The State Exam scores matter.  Of the more than 1700 public high schools in NYC, only eight rely solely on the SHSAT. The rest assess the NYS ELA and Math exam scores.

 

  To have a stronger application resulting in more choice in schools and selective programs, the time is now to ramp up preparation for these consequential tests.  While grades, attendance and other factors contribute in the admissions process, the State Exam scores are the only criteria that high schools can use to neutrally evaluate applications coming out of the diverse, NYC middle school system.