To apply to a specialized high school other than LaGuardia High School, you must take the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT).

Students currently in the 8th grade and first time 9th grade students are eligible to register. Students who are in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are not eligible to take the exam.

NYC public school students who want to take the fall exam must register with their guidance counselor. After registering, your school counselor will give you an SHSAT Test Ticket with the specific date, time, and location for your test.

Students attending non-public schools should speak to their schools directly about registering for the SHSAT.

Key Dates

• October 1, 2024: Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) Registration Opens 
• October 18, 2024: SHSAT Registration Closes 
• October 30, 2024: SHSAT School Day Testing 
• November 16-17, 2024: SHSAT Testing (8th grade students not participating in school day testing)
• December 7-8, 2024: SHSAT Testing (9th grade students)
• Thursday, March 6, 2025: High School Offer Release 

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Summer SHSAT

For eligible students who did not participate in the Fall Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), a summer SHSAT is offered in August. You can register for the summer SHSAT in July and August at a Family Welcome Center.

Learn More

You can get more information and assistance online and by phone. Information about testing locations is also available.

Online

Learn more about the specialized high school admissions test (SHSAT).

By Phone

Admission to LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts is based in part on a competitive audition. The SHSAT is not considered for admission to LaGuardia High School.

During the application period, students can register for an audition to LaGuardia High School through their school counselor. 

After registering, your school counselor will give you an Audition Ticket with the specific date, time, and location for your test. All auditions are held at LaGuardia High School.

The application period for the 2025-2026 school year opens on October 1, 2024 and closes on December 4, 2024.

You can sign up to receive emails with the latest updates on specialized high school admissions.

The DREAM program helps eligible students get ready for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). There are two DREAM programs.

The Specialized High Schools Institute (DREAM-SHSI) is an extracurricular program of rigorous coursework. To be accepted into the Institute, the student must commit to participating for the full program, which spans 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade.

The Summer/Fall Intensive test-prep program runs during the summer and fall before students plan to take the SHSAT.

If your child is eligible, an invitation letter and a pre-populated application will be delivered to your child’s school.

You can get more information about DREAM online or by email.

Online

Get information about preparing for the SHSAT through the DREAM program.

By Email

SHSI@schools.nyc.gov

At High School Admissions Fairs, you can speak with representatives from all of the City's public high schools, including specialized schools, and participate in workshops related to the high school admissions process.

You can also get copies of publications, including the Directory of the New York City Public High Schools.

You can sign up to receive emails with the latest updates on high school admissions, including events.