Decreasing SHSAT Scores… Why?

Alexa Stone and Isabel Lindner, 11th Grade, Staff Writers 

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Since 2020, Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) cutoff scores for six out of the eight Specialized High Schools have decreased. Common Sense investigates possible causes for this drop in scores.

Throughout the city, thousands of students annually prepare for the test, using different resources like private tutors, group prep classes, and workbooks, or they go into it blind. 

Although many people value the opportunity the specialized schools offer to students who need a more challenging curriculum, some believe that there has been growing concern that the system is unfair towards kids with less money.

When asked about what resources she used to prepare and how she thinks they affected her results, Naomi Redlner(‘27) said “I had the privilege of having a tutor who could cater to my needs. I took practice tests almost every weekend and ended up getting a 556, which reflected my access to resources.”

This access to certain materials and tutors that some may not be able to afford leads to higher scores for some and not all. 

This can also be seen visually throughout the schools when looking at the demographics. For example, in the class of 2029 only 3% of offers at the eight specialized schools went to Black students. 

When asked if she has noticed a change in the demographics of the younger grades, Myla Choi(‘26) stated, “I have always noticed diversity in our school and have not really thought about it, but I do see how COVID and the declining scores could lead to a change in demographics across specialized schools.”

Since specialized schools have always had a diverse student body, students may not notice the change visually. But, on paper the declining scores can be seen.

The High School of American Studies had a 2020 cutoff of 517 and has dropped to 504 in 2025.

Our Principal, Mr. Weiss, agrees that this is an important point: “The scores are not normed from year to year. In other words, a 520 in one year is not necessarily equal to a 520 in another year.”

In a look into why the scores have been decreasing, Yash Dewan(‘28) said “Middle school education in general is decreasing as kids don’t focus as much on learning, but rather staying up to date with the latest trends.”

He adds that “This sets a precedent: since they aren’t worried about their middle school education, they are set up for failure later in their education.” 

The previous education before the test in middle school and elementary school greatly affects how well students do on the test. 

As screen time goes up, students have a harder time making good study habits. 

Kareena Mehta(‘29) said “Having school online made people lazier because it was harder to focus and do your work.” She adds that “this in turn leads to lower SHSAT scores because the level of education and focus has gone down since the lockdown.” 

Part of the reason for this lack of focus is the effect COVID had on younger children. The constant screens and zoom learning led to decreased engagement among kids, taking away from the good study habits they are supposed to build up. 

All in all, specialized high schools have seen a drop in cutoff scores since COVID, and have still continued to be dominated by certain groups.