High school entrance tests, explained
One page per test: who takes it, what is on it, how long it runs and when it is given. Every fact comes from the test's own publisher or a school that uses it.
Facts checked October 11, 2026.
SHSATSpecialized High Schools Admissions Test
The SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) is the admissions test for eight of New York City's nine specialized public high schools. Students take it in the fall of 8th grade, or as first-time 9th graders. NYC Public Schools gives it on a computer, and since fall 2026 the test adapts to each student's answers.
Read the SHSAT page
TACHSTest for Admission into Catholic High Schools
The TACHS (Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools) is the entrance test for Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island. Riverside Insights publishes it. Students take it online, at home, in early November of 8th grade.
Read the TACHS page
HSPTHigh School Placement Test
The HSPT (High School Placement Test) is an entrance and placement test published by Scholastic Testing Service and used by Catholic and private high schools across the United States. Each school or diocese orders the test and picks its own date, so there is no national test day. It has five parts and 298 questions.
Read the HSPT page
ISEEIndependent School Entrance Exam
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is an admissions test accepted by more than 1,200 independent schools. A student applying to 9th grade takes the Upper Level: four multiple-choice sections and an unscored essay in 2 hours 40 minutes. It is provided by E3n, the nonprofit formed in 2026 when ERB and EMA merged.
Read the ISEE page
SSATSecondary School Admission Test
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is an admissions test for independent and private schools. A student in 8th grade applying to 9th takes the Upper Level: a writing sample and five multiple-choice sections in 3 hours 10 minutes, breaks included. It is provided by E3n, the nonprofit formed in 2026 when ERB and EMA merged.
Read the SSAT page
Looking at New York City's specialized high schools? See SHSAT cutoff scores for all eight schools, 2022 to 2026.
The test depends on the city. See the tests used in the ten largest US metro areas.
Not sure which of these your child needs? Which tests should my child take?