United States · Admissions testWho can register for the SHSAT?
You can register if you’re both of these:
- a New York City resident
- in 8th grade now, or in 9th grade for the first time (not repeating it)
That covers public, charter, private and parochial school students, and homeschooled students too.
How does SHSAT registration work?
- Log in to MySchools. Families applying to school this year set up their account there.
- Register while registration is open. For the fall 2026 test it ran from October 6 to October 30, 2026.
- List the testing Specialized High Schools in your order of preference.
- Check that your school has entered or confirmed any testing accommodations.
- After the deadline, get your test ticket. It shows your test date and location.
Accommodations at registration
Students with a new disability or injury within 30 days of the test can ask for emergency accommodations through their school counselor, with the principal’s approval.
During SHSAT registration, your current school enters or confirms testing accommodations in MySchools. Students with a 504 Plan, and charter, private or parochial school students with a similar school plan, must send documentation to NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) at least three weeks before the registration deadline, or it may not be reviewed in time.
Accommodations requested only for the SHSAT aren’t allowed: you need a documented history of using them.
Sources: NYC Public Schools and 1 more. Checked October 2026.
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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