Missed the SHSAT Cutoff? Discovery Program & 9th Grade Retake
Introduction
So you’ve just received the results of your Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) and unfortunately, you didn’t make the cutoff. While you may be feeling disappointed or overwhelmed, it’s essential to remember that this doesn’t define your future. There are still various options available to you, including the Discovery Program and the possibility of re-taking the SHSAT as a 9th grader. In this blog post, we will explore these alternatives to help you make the best decision for your high school journey.
The Specialized High School Discovery Program
The Discovery Program is a fantastic opportunity for students who have missed the SHSAT cutoff but were close to the required score. This program aims to increase diversity in the specialized high schools by giving students from underrepresented backgrounds another chance to attend these prestigious institutions. If you meet specific eligibility criteria and demonstrate potential, you may still be able to attend a specialized high school through the Discovery Program.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Discovery Program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Attend an eligible NYC public school or charter school
- Be from a low-income household
- Be one of the following: Black, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, or Alaskan Native
- Have missed the SHSAT cutoff but scored close to the required threshold
- Have satisfactory attendance and punctuality records
- Demonstrate strong work habits and motivation to succeed
Application Process
If you meet the eligibility requirements for the Discovery Program, your guidance counselor will be informed and will provide you with detailed information about the application process. The process typically involves submitting an application, attending a summer program, and, if successful, gaining admission to a specialized high school for the upcoming academic year.
Re-taking the SHSAT as a 9th Grader
Another option for students who missed the SHSAT cutoff is to re-take the test during their 9th-grade year. While it’s important to note that admissions for current 9th graders is even more competitive than it is for current 8th graders (owing to the fact that there are fewer spots available for incoming sophomores), it is a viable path to getting into a specialized high school.
Here are the recent cutoff scores for those taking the SHSAT as 9th graders:
| School | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuyvesant High School | 566 | 559 | 563 | 561 | 572 |
| High School for Mathematics, Science And Engineering At City College | 522 | 515 | 532 | 518 | 523 |
| The Bronx High School of Science | 531 | 517 | 524 | 521 | 650 |
| High School of American Studies at Lehman College | 517 | 502 | 516 | 510 | 510 |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | 507 | 493 | 506 | 503 | 543 |
| The Brooklyn Latin School | 494 | 481 | 497 | 493 | 490 |
| Queens High School For The Sciences At York College | 522 | 515 | 523 | 527 | 523 |
| Staten Island Technical High School | 529 | 520 | 527 | 521 | 524 |
Here are some tips for preparing to re-take the SHSAT:
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Reflect on your previous test experience: Analyze the areas where you struggled the most, and focus on improving those skills. The DOE allows you to request a viewing of your previous SHSAT exam by filling out this form. This will allow you to review the questions you got wrong and create a study plan for your next attempt.
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Create a study plan: Establish a routine that incorporates both study and practice time. Consistent and disciplined preparation is key to improving your score.
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Seek additional resources: Consider enrolling in an SHSAT preparation course or working with a tutor to receive personalized guidance and support.
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Stay positive and motivated: Don’t let a setback discourage you. Believe in your ability to grow and succeed.
Conclusion
Missing the SHSAT cutoff can be disheartening, but it’s essential to remember that there are still opportunities available to you. The Specialized High School Discovery Program and re-taking the SHSAT as a 9th grader are both viable options to consider. Stay focused, explore your options, and remember that your future is not solely defined by your SHSAT score. With determination and hard work, you can still achieve your academic goals and attend a high-quality high school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SHSAT Discovery Program?
The Discovery Program is a pathway into the specialized high schools for students who narrowly missed the SHSAT cutoff. Eligible students attend a summer program and, if successful, gain admission for the upcoming academic year.
Who is eligible for the Discovery Program?
Eligibility requires attending an eligible NYC public or charter school, coming from a low-income household, identifying as Black, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, or Alaskan Native, scoring close to the SHSAT cutoff, having satisfactory attendance, and demonstrating strong work habits.
Can you take the SHSAT in 9th grade?
Yes. The NYC DOE administers the SHSAT to 9th graders for admission as 10th graders. However, far fewer seats are available, so it is more competitive than the 8th-grade administration.
Is the 9th grade SHSAT harder?
The test content itself is the same, but admission is more competitive. There are far fewer seats available for current 9th graders, and historical cutoff scores for 9th-grade admission have typically run higher than for 8th-grade admission.
Are SHSAT cutoff scores higher for 9th graders?
Typically, yes. Because there are fewer seats available for current 9th graders, the cutoff scores for 9th-grade admission tend to run higher than for 8th-grade admission.
How can a student prepare to retake the SHSAT?
Three steps make the biggest difference: review your previous test (the DOE allows you to request a viewing), build a structured study plan with consistent weekly practice, and consider working with a tutor for personalized guidance — particularly for the areas where you struggled most.