The SHSAT isn't your typical exam. Instead of getting a pass or fail grade, students receive a scaled score ranging from 200 to 400 for each of the two sections – English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The total score is 800. The term "passing" in the context of the SHSAT can be a bit misleading. It's not like a driver's test where you either pass or fail. Instead, admission to each specialized high school is based on the number of available seats and the scores of all the students who took the test. The cutoff score for admission varies each year and from school to school, depending largely on the applicant pool's competitiveness. As such, the higher the score, the higher the chances of being admitted to one of the coveted schools.
Statistics summary for the cutoff scores of each specialized high school over the years
- Stuyvesant High School: The average cutoff score over the years was approximately 559.25, with a standard deviation of around 3.96. The highest cutoff score was 566, and the lowest was 552.
- High School For Mathematics, Science And Engineering At City College (HSMSE): The average cutoff score was about 512.33, with a standard deviation of around 10.71. The highest cutoff score was 532, and the lowest was 495.
- Staten Island Technical High School: The average cutoff score was around 517.42, with a standard deviation of approximately 14.29. The highest cutoff score was 551, and the lowest was 499.
- The Bronx High School of Science: The average cutoff score was about 517.67, with a standard deviation of around 6.75. The highest cutoff score was 532, and the lowest was 510.
- Queens High School For The Sciences At York College: The average cutoff score was approximately 511.90, with a standard deviation of around 15.18. The highest cutoff score was 535, and the lowest was 481.
- High School Of American Studies At Lehman College: The average cutoff score was about 509, with a standard deviation of approximately 10.01. The highest cutoff score was 524, and the lowest was 488.
- Brooklyn Technical High School: The average cutoff score was around 491.75, with a standard deviation of approximately 9.59. The highest cutoff score was 507, and the lowest was 482.
- The Brooklyn Latin School: The average cutoff score was about 482.92, with a standard deviation of approximately 9.11. The highest cutoff score was 498, and the lowest was 471.
Preparing to Score High
Now that you understand what score you need to target, it's time to think about how to achieve it. The key to a high SHSAT score lies in effective preparation. This includes understanding the exam format, regular practice, utilizing test prep resources, and maintaining a consistent study schedule.
With ArgoPrep's SHSAT Learning Platform, you gain comprehensive access to a range of SHSAT resources, including video lessons, quizzes, eBooks, and more. Our acclaimed learning platform, which comes with a free trial, provides you with over 3,000 high-quality practice questions, 5+ full-length exams, and additional resources to enhance your learning experience.
