all the ways random numbers are used

Want to make sure everyone is clear about the different admissions methods and how random numbers are involved, in big and small ways. I’ll share this out again in the fall but it’s never too early to be thinking ahead.

Admissions methods

Open/Lottery

  • At these schools nothing is considered beyond your random number.

ED OPT - educational option

  • There are 3 tiers: low, middle, and high based on 7th grade end of year grades.

  • You’ll see your ED OPT group in Myschools.

  • Each group is filled with one third of students.

  • Random number ranks kids within their group.

Screen schools

  • There are 5 screened school admission groups

  • You’ll see your group in Myschools.

  • The cut off score changes every year.

  • Once in a group you are ranked by random number.

  • Schools consider all students in group one before moving on to the next group.

Screened schools with additional materials

  • The complete list: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/high-school/assessments-for-screened-schools

  • Different schools have different asks and different rubrics. Some materials are submitted at MySchools, some at individual school websites. This info is all available at the link above and also in MySchools.

  • For schools that consider “grades” as part of their rubric, each group has an assigned point number: 100 points for group 1, 90 for group 2. 

  • A student’s final score the weighed average of the grade they get on their admissions materials and the points assigned based on their screened group. 

  • Random number is tie breaker when kids have the same final score.

Audition based

  • Ranking is based totally on audition/portfolio submission.

  • Random number is tie breaker when kids have the same score.

LaGuardia

  • Everyone over minimum GPA is considered equal. Last season it was 65.

  • Random number is tie breaker when kids have the same audition/portfolio score.

Specialized

  • ONLY the SHSAT is used for ranking students.

  • This is the ONLY scenario where random numbers aren’t considered.

quick where to find tours reminder and more

There are tours happening this spring beyond schools HS411 tracks. And it can be helpful to check out a school before the hubbub of the fall kicks in. 

You can find tours posted at the DOE’s MySchools: https://www.myschools.nyc/en/calendar/?page=0&page_size=10

and at NYC-Sift: https://nycsift.com/index.phtml an amazing tool created and run by a NYC parent. 

Individual schools also post info on their websites.

Below is a TOUR LOG I’ll share out again in the fall. Even if you end up not touring any schools until then, it’s never too early to start thinking about questions you might want to ask/info that’s important to you and your family.

some quick thoughts about SHSAT changes for this coming fall

Last season the SHSAT was given digitally for the first time. This coming season they are switching over to computer adaptive testing. 

From the DOE website: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/testing/specialized-high-school-admissions-test

Beginning with the fall 2026 administration, the SHSAT will transition to a computer-adaptive test (CAT). A CAT is an exam that selects the questions that a student sees based on their ongoing performance. For example, a test-taker who performs well on a moderately challenging prompt will then receive a more difficult item; a student who does not answer such an item correctly will then be asked a less difficult question. Students will all be tested on the same grade-level standards, but the level of complexity of each question will be dependent upon the preceding response. Students will not be tested on standards that are above-grade level. Students will not be able to revisit questions or move around within sections and will need to respond to advance in the exam. All students will answer the same number of questions for each subject.  

In addition, for passage-based question sets in the ELA section, students will be able to return to questions within the set and alter their responses; once they complete and submit all questions in the set, they cannot review their responses. In the Math section and for stand-alone items in the ELA section, students must respond to each question before they will be able to move on to the next question. Students will not be able to return to the question after they have advanced in these sections. Once they complete and submit their responses in each subject, they will not be able revisit the questions for that subject.

The big difference from previous years: in the past students could jump around, go back and double check answers, and/or mark off questions to return to.

They won’t be able to do that anymore. 

It was a helpful test taking technique, utilizing time management skills to not get caught up and perhaps spiral if a particular question was too much of a struggle. Kids were encouraged to move on and come back later. But, except as noted above, that will no longer be possible.

If you’re planning on the SHSAT as an option and are doing any sort of test prep, you might want to check in and find out how tutors/companies supporting kids in dealing with this change. 

SHSAT changes for next season

This past season the SHSAT went digital for the first time. 

This coming season, which means the test your kids will take next November will not only be digital, it will utilize computer adaptive testing.

More changes:

after submitting an answer you will no longer be able to go back and change your mind

you cannot skip ahead as as each answer determines what question comes next

From the DOE website: 

Beginning with the fall 2026 administration, the SHSAT will transition to a computer-adaptive test (CAT). A CAT is an exam that selects the questions that a student sees based on their ongoing performance. For example, a test-taker who performs well on a moderately challenging prompt will then receive a more difficult item; a student who does not answer such an item correctly will then be asked a less difficult question. Students will all be tested on the same grade-level standards, but the level of complexity of each question will be dependent upon the preceding response. Students will not be tested on standards that are above-grade level. Students will not be able to revisit questions or move around within sections and will need to respond to advance in the exam. All students will answer the same number of questions for each subject.  

