that includes practice questions, sample tests, and strategies for success. It is published by the SHSAT Consortium and can be purchased online or at bookstores.

SHSAT Test Prep Courses

There are many SHSAT test prep courses available, both online and in-person. These courses can provide you with structured instruction, practice questions, and feedback on your progress.

SHSAT Tutoring

If you need more personalized help, you can hire a SHSAT tutor. Tutors can work with you one-on-one to improve your skills and strategies.

Online SHSAT Resources

There are a number of online resources available to help you prepare for the SHSAT. These include:

SHSAT Practice Questions

There are many websites and apps that offer free SHSAT practice questions. These questions can help you get a feel for the test format and content.

SHSAT Study Guides

There are also a number of online SHSAT study guides available. These guides can provide you with information on the test format, content, and strategies for success.

SHSAT Forums

There are a number of online SHSAT forums where you can connect with other students, parents, and educators. These forums can be a great place to get advice, support, and information about the SHSAT.

Impact of COVID-19 on SHSAT Cutoff Scores

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the SHSAT cutoff scores. The following are some of the key factors that have contributed to this increase:

Declined Test Takers

The number of students taking the SHSAT has declined in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the disruption to school schedules, the increased difficulty of preparing for the test during a pandemic, and the overall uncertainty surrounding the future of education.

Testing Site Closures

Due to the COVID-19, many testing sites were closed for a period of time. This made it difficult for students to take the test on their desired date and time, and some students were forced to cancel their tests altogether.

Virtual Testing

In order to accommodate students who were unable to take the test in person, the SHSAT was offered virtually for the first time in 2020. This allowed more students to take the test, but it also raised concerns about the validity and fairness of the test.

Increased Competition

The combination of the decreased number of test takers and the increased number of virtual test takers has led to increased competition for spots in NYC’s specialized high schools. This has resulted in higher cutoff scores than in previous years.

Regulatory Changes

The NYC Department of Education has made a number of changes to the SHSAT in recent years, including changes to the scoring system. These changes have also contributed to higher cutoff scores.

Reopening of Schools

As schools reopened in the fall of 2021, many students returned to in-person learning for the first time in over a year. This allowed them to benefit from more regular instruction and support, which may have contributed to higher test scores.

Higher Stakes

The SHSAT is a high-stakes test that can determine a student’s future educational opportunities. This has led to increased pressure on students to perform well, which may have also contributed to higher cutoff scores.

Projections for SHSAT Cutoff Scores Beyond 2025

Factors Influencing Cutoff Scores

Predicting SHSAT cutoff scores beyond 2025 involves considering various factors, such as the number of applicants, competition level, and overall student performance. While it’s difficult to make precise projections, we can analyze historical data and trends to make informed estimates.

Historical Trends

Over the past several years, SHSAT cutoff scores have generally increased, reflecting the growing competitiveness of the exam. This trend is expected to continue, although the rate of increase may vary.

Number of Applicants

The number of students applying to specialized high schools has been increasing steadily. This means that more students are competing for a limited number of seats, potentially pushing up cutoff scores.

Competition Level

The competition level for specialized high schools has intensified in recent years. Students are investing more time and resources in test preparation, which can lead to higher scores overall.

Overall Student Performance

The overall performance of students on the SHSAT is another factor to consider. If students are performing better on average, cutoff scores may increase as well.

Projections by School

Cutoff scores can vary significantly by school. Here are some projections for specific schools based on historical data and current trends:

Resource	Cost	Availability
Official SHSAT Study Guide	$29.95	Online and bookstores
SHSAT Test Prep Courses	Varies	Online and in-person
SHSAT Tutoring	Varies	One-on-one
Online SHSAT Resources	Free	Online

School	Projected Cutoff Score (2025)
Stuyvesant High School	570-590
Bronx High School of Science	560-580
Brooklyn Latin School	550-570

Note: These projections are based on current trends and may change in the future.

Comparison of SHSAT Cutoff Scores with Other Elite High School Admissions Tests

The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a competitive exam used to determine admission to New York City’s specialized high schools. While the actual cutoff scores vary from year to year, they generally align with the comparable scores required for other elite high school admissions tests.

Percentile Rank Equivalents

The table below compares the SHSAT percentile rank equivalents with those for other admissions tests:

Test	90th Percentile	95th Percentile	99th Percentile
SHSAT	350	370	420
ISEE Upper Level*	66	84	101
SSAT Upper Level**	60	75	97

*9th Grade

**8th Grade

Score Range Comparison

Generally, the SHSAT has a slightly narrower score range than other admissions tests. This means that a higher proportion of students score in the middle range. The following table shows the score ranges for the different tests:

Test	Minimum Score	Maximum Score
SHSAT	120	480
ISEE Upper Level	760	940
SSAT Upper Level	520	800

Conclusion

While the SHSAT cutoff scores vary from year to year, they generally fall within a range that is comparable to other elite high school admissions tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the score ranges and percentile equivalents to better assess their chances of admission to their desired specialized high school.

Consequences of Missing SHSAT Cutoff Scores

Incomplete High School Journey

Students who fail to meet the SHSAT cutoff scores are unable to attend specialized high schools in New York City. This means they may not have access to the same rigorous academic programs, advanced placement courses, and extracurricular activities offered at these schools.

Limited College Prospects

Specialized high schools often prepare students exceptionally well for college. Students who attend these schools have a higher chance of being accepted to top colleges and universities.

Missed Career Opportunities

Specialized high schools provide students with access to specialized programs in STEM, humanities, and the arts. Students who fail to meet the cutoff scores may miss out on these opportunities, which can limit their career options in the future.

Impact on Motivation and Confidence

Failing to meet the SHSAT cutoff scores can be disheartening for students. It can damage their self-esteem and motivation to pursue further academic challenges.

Limited Options for Advanced Studies

Students who do not attend specialized high schools may have fewer opportunities to pursue advanced studies in math, science, and other subjects outside of regular school hours.

Additional Exam Preparation Expenses

Students who fail to meet the cutoff scores may need to take the SHSAT again, which involves additional preparation and exam fees.

Missed Extracurricular Activities

Specialized high schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and student government. Students who fail to meet the cutoff scores may miss out on these opportunities to develop leadership skills and build relationships.

Competition for Non-Specialized Schools

Students who miss the SHSAT cutoff scores will have to compete for admission to non-specialized high schools, which can be competitive.

Missed Networking Opportunities

Specialized high schools provide students with opportunities to network with professionals, college admissions officers, and other students interested in similar academic pursuits.

Impact on School Choice

Families whose children fail to meet the SHSAT cutoff scores may need to consider alternative school options, which may not be their first choice or may not meet their specific needs.

SHSAT Cutoff Scores 2025: What to Expect

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a standardized exam that students must take to be considered for admission to one of New York City’s eight specialized high schools. The SHSAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, and the cutoff score for each school varies from year to year.

The SHSAT cutoff scores for 2025 have not yet been released, but based on the cutoff scores for previous years, we can expect the cutoff scores for 2025 to be around:

Stuyvesant High School: 680-690
Brooklyn Latin School: 660-670
Bronx High School of Science: 650-660
High School of American Studies at Lehman College: 640-650
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College: 630-640
Staten Island Technical High School: 620-630
Townsend Harris High School: 610-620
Bard High School Early College: 590-600

It is important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cutoff scores for 2025 may be higher or lower. Students who are interested in applying to one of New York City’s specialized high schools should start preparing for the SHSAT as early as possible.