The public high school admissions process in New York City can get pretty confusing, to say the least. While many students attend their zoned high school, the school automatically assigned to them based on their geographic area, this isn’t always the case. First, not every student has a zoned school. Second, there is a wide range of other available options to consider. Let’s take a look at the different types of public high schools you can attend:
Specialized High Schools
The nine Specialized High Schools [link to SHSAT basics article] are some of the most prestigious public schools in the city. Acceptance to eight out of nine of these schools requires taking the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), a competitive entrance exam. Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, a performing arts school, does not require the SHSAT for admission. Instead, students are admitted based on an audition.
Unscreened Schools
Unscreened schools accept students based on random selection. These schools will not look at your grades, test scores, or attendance when making admissions decisions.
Screened Schools
Screened schools will take a look at your grades, test scores, and attendance in 7th grade when making an admissions decision. In addition, some schools may require an extra component, such as an interview or portfolio. Here are some notable screened high schools to look out for, and any special admissions requirements:
Bard High School Early College: requires an entrance exam and an interview
Beacon High School: requires a portfolio and an interview
The Baccalaureate School for Global Education: gives priority to Queens students or residents
Townsend Harris High School: requires a minimum overall grade-point average of 90%
What are the benefits of attending a top high school?
Specialized High Schools and other top public schools such as Townsend Harris have top-notch reputations and offer a number of advantages. They provide challenging academic environments, as well as a wide variety of programs and extracurricular activities to help you explore and pursue your interests. They also generally have excellent resources to guide you through the college admissions process.
Which high school is the best fit for me?
Choosing a high school depends on your personal needs and what the school is offering. Luckily, the DOE provides a very detailed directory for every public high school in each borough. The directory provides a lot of information on each school and we highly recommend that you check it out:
Ultimately, if you’re at a crossroads when it comes to choosing a high school that is your best fit, there are multiple resources you can use to figure it out. Never come to the decision by yourself. Ask your guidance counselor, friends or relatives for advice about the schools you are applying to. Synergy Prep also offers excellent counseling on high school decision making and its absolutely free. By understanding the different high school options available to you, you’re one step closer to figuring out which school is the best fit for you!
In an upcoming blog post we will be discussing what to look out for in a NYC high school.