Students need to register for the SHSAT in order to take the test. There’s no fee for the test. It’s open to NYC students in 8th grade who wish to attend a NYC Specialized High School in 9th grade and to NYC students in 9th grade who currently do not attend a NYC Specialized High School but would like to attend one in 10th grade.
Steps to Register for the SHSAT
To register for the SHSAT, you will need to log in to the MySchools website, complete the registration during the registration window, and get your test ticket.
1. Log in to MySchools (MySchools.nyc)
If you don’t already have an account, you will need to create one.
2. Complete the Registration
Follow the prompts to register for the test. Indicate your preferred specialized high schools in order of preference. Do not worry about the cut-off scores. Rank the schools in order of your preference for attending. We recommend including schools in addition to your top choice. For example, if your top choice is Staten Island Tech, we recommend putting another school second such as Brooklyn Tech. Make sure to register before registration closes. As long as you register before the closing date, you will receive a test ticket.
- Registration opens on October 7, 2025.
- Registration closes on October 31,2025.
3. Get Your Test Ticket
After the registration deadline, your test ticket will be available in your MySchools account. The test ticket will include a date, time, and location. Your specific date, time, and location may be different than your friend’s date, time, and location.
4. Print Your Test Ticket
Print and bring your test ticket to the test along with a valid photo ID to the designated location on the day of your test. Plan to arrive early in case there are any hiccups in traveling that day.
2025 SHSAT Test Dates
| Students | Test Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Students who attend a NYC public school that terminates in the 8th grade | Wed, November 12, 2025 | Student’s current school |
| Eighth-grade students who attend charter or private school, who are homeschooled, or who attend a NYC public school with grades 6-12 | Sat, November 15, 2025 or Sun, November 16, 2025 | Central NYC Public School location, which will be listed on the test ticket |
| All ninth-grade students | Sat, November 22, 2025 or Sun, November 23, 2025 | Central NYC Public School location, which will be listed on the test ticket |
Admissions Information Sessions (Hosted by NYC DOE)
The NYC DOE is holding a virtual information session with information on high schools and programs, including how to register for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) on Zoom: https://bit.ly/2025FallHSEvents
You do not need to register for these information sessions ahead of time.
General High School Admissions Event
The first event is a general high school admissions event scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 5-6pm.
Event Dates:
- Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 5-6pm
- Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 6-7pm
- Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 5-6pm (held in Spanish)
- Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5-6pm (held in Mandarin)
- Friday, October 24, 2025 from 3-4pm
SHSAT-Focused Event
The second event is an SHSAT focused event scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 5-6pm.
Event Dates:
- Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 5-6 pm
- Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 6-7pm
High School Admissions Event for Students with Disabilities
Wednesday, October 15, 20205 from 5-6pm
Conclusion
Registering for the SHSAT can be a daunting task. Still, it can be done smoothly with correct information and preparation. The first step is to create an account on MySchools NYC and follow the registration steps. It is essential to remember the registration deadlines and the test dates to ensure that you do not miss any deadlines.
Once you have registered, it is crucial to prepare for the test by taking practice tests, reviewing the content covered on the test, and seeking help from tutors or teachers if needed. It is also vital to ensure you are well-rested and have all the necessary materials on test day.
Overall, registering for the SHSAT requires careful planning and preparation. Following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking help when needed can increase your chances of success on the test and in the admissions process.