As the midpoint of the school year comes to a close, eighth grade middle school students must begin to think about high school applications. “NYC announces 2022-23 admissions policies for middle and high schools”, by “Chalkbeat New York”, notes that applications will open the week of January 24th. The deadline is the week of February 28 and offers will be sent in late May.
Some students have already been thinking about their options even years prior. Many people agree that conceiving a plan and considering the factors of the high school are significant to choosing a school that best fits the individual. One student shares that important things to think about are the school’s graduation rate, extra college-level classes, a nice facility, and a clean record towards safety. “I think that the reputation of the high school matters. For example, if a school is known for violence, I wouldn’t apply to that school. But if a school is known for producing very smart and talented students, like the specialized high schools, I would apply to that school,” another student adds similarly.
Furthermore, another factor includes distance for traveling to school each day and eventual workload. “I have looked into the reputation and workload in certain high schools, and there were some things that made me change preferences, like how far away the school is, or what the schools focus on teaching their students.” While the application window is still open, it is strongly suggested that students should research and consider all factors before committing a school you will call home for the next four years.
From public schools to private schools and specialized high schools, amongst many students, Townsend Harris High School is a very popular choice. Even though it is a public school, students still widely acknowledge Townsend’s good reputation and strongly educated alumni. Not to mention, it’s a prestigious public school that makes it the perfect choice for many students locally around our districts. From experience, I would like to attend Townsend Harris High School to receive the best education in preparation for college, but at a closer travel distance.
Other students have taken the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), in the hopes of being admitted into a specialized high school. While some people feel that the SHSAT is a good way to see who gets accepted, some feel there should be more to this admission process. “The test (only) is a dumb way to choose who goes in. Schools should also check school grades and records,” a student says, “The test is only a performance on one day. For me, I have been preparing for a year. I feel like taking the test was stressful so I found it difficult. My top choice, York, only checks the SHSAT and not anything else.” Moreover, many shared their opinions regarding the specialized high schools themselves. “I think that the specialized high schools are better…there might be less violence and weird events that happen…There is a lot of competition to get into a specialized high school, so they are good schools.” Another peer notes, “It is very important for me to be accepted into a specialized high school…I don’t want to go to a high school where I would be afraid for my safety. In addition, I would learn more at a specialized high school, because the education curriculum would be tougher.” For future high school applicants, “...study hard,” an eighth grader advises, “...for the SHSAT if you plan to take it, but really just try to enjoy the year.”
At the end, students were surveyed to determine what they will be doing before the application comes out, as a result of the interview. “I want to get averages higher than 95%,” an anonymous student expressed. Another peer shared their "...hope to have fun this school year, and to learn some information that would help me in my classes in high school…I’ll learn as much as I can so that high school classes won’t be so hard.” Best of luck to the eighth grade on the application.
If you would like to learn more about high schools, please visit our guidance counselor, Ms. McNamara in room 113.
Contact Details: [Email] EMcNamara2@schools.nyc.gov
To learn more about the application, see the NYC Department of Education site: