SHSAT PrepScore ranges, by what they meant last cycle
The SHSAT composite is the sum of two scaled section scores, ELA and Math. There is no pass or fail. What matters is rank: offers go down the score list, and each student gets the highest school on their list that still has seats.
| Composite score | What it meant for 2026 admissions |
|---|---|
| 561 and above | At or above every cutoff, including Stuyvesant (561) |
| 539 to 560 | Above every cutoff except Stuyvesant |
| 531 to 538 | Above every cutoff except Stuyvesant and Math, Science & Engineering (539) |
| 525 to 530 | Above Bronx Science (525), Staten Island Tech (517), American Studies at Lehman (507), Brooklyn Tech (506), and Brooklyn Latin (495) |
| 507 to 524 | Above American Studies at Lehman, Brooklyn Tech, and Brooklyn Latin, plus Staten Island Tech from 517 |
| 495 to 506 | Above Brooklyn Latin, plus Brooklyn Tech at 506 |
| Below 495 | Below every 9th grade cutoff for 2026 admissions |
Is 530 a good SHSAT score? Is 600?
A 530 would have cleared five of the eight 2026 cutoffs, including Bronx Science and Brooklyn Tech, but not Queens HS for the Sciences; Math, Science & Engineering; or Stuyvesant. A 570 or a 600 would have cleared all eight, including Stuyvesant at 561.
These comparisons only work against the same year's cutoffs. A score that was enough in one year can fall short the next if more students rank the same school first.
How the composite is built
NYCPS converts each section's performance into a scaled score and adds the two. On the computer-adaptive fall 2026 test, the performance score comes from the pattern of right and wrong answers and the difficulty of each item, not a simple count of correct answers.
Because each section is scaled separately, a very strong Math score can carry a weaker ELA score, and the reverse. Students do not need a balanced profile, but they do need both sections to count, so do not leave one section rushed.
Using practice scores well
A practice test score is an estimate, not an offer. Compare several timed, full-length exams taken the same way and watch the trend. One unusually good or bad day should not change the plan.
Set a target a little above the most recent cutoff for the schools the student would attend, then work backward: which misses, if fixed, would add the most points? Usually that is a short list of repeated errors, not a whole new topic.
Official sources
SHSAT policies and digital testing details can change. Confirm current information with NYC Public Schools:
- NYCPS Specialized High Schools admissions (2026 lowest qualifying scores)
- NYCPS SHSAT overview
- NYC Guide to the SHSAT for 2027 admissions
SHSAT Prep is an independent practice product and is not affiliated with NYCPS.
Frequently asked questions
Is 530 a good SHSAT score?
For 2026 admissions, 530 cleared the 9th grade cutoffs at Bronx Science, Staten Island Tech, American Studies at Lehman, Brooklyn Tech, and Brooklyn Latin, but not Queens HS for the Sciences; Math, Science & Engineering; or Stuyvesant.
What score do you need for Stuyvesant?
The lowest score that earned a Stuyvesant 9th grade offer was 561 for 2026 admissions and has been between 556 and 561 since 2023 admissions.
What is the highest possible SHSAT score?
NYCPS does not publish a maximum composite score. For 2026 admissions, the highest 9th grade cutoff was 561, at Stuyvesant.
Continue your study plan
Lowest SHSAT scores that earned a 9th grade offer at each specialized high school for 2023 to 2026 admissions, from official NYCPS data.
Next guideSHSAT Scoring and Practice ScoresOfficial scores come from the pattern of answers and item difficulty, then two scaled sections are added. A practice number is a trend, not an offer.
Next guideHow to Read an SHSAT Practice ScoreA practice scaled score is a trend, not an offer. Separate missing skills from rushed work and unsupported ELA choices.