In addition, for passage-based question sets in the ELA section, students will be able to return to questions within the set and alter their responses; once they complete and submit all questions in the set, they cannot review their responses. In the Math section and for stand-alone items in the ELA section, students must respond to each question before they will be able to move on to the next question. Students will not be able to return to the question after they have advanced in these sections. Once they complete and submit their responses in each subject, they will not be able revisit the questions for that subject. 

NOTE: if you are preparing for the SHSAT, think about checking in with programs/tutors you might be working with to find out how they are changing things to reflect these changes.

TOURING: Academy for Careers in Television and Film, Harbor School, West End Secondary

Academy for Careers in Television and Film is hosting in person open houses. Info plus registration is available at MySchools: https://actvf.org/admissions/

Thur, 10/16, 5:30-7pm
Tues, 10/21, 5:30-7pm
Sat, 11/15, 9:30-12pm
Thur,  11/20,  5:30-7pm

New York Harbor School is hosting in person open houses. Click on the open house information to register: https://www.newyorkharborschool.org/admission

Tues, 10/7 at 3:15pm
Tues, 10/14 at 3:15pm
Thur, 11/6 at 3:15pm

West End Secondary is hosting open houses. Click here to register: https://www.westendsecondary.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4391631&type=d&pREC_ID=2607435

Thur, 10/30, 6pm
Tues, 11/25, 5pm 
Thur, 12/4, 6pm

more TOURING: Columbia Secondary, HS for Language and Diplomacy, Manhattan Village Academy

Columbia Secondary is hosting in person open houses (info is available on MySchools): https://myschools.nyc/en/calendar/?school=05M362&tag=1&page=0&page_size=10

Tues, 10.28, 6-7:30pm

Thur, 11/13, 6-7:30pm

Sat, 11/15, 11am-12:30pm

HS for Language and Diplomacy is hosting in person open houses (info is available on MySchools): https://myschools.nyc/en/calendar/?tag=1&school=02M399&page=0&page_size=10

Thur, 10/23, 5:30-7pm

Thur, 11/6,  5:30-7pm

Manhattan Village Academy is hosting in person open houses (info is available on MySchools):  https://myschools.nyc/en/calendar/?tag=1&school=02M439&page=0&page_size=10

Tues, 10/7, 4-5:30pm

Thur, 10/9, 8:30-9am

Sat, 11/8, 10am-2pm

 

TOURING, Academy for Software Engineering, Aviation HS, Environmental Studies, Health Professionals and Human Services, Manhattan Hunter Science, School of the Future

Academy for Software Engineering is hosting in person open houses. Click here for more info/to register: https://www.afsenyc.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1219644&type=d&pREC_ID=1455035

Wed, 10/1, 5pm

Thur, 10/16, 5pm

Wed, 11/5, 5pm

Note: first was is today

Aviation HS is hosting 2 in person open houses> Click here for more info: https://www.aviationhs.net/

Sat, 11/1, 9am—11am

Sat, 11/15, 9am—11am

HS Environmental Studies is hosting both in person and virtual open houses. Registration info to come. Right now there’s a pop up window  with dates on their home page: https://www.envirostudies.org/

in person

Sat 10/25  @9-11am

Sat 10/25 @11:30am -1:30pm

Mon 11/10 @5:30pm - 7:30pm

virtual

Wed 11/19 @5:30-6:30pm

HS for Health Professionals and Human Services is hosting in person open houses. Click here for more info and to RSVP: https://www.hphsnyc.org/apps/news/article/2114273

Thur, 10/9,  5-7pm

Thur, 10/30, 5-7pm

Sat, 11/1, 11am- 1pm

Sat, 11/8, 11am- 1pm

Manhattan Hunter Science is hosting a virtual open house for all and an in person for SWD plus students. Click here for more info: https://www.mhshs.org/application-information

virtual for all 

Tues, 11/4 at 10am

in person for SWD plus: 

Mon, 11/10 at 9am

School of the Future is hosting in person open houses. Click here to register:  https://4.files.edl.io/4079/10/01/25/143435-172e188a-1f0f-480f-a30b-74b6ee59eeb3.pdf

Wed, 10.22, 4:30-6:30pm

Sat, 11/8 from 12:30-2pm

an ask and some more stuff about the Beacon rubric changes

First, I’m looking for a volunteer to share their MySchools log in info so I can go behind the scenes and see what you all are seeing in real time. Of course I won’t share any personal info. If you’re willing, please let me know and many thanks.

Ok, back to Beacon related info. In the past 5 schools shared a single essay: Beacon, ICE, School of the Future, East Side Community, and University Heights. Looks like Beacon is keeping the same essay prompt but having it done in person. Here is the prompt and grading rubric: https://www.beaconschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=604580&type=d 

We will see if the other 4 schools who used those same essay prompts in the past: East Side Community, School of the Future, ICE, University Heights, will keep the same set up - submitting essays through MySchools and the same prompts.

