Each year, thousands of students in New York City prepare for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). Admission to these prestigious schools of the city relies on the results, including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech. The most important part of this process is the SHSAT cutoff score. These represent the minimum scaled scores that students need for acceptance.
For students preparing for SHSAT 2025, understanding the cutoff SHSAT score is essential. They show how competitive each school is, and they help students set realistic goals as they prepare.
What Are The SHSAT Cutoff Scores 2024 by School
Here are the approximate SHSAT cutoff scores for 2024. This is for each specialized high school. These figures are based on official reports and reliable educational sources.
Specialized High School 2024 Cutoff Scores
| Specialized High School | 2024 Cutoff Score |
|---|---|
| Stuyvesant High School | 561 |
| High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College (HSMSE) | 542 |
| Staten Island Technical High School | 519 |
| The Bronx High School of Science | 526 |
| Queens High School for the Sciences at York College | 524 |
| High School of American Studies at Lehman College | 514 |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | 507 |
| The Brooklyn Latin School | 492 |
| Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School | Audition-based (no cutoff) |
Keep in mind that LaGuardia is the only specialized high school that does not use SHSAT cutoff scores. The admission process of this school includes the audition and portfolio process.
What Are SHSAT Cutoff Scores?
SHSAT cutoff scores are the minimum scores required to qualify for a specialized high school in New York. The score is set differently by each school, so knowing the minimum in general is not possible. Instead, the cutoff reflects the lowest score among admitted students at each school in a given year. For instance, if the last student to Stuyvesantscrd scored 556, then it will be the cutoff score of that year. Because of the limited seats available and the intense competition, even a difference of a few points can determine where a student is placed.
How SHSAT Cutoff Scores Are Determined
Cutoff scores are not precalculated as they appear during the admission process itself.
- Students rank schools in order of preference.
- The Department of Education places students based on their scores and rank order.
- Once all seats at a school are filled, the lowest score admitted becomes the cutoff.
This explains how SHSAT cutoff scores are not similar every year or for every school. They are different for each school. Factors such as the number of test takers, the distribution of scores, and how popular certain schools are influence the final numbers.
What Are The Factors That Influence Cutoff Scores?
The cutoff score changes every year. Several factors affect the SHSAT cutoff scores from year to year:
Factors Impacting Cutoff Scores
| Factor | Impact on Cutoff Scores |
|---|---|
| Number of Applicants | More test-takers increase competition, which raises cutoffs. |
| Test Difficulty | Harder tests may lower overall performance, which can lower cutoffs. |
| School Preferences | Popular schools (e.g., Stuyvesant) attract more top scorers, which raises cutoffs. |
| Seat Availability | Fewer seats make placement harder, which raises cutoffs. |
These factors explain why it is hard to predict the exact cutoff score each year or in general. However, understanding the data can guide you in terms of probabilities.
How Students Should Interpret Cutoff Scores?
Students should see these scores as benchmarks and not the actual scores. These scores should be taken as a goal you have to go beyond. However, achieving more than last year’s cutoff will not ensure placement. Similarly, scoring below these scores will also not eliminate the possibility of admission. Consider the score as the motivation and not the actual goal. They help students set score goals, but preparation, consistency, and strategy often matter more than a single number.
How To Prepare for the SHSAT?
Preparation is the crucial part of admission to these competitive schools in NY. If your goal is to get admission in top schools like Stuyvesant or Bronx Science, you often target scores well above the published SHSAT cutoff scores.
- Consistency is the key in SHSAT prep. Stay consistent with your study schedule. Follow your study timetable without giving longer space to retain the information.
- Always prepare from the official SHSAT prep material. Visit the College Board and other reputable platforms to find the appropriate material for preparation.
- Don’t just dive into studying and notes. Have some time for extracurricular activities as well. Your goal is not to study harder but smarter. Stay focused when studying and understand the core concept to follow the subject better.
At Ivy Test Prep, we’ve worked with students through Ivy Learning and Ivy Prep programs. Our experienced tutors help them develop strong reading, reasoning, and math skills to score above the benchmarks. While cutoffs change, skill mastery provides lasting confidence.
FAQs About SHSAT Cutoff Scores
Let’s answer your questions about SHSAT minimum score information.
What were the SHSAT cutoff scores for 2024?
In 2024, cutoff scores ranged from about 482 at Brooklyn Latin to around 563 at Stuyvesant.
Do cutoff scores change every year?
Yes. SHSAT cutoff scores depend on test difficulty, student performance, and available seats.
Is there a fixed cutoff score for each school?
No. Each school’s cutoff changes annually based on the lowest score admitted.
Which school has the highest SHSAT cutoff score?
Stuyvesant consistently has the highest cutoff, often above 560.
Can a student get into a school if they are below the cutoff?
No. Students must meet or exceed the cutoff to be admitted, but placement also depends on rank order and available seats.
Does LaGuardia High School use SHSAT cutoff scores?
No. LaGuardia admits students through auditions and portfolios instead of the SHSAT.
Conclusion
The SHSAT cutoff scores 2024 feature the competitiveness of NYC specialized high schools. Though cutoffs change each year, they consistently show the intense demand for limited seats at top schools. The cutoffs should just be treated as the benchmark and not the final goals. With thoughtful preparation, clear goals, and support, students can position themselves for success, regardless of where the cutoffs fall.
