Stuyvesant High School
2026 cutoff 561Known for rigorous STEM culture, demanding academics, and a strong reputation among high-achieving NYC families.
School guide
NYC specialized high schools, explained for families who are setting SHSAT goals.
Use this guide to compare school profiles, understand score targets, and turn research into a realistic SHSAT preparation plan.
School profiles
Quick summaries of the schools many NYC families research first.
Bronx High School of Science
2026 cutoff 525Famous for science, research culture, and a long-standing academic reputation across New York City.
Brooklyn Technical High School
2026 cutoff 506The largest specialized high school, known for engineering pathways, scale, and diverse technical opportunities.
High School for Math, Science and Engineering
2026 cutoff 539Smaller setting with strong STEM orientation and access to the City College environment.
High School of American Studies
2026 cutoff 507Humanities-oriented among the specialized schools, with strong writing and historical analysis expectations.
Queens High School for the Sciences
2026 cutoff 531A science-centered option with a tighter school community and strong college-minded culture.
Source: NYC Public Schools specialized high schools admissions data. Use cutoffs as planning references, not guarantees.
How to use this page
Turn school research into a stronger SHSAT plan.
- Choose target schools based on fit, not prestige alone.
- Set a score target that matches the schools you care about.
- Build a tutoring plan around pacing, not panic.
Next step
Ready to prep for one of these schools?
If your student has target schools in mind, we can help turn those goals into a pacing plan, skill priorities, and weekly practice routine.