TOURING: Beacon, Park East, Telecommunications Arts, and Brooklyn Tech time update

Beacon is hosting in person and virtual open houses. Click here for more info: https://www.beaconschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=604582&type=d

in person
Fri, 10/17 
4-5:30 pm, 6-7:30 pm 

Mon, 10/27 
4-5:30 pm, 6-7:30 pm  

Virtual 
Sat, 10/25 from 11am-12:15 pm 

Park East is hosting both in person and virtual open houses. Click here for more info: https://www.parkeasths.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4428137&type=d&pREC_ID=2665403

in person
Wed,10/8,10:23am
Wed, 10/15, 6:00pm
Thur,10/23, 10:23am
Thur, 10/30, 10:18am
Sat, 11/15, 10am
Thur,11/20, 10:18am

virtual 
Wed, 10/1, 9:45am
Wed, 1022, 9:45am
Wed, 11/5, 9:45am
Wed, 11/19, 9:45am

Telecommunication Arts and Technology is hosting an in person open house. Click here for more info/to register: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k5yBtUHR0Ap4Df921S7aB25X0SybPlmh7VTxI9HqoEQ/edit?tab=t.0

Thur, 11/6 at 6pm

Brooklyn Tech (SHSAT) updated their open house start time to 5:40 on Tuesday, 10/7.

changes to Beacon's admissions rubric

From Beacon’s website: https://www.beaconschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=604582&type=d

Lastly, our admissions process is slightly different now. 

Weights: 50% average course grades, 50% in-person essay 

The essay will be written in person, and not remote. We will post several dates in November (including weekends) for students to register to write the essays in person. We will also honor assessment accommodations for students with IEPS and 504 plans. 

What’s changed: the rubric used to be 80% essay, 20% grades. It used to be the same essay used for 4 other consortium schools and was written at home and uploaded through MySchools. 


This is the first time they’ve done essay writing for admissions consideration in person. 


New principal. New stuff. 

TOURING: Fort Hamilton HS, HS of Economics and Finance

Fort Hamilton High School is hosting an in person open house. Click here (and check out the slide show on the right side of the page) for info: https://www.fthhs.org/

Wed, 10/22

5:30-7pm last name A-K

7:30-9pm last name  L-Z

HS of Economics and Finance is hosting a bunch of open houses. Click here for more info/to register: https://www.ecoandfin.org/apps/news/article/1971029

Tuesdays from 9/30 

through 12/9 at 3pm

quick note about touring

Below is a screen grab from the HS411 calendar (you can access it in the members section of the 411 website) and you can see touring options are racking up.

My suggestion: keep track of all the things you’re planning to attend in one place. It can take some planning/juggling as schools often host on the same night and that, along with school and extra curricular stuff and life in general can get complicated. 

And again, take notes! Applications aren’t due until December and after you’ve seen a bunch of schools things can start to blend together in your memory.

TOURING: more Brooklyn Tech info, HSMSE

Brooklyn Tech (SHSAT) has posted more info about their open house. There is no registration, you just show up: https://www.bths.edu/apps/events/event.jsp?eREC_ID=4809069&d=2025-10-07&id=0

Tues, 10/7 from 3:35pm-8pm 

HS for Math, Science, and Engineering (SHSAT) is hosting an in person open house. Click here for more info: https://www.hsmse.org/apps/news/article/2111350

Thur, 10/23 

session 1: 4:30-6:00pm

session 2: 6:30-8pm

TOURING: Frank McCourt. Brooklyn Latin

Frank McCourt is hosting 2 in person open houses. Click  here for more info/to register: https://www.fmhsnyc.org/admissions_process

Thurs, 10/9, 5pm

Tues, 10/28, 5pm

NOTE: they have a mandatory admissions essay you can find on their website

SPECIALIZED

Brooklyn Latin is hosting informative Fridays session. Click here for more info/to register: https://www.brooklynlatin.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=933925&id=0

10/3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 11am-12pm

TOURING: Aviation HS, James Madison, Midwood

Aviation HS is hosting 2  open houses. More info to come. Click here for updates: https://www.aviationhs.net/

Sat, 11/1

Sat, 11/15

James Madison is hosted several touring opportunities. Click here for more info/to register: https://www.madisonhs.org/apps/news/article/1817203

in person open house:
Mon, 11/3 at 6pm

breakfast with the principal plus tour:
Wednesdays, register here at link above

group tours
Thursdays, register at link above

Midwood is hosting a bunch of small group tours and 2 open houses, one in person, one virtual. You can find info and where to sign up on a pop up window at their website: https://www.midwoodhighschool.org/         

tours

Thur, 10/9, 9:30-10:30am 

 Tues, 10/14, 9:30-10:30am

 Thur, 10/16, 9:30-10:30am

Tues, 10/21, 9:30-10:30am

 

in person open house

Thurs, 11/6, 6-8pm 

 

virtual open house

Wed, 11/12, 6-8pm