SHSAT cut-off scores are the minimum scores needed to gain admission into the NYC Specialized High Schools. Stuyvesant typically has the highest cut-off score, making it the most difficult to get admitted into. Last year, the cut-off score for Stuyvesant was 556 for students entering as freshmen. Whereas, The Brooklyn Latin School had the lowest cut-off score: 496.
Each year, tens of thousands of students take the SHSAT in hopes of being accepted into the specialized high schools of New York City. If you are a middle school student aspiring to be part of these elite institutions, you need to score high on the SHSAT.
2024 SHSAT Cut-Off Scores (for 2025 Admissions)
The following table shows the cut-off scores (lowest scores admitted to each school) for 8th-grade students who took the test in 2024 and were admitted to 9th grade in 2025.
| Specialized High School | SHSAT Cut-Off Score |
|---|---|
| Stuyvesant High School | 556 |
| High School For Mathematics, Science And Engineering At City College (HSMSE) | 526 |
| The Bronx High School of Science | 518 |
| High School Of American Studies At Lehman College | 504 |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | 505 |
| The Brooklyn Latin School | 496 |
| Queens High School For The Sciences At York College | 518 |
| Staten Island Technical High School | 527 |
2024 SHSAT 9th-Grade Cut-Off Scores (for 2025 Admissions)
The following table shows the cut-off scores (lowest scores admitted to each school) for 9th-grade students who took the test in 2024 and were admitted to 10th grade in 2025. The cut-off scores are typically higher for 9th-grade students. Even though there are fewer students who take the test as 9th-graders, the admissions is more competitive because there are fewer seats available. Available seats are based on the number of students who turned down an offer the previous year and the number of students who transferred out of the school. There is no guarantee that each specialized high school will even have available seats.
| Specialized High School | SHSAT Cut-Off Score |
|---|---|
| Stuyvesant High School | 562 |
| High School For Mathematics, Science And Engineering At City College (HSMSE) | 556 |
| The Bronx High School of Science | 525 |
| High School Of American Studies At Lehman College | 485 |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | 537 |
| The Brooklyn Latin School | 484 |
| Queens High School For The Sciences At York College | 520 |
| Staten Island Technical High School | 572 |
Who Determines the Cut-Off Scores for Each Specialized High School?
SHSAT scores are determined by the students who take the SHSAT and the schools that they rank. The top scoring student can get admitted to any school he ranks. The same goes for the second student and so on until a school runs out of available seats. The score of the last student admitted into a school detemines the cut-off score.
For example, last year, the last seat at Stuyvesant High School was taken by a student who scored a 556. Therefore the cut-off score for Stuy was 556. Likewise, the last seat at Staten Island Technical High School was filled by a student who scored a 527. Therefore, the cut-off score for Staten Island Tech was a 527.
As a result, the scores vary from year to year. Scores do not reflect the quality of the school. Rather they are a reflection of the desire of students to attend the school and the number of available seats.
Scoring on the SHSAT
Scoring on the SHSAT is based on a scale. Each correct answer isn’t worth a specific number of points. The conversion is determined after the test is taken. However, we have developed a scoring scale and SHSAT score calculator that can be applied to practice tests and allow students to estimate their scores. Similar to the SAT, ELA and math are scored separately and then combined to give a total score.
SHSAT Test Prep Benefits
The SHSAT can be quite a challenge for most students, so it’s in your best interest to be as ready as possible for the difficulty of the exam. If you plan to take the SHSAT, investing in SHSAT test prep increases your chances of scoring high enough to get admitted to the high school you want.
1. Proper Student Assessment
In a test prep class, a student will be thoroughly assessed by an educator to determine any academic areas that need more focus. The key to passing the SHSAT is the right preparation and a proper evaluation of your needs as a student will highlight any subjects that require additional focus. This enables the student to feel more confident in their skills and abilities, which results in a positive effect on their SHSAT journey.
2. Customized Learing Environment
Individualized learning is one of the best things about test prep classes. Since Caddell Prep has a small student-to-teacher ratio (1:8 or less), you are sure to have a customized learning environment that is tailored to the specific academic needs of every student.
It also promotes an atmosphere with minimal pressure so students can feel more comfortable when asking questions. They can easily find solutions because they are in an encouraging and supportive setting. Additionally, they will not have a hard time overcoming various kinds of academic challenges.
3. Mock Tests
Before a student tackles a real exam, it helps to conduct trial runs that are offered in test prep classes. This is an effective way to equip students with all the skills necessary for answering the real SHSAT. With mock testing, you have a realistic idea of what to expect from the SHSAT–allowing the student to get into the ideal headspace for the official experience.
Instructors can help by going over the mock test results and pointing out any subject that may need more clarification for the student.