Can 9th graders take the SHSAT? The 10th-grade route
Short answer
Yes: NYC residents in 9th grade for the first time can take the SHSAT and compete for a small number of 10th-grade seats at the Specialized High Schools. Students repeating 9th grade aren't eligible.
Yes. The SHSAT isn’t only for 8th graders. Any NYC resident in 9th grade for the first time can take it, and that includes students at private, parochial and charter schools. Students repeating 9th grade aren’t eligible.
What 9th graders are competing for
First-time 9th graders compete for a small number of 10th-grade seats at the Specialized High Schools. Each school publishes a separate 10th-grade cutoff. For the cutoffs themselves, see SHSAT cutoff scores on our sister site, Simple Tree.
The Grade 9 test is a different form
| Grade 8 test | Grade 9 test | |
|---|---|---|
| Who takes it | 8th graders | First-time 9th graders |
| Seats | 9th grade | 10th grade |
| Math is based on | New York State standards through grade 7 | New York State standards through grade 8 |
The official SHSAT guide includes separate Grade 9 sample questions, so 9th graders should practice with those rather than only the Grade 8 samples.
When to register
SHSAT registration for the fall 2026 test opens Tuesday, October 6, 2026 and closes Friday, October 30, 2026. That’s the same window for 8th and 9th graders.