Specialized High Schools Admission Test

Students applying to high school for the 2015-2016 school year can register for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) through Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at noon. Eighth graders or first-time 9th graders who are residents of New York City can register for the SHSAT through their guidance counselor or with an Enrollment counselor at a Borough Enrollment Office. Students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs) may be eligible to receive testing accommodations on the SHSAT. 

There are nine Specialized High Schools in New York City. For eight of these schools, admission is based solely on the score attained on the SHSAT. For LaGuardia High School, admission is based upon auditions and a review of student academic performance. 
You can find more information on Specialized High Schools here.