SHSAT PrepKey dates for 2027 admissions
These dates are for students applying to start at a specialized high school in September 2027. They come from the NYCPS high school admissions timeline, the Specialized High Schools page, and the NYCPS testing calendar.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| SHSAT registration and high school application open | Tuesday, October 6, 2026 |
| SHSAT registration closes | Friday, October 30, 2026 |
| Weekend test for 8th graders (see who below) | Saturday, November 14 or Sunday, November 15, 2026 |
| School-day test for 8th graders at public middle schools ending in grade 8 | Wednesday, November 18, 2026 |
| Test for all 9th graders | Saturday, November 21, 2026 |
| High school and LaGuardia applications close | Friday, December 4, 2026 |
| High school offers released | Wednesday, March 3, 2027 |
| SHSAT scores and specialized high school offers | Early spring 2027 |
Which test date applies to your child
Eighth graders at public middle schools that end in 8th grade usually test on a school day at their own school. Eighth graders at 6 to 12 or K to 12 schools, charter, private, parochial, and independent schools, and homeschooled students test on the weekend at a central NYCPS site.
All 9th graders test on Saturday, November 21. Students who cannot test that Saturday can be assigned another date; ask during registration. The test ticket shows the assigned date and site.
What happens on test day
Students take the test on DOE computers, not personal devices. The fall 2026 SHSAT is computer-adaptive, with 50 ELA and 50 Math questions in 180 minutes, and students choose which section to start. Students with extended time or ELL status get more time.
Bring the test ticket and follow the official list of allowed and prohibited items. Calculators are not allowed. Practice with the official NYCPS tutorial before test day so the tools feel familiar.
The last weeks before the test
In the final weeks, focus on what the student already gets wrong, not new topics. Take one official NYCPS practice test under real timing, review it the same day, and practice the no-return rule: most items cannot be revisited after moving on.
In the last few days, keep practice light, confirm the site and travel plan, and protect sleep. A rested student with a pacing plan usually does better than one who crammed.
- Print or save the test ticket and check the name, date, site, and accommodations.
- Plan the route to the test site and arrive early.
- Review the official list of what to bring.
- Do the NYCPS Student Readiness Tool tutorial once more.
Official sources
SHSAT policies and digital testing details can change. Confirm current information with NYC Public Schools:
- NYCPS high school admissions timeline
- NYCPS Specialized High Schools admissions (2026 lowest qualifying scores)
- NYCPS testing calendar
- NYC Guide to the SHSAT for 2027 admissions
SHSAT Prep is an independent practice product and is not affiliated with NYCPS.
Frequently asked questions
When is the SHSAT in 2026?
November 14 or 15 (weekend), November 18 (school day), and November 21 (all 9th graders), according to NYCPS. Registration closes October 30, 2026.
When do SHSAT results come out?
NYCPS says early spring 2027. Last cycle, results came out in early March, and high school offers are scheduled for March 3, 2027.
Continue your study plan
Confirm eligibility, use MySchools, rank schools, check accommodations, and verify the ticket. Confirm every deadline on the official NYCPS page.
Next guideTaking the SHSAT in 9th GradeFirst-time ninth graders can test for a tenth-grade seat. Those seats are scarce, and last cycle's 10th-grade cutoffs moved sharply.
Next guideSHSAT Testing AccommodationsIEP, 504, and ELL supports are real, but they must already exist and be confirmed in MySchools. Do not wait until registration week.