Knowing the SHSAT cutoff score will help the students to be aware of the required score for their desired special schools in New York. The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is an essential factor for students who want to have a secure spot in New York’s best-specialized school. However, every year the cutoff score fluctuates which leaves every student and parent confused regarding what they should expect. Understanding the SHSAT scoring process and historical trends can help students prepare effectively and set realistic goals. Continue reading the following for more information.
Key Takeaways
- The SHSAT cutoff scores are changed every year due to the changed difficulty level of the test and the performance of the students.
- The highest cutoff for 2024 was at Stuyvesant (561), while the lowest was at Brooklyn Latin (490).
- The applicant scores are re-evaluated to ensure fairness.
- Good SHSAT scores are usually 650+ which makes the admission probability more flexible.
- Scores for each section range from 350 to 700.
- Study for the highest score rather than just meeting the average score.
- Practice under timed conditions and strong foundational skills are essential.
The SHSAT Cutoff Scores For Top Schools
For 2024, the SHSAT cutoff scores for some of the top schools were:
| Specialized High School | 2024 Cutoff Score |
| Stuyvesant High School | 561 |
| High School for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at City College | 542 |
| The Bronx High School of Science | 526 |
| High School of American Studies at Lehman College | 514 |
| Staten Island Technical High School | 524 |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | 543 |
| The Brooklyn Latin School | 490 |
| Queens High School for the Sciences at York College | 523 |
These numbers represent the minimum scores required for admission. Students with scores close to the cutoff may be placed on a waitlist.
How Are SHSAT Cutoff Scores Determined?
The SHSAT cutoff scores are not fixed for every year. They are changed every year according to different factors, including:
- Test Difficulty:
The SHSAT is designed to maintain a consistent level of challenge. However, every year there is a slightest change in difficulty which is why the score is adjusted for this purpose. This maintains the fairness of the test.
- Student Performance:
The test is competitive and it shows the overall performance of the students. A huge number of stronger applicants will result in higher cutoffs.
- Seat Availability:
Every specialized school has a limited number of seats. If more students are applying for the seats the cutoff score is more likely to be higher that year.
Why Do SHSAT Scores Are Changed Every Year?
The score of the SHSAT is adjusted each year. The aim is to compare a student’s performance only with those who have taken the same exam in that year. This maintains the fairness of the test, removing possible benefits for specific groups.
In addition, the number of people applying for specialized high schools changes every year. If more people apply or if there are many students with high scores, it can make the SHSAT cutoff scores 2025 higher. On the other hand, when not so many students get top scores, cutoffs could decrease a bit.
Understanding the SHSAT Score Range
The SHSAT has two sections English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Every section has a scaled score with a combined score of 700. However, there isn’t any standard score to achieve every year. Each school has its own cutoff range which decides if the student is eligible or not.
- The maximum score per section is approximately 350
- The total possible score is around 700
- A competitive range for top schools is 520 to 650+
These scores are scaled so students need to focus on accuracy rather than the raw scores. If students answered these questions correctly in the test then they are more likely to get a higher final score.
