Tests / By city / New York City
High school entrance tests in New York City
A New York City 8th grader can face three different tests. The SHSAT decides admission to eight specialized public high schools. The TACHS is for Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York, Brooklyn and Queens, and Long Island. The HSPT is used by a few schools, including Regis, Loyola School and Fordham Prep.
For students entering 9th grade in fall 2027. Facts checked October 11, 2026 on the official pages listed at the bottom. We read a sample of schools, not every one, and dates change every year. Confirm with each school.
Catholic and private high schools
| Most Catholic high schools | TACHS, taken online at home. Nov 6, 2026 for the Archdiocese of New York and Nov 7, 2026 for Brooklyn and Queens and Rockville Centre |
|---|---|
| TACHS sign-up and fee | Aug 24 to Oct 28, 2026. $78. One attempt |
| Regis | HSPT, as its scholarship exam. Saturday, Nov 14, 2026. Applications are due Nov 2, 2026 |
| Loyola School | Accepts the ISEE, SSAT or HSPT and views all three equally. It is not a TACHS school |
| Fordham Prep | TACHS, ISEE or SSAT for admission. Only HSPT takers are considered for merit scholarships. HSPT there on Saturday, Nov 21, 2026 |
| Xavier | Accepts the TACHS, HSPT, SSAT or ISEE. Its HSPT is optional, for merit scholarships, on Saturday, Nov 21, 2026 |
| Dominican Academy | Encourages the TACHS and will consider the HSPT or ISEE |
| Notre Dame School of Manhattan | TACHS is its main exam. It also takes HSPT, SSAT or ISEE results |
| Across the river | Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Newark use the HSPT through the COOP program. Friday, Nov 6, 2026 |
Specialized public high schools
| Test | SHSAT, for eight of the nine specialized high schools. LaGuardia admits by audition |
|---|---|
| Sign-up | Oct 6 to Oct 30, 2026 |
| Test days | Weekend: Nov 14 or 15, 2026. School day: Nov 18, 2026 |
| Offers | March 3, 2027, per NYC Public Schools |
| Odds, fall 2026 entry | 4,023 offers from 26,123 test takers |
| Other public high schools | Families apply through MySchools. The application closes Dec 4, 2026 |
About these tests
Questions parents in New York City ask
What tests do 8th graders take for high school in New York City?
It depends on the schools. The SHSAT is for eight specialized public high schools. The TACHS is for most Catholic high schools. A few schools use the HSPT, and independent schools usually ask for the ISEE or SSAT.
Can a student take both the SHSAT and the TACHS?
Yes. They are separate tests run by different organizations. In fall 2026 the TACHS fell on Nov 6 and 7, and the SHSAT weekend was Nov 14 and 15.
Which New York City schools use the HSPT?
Six that we have read, all in Manhattan or the Bronx. Regis uses it as its own entrance and scholarship exam. Loyola School accepts the ISEE, SSAT or HSPT. Fordham Prep and Xavier use it for merit scholarships. Dominican Academy and Notre Dame School of Manhattan prefer the TACHS and will take HSPT results.
Do all New York City public high schools require a test?
No. Only the eight testing specialized high schools use the SHSAT. LaGuardia uses auditions, and other public high schools admit through the MySchools application.
Sources
- NYC Public Schools, Specialized High Schools
- TACHS (Riverside Insights)
- Regis High School, entrance exam
- Loyola School, application process
- Fordham Preparatory School, how to apply
- TACHS 2026 Student Handbook
- TACHS, frequently asked questions
- Regis High School, application process
- Xavier High School, how to apply
- Dominican Academy, how to apply
- Notre Dame School of Manhattan, apply to Notre Dame
- Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark, COOP process
- NYC Public Schools, High School admissions
- Chalkbeat New York, July 10, 2026
- NYC Public Schools InfoHub, admissions outcomes
Other cities
Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix