Insider tips on specialized high schools: September 27, 6 pm

Are you taking the SHSAT or auditioning for LaGuardia this fall? Wondering how to rank the specialized high schools? 

Join the InsideSchools staff and a panel of specialized high school parents and students for a discussion moderated by Insideschools founder Clara Hemphill, followed by a Q&A session.

We'll tackle these questions and more:

• Are the "Big 3" better than the smaller schools?
• Does a “math-science” focus mean that humanities and the arts are weaker, or ignored? 
• Should I choose a specialized high school over a topnotch screened school?
• If I get into LaGuardia and a test-in specialized high school, how do I decide?

Insideschools.org is a project of The Center for New York City Affairs, an applied policy research institute based at the Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy.  RSVP on Eventbrite.

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.

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.

FAQ's from the DOE on Specialized High Schools & Testing

Q: Which schools are the Specialized High Schools?
A: There are nine Specialized High Schools: Bronx High School of Science The Brooklyn Latin School Brooklyn Technical High School High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College High School of American Studies at Lehman College Queens High School for the Sciences at York College Staten Island Technical High School Stuyvesant High School Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
 

Q: Who can take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) and/or audition for the programs/studios at LaGuardia?
A: All 8th graders (and first-time 9th graders) who are New York City residents are eligible to take the SHSAT and/or audition. In September of the 8th or 9th grade, your child should inform his/her guidance counselor of his/her decision so that an admission ticket can be issued for the appropriate test and/or audition(s).
 

Q: How can my child get into a Specialized High School?
A: For eight of the Specialized High Schools, students are required to take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). The SHSAT is the only requirement for admission. Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts requires students to audition for the programs/studios they apply to but does not require the SHSAT.
 

Q: What is the content of the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT)?
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a written test consisting of two sections: Verbal, including:
o Scrambled Paragraphs: students are asked to arrange five sentences in logical order to create the best paragraph
o Logical Reasoning: students read the information provided and choose the best answer to each question
o Reading: students analyze and interpret passages by answering questions Mathematics, including:
o Word problems and computational questions
o Problems in arithmetic, algebra, probability, statistics and geometry
 

Q: How can a student prepare for auditions or the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT)?
Your child should ask his/her guidance counselor for a copy of the Specialized High Schools Student Handbook which includes two sample tests. In addition, the Handbook describes audition requirements for LaGuardia’s six studios. You may also access the Specialized Handbook online. When you are an 8th or 9th grader, your guidance counselor will provide more specific information about the SHSAT. In the meantime, use the following suggestions to help prepare for the test: Keep up with schoolwork. It is the best possible preparation. Continue reading books and articles because reading helps increase vocabulary, comprehension, and general knowledge. Practice taking the sample tests that are in the Specialized High Schools Student Handbook. Check your answers and read the explanations of the correct answers in the Handbook. Research study guides, test preparation services, and tutoring opportunities. Discuss additional opportunities for test preparation with your school guidance counselor.

SHSAT Workshops for Families

Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT)
2010-2011 Workshops for Families

Middle school students and their families are invited to attend a workshop to learn
about the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT).
Both workshops will run from 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunset Park High School
153 35th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232

OR 

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Stuyvesant High School
345 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10282

Both workshops will cover: eligibility, registration and test preparation.
Translation and interpretation services will be provided.
For a complete list of workshops and fairs in every borough,

please check the High School Admissions Calendar:
www.nyc.gov/schools/ChoicesEnrollment/High/Calendar

See flyer for this event here : HERE