SHSAT Preparation
Specialized High School Admissions Test
Entrance into New York City's renowned specialized high schools offers students an unparalleled educational journey. Each school provides a unique, intensive curriculum tailored to specific talents, whether in STEM at Stuyvesant and Bronx Science, engineering at Brooklyn Tech, or humanities at Lehman. This specialized environment fosters exceptional growth and prepares students for top-tier universities and future leadership roles.
Our SHSAT program is designed to meet this formidable challenge head-on. We are thrilled to share that in 2024, over 80% of our students received an offer to a specialized high school, a powerful testament to our program's effectiveness. The preparation journey itself solidifies the foundations of a student's mathematical and English language abilities before they even begin high school. This rigorous training doesn't just aim for a high test score; it is structured to build the academic confidence and resilience essential for thriving in a demanding high school environment.
But gaining admission is only the first step. The true goal is to find the perfect match. Each specialized high school has a unique identity, and understanding their differences is key to making the right choice
Which School is the Right Fit?
01
Stuyvesant High School
Identity: The undisputed top high school in NYC, known for its dominant STEM programs and intensely competitive academic environment.
Best For: Students who want to be challenged by the best and excel in mathematics and science.
Considerations: Extreme academic pressure and stress; less emphasis on humanities and the arts.
03
Brooklyn Technical High School
Identity: The largest specialized high school, featuring a unique college-style "major" system with a focus on practical engineering and technology.
Best For: Students with a clear interest in a specific engineering field like robotics or architecture who prefer hands-on learning.
Considerations: The immense size can feel impersonal; major selection is critical and competitive.
05
The Brooklyn Latin School
Identity: The only Specialized High School where all students pursue the globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It has a rigorous, humanities-focused curriculum emphasizing Latin and Socratic seminars.
Best For: Students with a deep interest in humanities, classics, and philosophy, who enjoy developing logical skills through debate and writing. Ideal for those who thrive in a structured environment.
Considerations: The mandatory IB program offers little flexibility. The curriculum is heavily weighted toward the humanities, not STEM, and a school uniform is required.
07
High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College (HSMSE)
Identity: A small, engineering-focused high school with a close partnership with the Grove School of Engineering at CCNY. It implements a German-inspired educational model that integrates theory and practice.
Best For: Students with a clear and unwavering passion for engineering who desire a small, tight-knit community and early exposure to college-level resources.
Considerations: Highly specialized, making it less suitable for students who are undecided about their interest in engineering. Its small size may limit the variety of extracurricular activities.
02
The Bronx High School of Science
Identity: A traditional powerhouse in scientific research, famous for its Nobel laureate alumni. Its structured research program is a key strength.
Best For: Aspiring doctors and scientists who want to dive deep into their own long-term research projects.
Considerations: High academic rigor and a potentially long commute to its Bronx location
04
High School of American Studies at Lehman College
Identity: A small, elite school specializing in the humanities, particularly American history, with a discussion-based curriculum.
Best For: Students passionate about history, law, and politics who thrive in a small, intimate setting with close faculty interaction.
Considerations: Limited opportunities in STEM fields due to its specialized focus and small scale.
06
Staten Island Technical High School (SITHS)
Identity: A top-tier institution that consistently performs on par with the "Big Three," with SHSAT cutoff scores among the highest. It has particular strengths in engineering and technology.
Best For: High-achieving students, especially residents of Staten Island, who want an elite STEM education without the massive scale of Brooklyn Tech or the intense pressure of Stuyvesant.
Considerations: Location is the single biggest factor. The commute is functionally impossible for students from other boroughs, making it almost exclusively a school for Staten Island residents.
08
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (QHSS)
Identity: A small high school for gifted science students in Queens, located on the York College campus. It excels in its Science Research and pre-med preparation programs.
Best For: Queens residents who are interested in scientific research, similar to Bronx Science, but prefer a smaller and more nurturing environment.
Considerations: Its location can mean a long commute for those outside of Queens. While academically excellent, it has less name recognition than the "Big Three."
09
A Specialized High School with a Different Admission Process
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
Identity: The only Specialized High School that admits students via a competitive audition and portfolio review, NOT the SHSAT. Famous as the setting for the movie Fame, LaGuardia provides a dual-track education: intensive, conservatory-level training in one of six art studios (Dance, Drama, Fine Arts, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, or Technical Theatre) alongside a full academic curriculum.
Best For: Exceptionally talented and dedicated young artists who are serious about pursuing a professional career in the arts.
Considerations: Artistic talent is the primary factor for admission, valued above academic records. The dual curriculum is extremely demanding, requiring immense time and effort. A strong passion for both art and academics is essential to succeed.
Ultimately, at Prestige Institute, we don't just prepare you to pass the SHSAT. We prepare you to have choices. Our mission is to empower you with the scores and skills needed to choose the high school that will launch your future.
The Regents program offers comprehensive preparation for New York State’s high school exit exams, covering core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies.
These programs are specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of each test, providing comprehensive preparation and individualized support to ensure students are fully equipped for success. With Prestige Institute’s expert guidance, students are empowered to achieve their academic goals and perform at their highest potential on these important exams.