Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Taking the Specialized High School Admissions Test?

2010 SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TEST DATES

All current 8th grade students  Saturday, October 23, 2010 or Sunday, October 24, 2010

All current 9th grade students; 8th and 9th grades students with special needs and approved 504 Accommodations  --  Saturday, October 30, 2010

9th grade Sabbath observers; Sabbath observers with special needs and approved 504 Accommodations; make-up test with permission only  --  Sunday, November 14, 2010


Some  faqs from the list-serve on taking the test at TECH: 


- How much before the test should I arrive? 


lots of people arrive very early, but there's no need to get to Tech more than 20 min ahead of test time


- Where should my parent drop me?
 

there will be a positive river of kids (and quite a few parents, too) walking toward the school on DeKalb Ave and from Lafayette/Fulton St.  Easy to take the G train right there; if driving, drop of at corner of S Elliot or Tech Place, walk down one block.  The school has two entrances (one on each street above) but they may open one, or the other, or both, on the day.  You can also call the school to ask if they know which entrance will be open; they may know, or they may not decide until the day.  Worth a shot.


- Is there really a line to get in? 


YES  there sure is, but it moves pretty quickly, depending on timing.  (If you get there an hour and a half ahead, you won't move at all -- and as the test is in late fall and potentially chilly, could be a real drag.  No need to get there so early!)


- How long does it take to check my cell phone at the door?   


cell phones are not checked but cannot be used


- Will I have an opportunity to use the bathroom  before the test? 



depends on how soon before the test you arrive.


- Will we be in classrooms, gym or cafeteria? classrooms


- What time do they actually start the test? 



pretty close to the start time (there are multiple testing sessions, depending on the day, and they have to move kids in/out with some degree of precision).  But there is some waiting around, too, as everyone gets organized, instructions are presented, etc. 

Some general tips :


Remember to wear a good watch. Don't count on the one on the wall or your proctor to give you exact timing. If there was anything irregular going on and you feel you should be given an opportunity to take the test again, you need to report it immediately.


best advice:  sleep a good night's sleep, have a good breakfast, bring your test ticket & pencils, and do your best.  past that, don't wig them out, it's plenty hard/stressful enough.

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