The DOE made some big announcements recently. We’ve summarized them for your convenience:
Get your high school welcome letter. In early October, eighth grade students will receive high school welcome letters from your current NYC public school. Each student's letter includes a unique access code that you can use to create a MySchools account(Open external link) (if you don't already have one) and access your personalized search and applications.
Register for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). Interested in one or more of the testing Specialized High Schools? If so, register for the SHSAT; taking this test is how you apply to these eight schools. Registration opens on October 6, and students will take the test on November 17, 19, or 20––learn more at the NYC DOE SHSAT PAGE
Submit your high school application. This is how you apply to most of NYC's 700+ program options. When the application opens on October 12, list 12 program choices in your order of preference. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as an audition or assessment, and some programs consider students' academic records in admissions. The deadline to apply is December 1. NYC DOE HS ADMISSIONS PAGE
Submit a LaGuardia High School application. Apply to any/all of the six arts programs at NYC's audition Specialized High School by submitting a separate application and auditioning. This application opens on October 12, and the deadline to apply is December 1. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/HSAuditions.
Here are some important dates to track:
Oct 6: SHSAT registration opens in MySchools
Oct 12: DOE HS app opens in MySchools, (list of 12 non-specialized HS's including Audition HS's but NOT LaGuardia - LaGuardia is separate in the MySchools system)
Oct 12: LaGuardia MySchools portal opens
----> At some point before the SHSAT, you will need to go back into the MySchools SHSAT portal and complete the Specialized HS app: You will rank the Specialized HS's in your child's order of preference and submit BEFORE your child sits for the exam. The DOE will provide a deadline for this between 10/6 & 11/17
November 17, 19, & 20th: SHSAT exam dates
December 1: General HS application due in MySchools
Our takeaway:
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, December 1st was the traditional HS application deadline. We feel that the deadline scooting back to where it used to be is a positive course correction. This likely means that seat offers will be released much earlier than the last two cycles. Seat offers used to be published in early to mid-March (pre COVID) which was more helpful for families who engage with Parochial and or Private school admissions as well as Public.
Further reading:
NYT piece outlining the changes to both MS & HS admissions