It is April 12th and SHSAT results have just come in from the NYC DOE. For those of you not familiar, the SHSAT is a three hour ELA and Math Exam provided to 8th and 9th graders to gain admissions to Specialized High Schools such as Stuyvesant High School and Bronx Science and Brooklyn Technical High School in NYC.
Families are calling us today because their children have not scored well enough to gain a placement.
We have the following words of wisdom and advise to offer:
Be sure to take advantage of this moment to help your child to deal with their feelings. Ask, “How are you feeling about this result?” I was once working with a student who really didn’t want to attend a Specialized High School, and he tanked the exam. His parents assumed the student was devastated when he didn’t gain admission. They called me. After a few hundred dollars of consulting investment and time with their son, I learned his true feelings about the schools. His parents were so glad to know their child wasn’t upset, but I think they were equally disappointed they didn’t ask their child first. In addition, I have meet with plenty of children who were very disappointed with not gaining admissions to a specialized high school. This disappointment allowed space for the student to learn to handle disappointment. They were permitted to have their feelings, and then to take action toward new opportunities.
Remember, the system has evaluated your child’s potential fit for a school based on ONE TEST on ONE DAY. This ONE TEST is not representative of the sum of your child. Remind them. Write a note to them naming and describing all they are – be the voice in their minds as to just how special of a person they are and how those attributes contribute to their educational journey. Even though this route didn’t work out, something special will manifest.
Go to see your exam. See how to review the exam at the bottom of this email.
You cannot re-do the exam for this fall, but you could take it again for grade 10 admissions. Decide if this is something you wish to do.
Find about your other NYC public school options. DOE is saying they’ll have these available in June.
Apply to a private school during an off cycle admissions process (email the admissions director to find out how this works for the school of your choice). Here’s a good resource to find private schools: https://www.privateschoolreview.com/
Relocate to a suburb. Here is a good resource for you to find public school information: https://www.publicschoolreview.com/
If you want to work with us, outsource this work, and/or have guidance while you do it, please apply to work with us. CLICK HERE.
How to Go to See Your SHSAT Exam
You and your child may review a copy of your child’s answer sheet by requesting an appointment with a representative from the Office of Assessment. This year, appointments will take place in Long Island City, Queens in June.
The test view is solely an opportunity to view your child’s test and see the answers that she/he selected during the test administration. This is not an appeals process.
You may request an appointment in one of the following ways:
By submitting an electronic request via the SHSAT Test View survey(Open external link) or
By sending a written request via postal mail to:
Office of Assessment, SHSAT Test Views
44-36 Vernon Blvd., Room 209
Long Island City, NY 11101
Requests must include:
Student’s first and last name, date of birth, ID (OSIS) number, and if known, the date, borough, and school where the student was tested
Parent/guardian’s first and last name, phone number, and email address
The deadline to request an appointment is May 12. After your request is submitted, the Office of Assessment will email you a link to schedule your appointment by May 13. If you have questions, please email SHSATtestviews@schools.nyc.gov.
