The SHSAT Discovery Program offers a unique opportunity for students who narrowly miss the cutoff scores for New York City’s specialized high schools. This program aims to bridge the gap, providing eligible students with the chance to demonstrate their readiness for the academic challenges of these prestigious institutions.
The Discovery Program is specifically designed for students from low-income households, those living in temporary housing, or English Language Learners (ELLs) who have been in New York City for less than four years. By participating in this program, students can work on improving their skills, gaining confidence, and ultimately securing their place in a specialized high school. Read on to learn more about the specific eligibility requirements.
In recent years, the Discovery Program has expanded significantly. Nearly 20% of seats at each specialized high school were reserved for Discovery Program participants. This expansion targets students from high-poverty schools across the city, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to benefit from this initiative.
The SHSAT Discovery Program is a summer course that supports students who score just below the cutoff score on the SHSAT. These programs, which typically last three to five weeks, offer intensive instruction and support to help students make up for the points they missed on the SHSAT. By the end of the program, students must demonstrate that they are prepared for the academic rigors of specialized high schools.
To qualify for the SHSAT Discovery Program, students should meet several criteria:
Additionally, students must have scored within a specific range below the SHSAT cutoff score. The exact score range is not publicly specified by the Department of Education.
The Discovery Program typically takes place during the summer, starting in July. The exact dates vary for each specialized high school, with programs generally lasting between three to five weeks. To find specific information on the dates for each school’s Discovery Program, visit the official websites of the specialized high schools or contact your school counselor for more details.
Students cannot directly apply to the SHSAT Discovery Program. Instead, they must be selected based on their SHSAT scores and eligibility criteria. If a student is eligible, they will receive Discovery Program information in their SHSAT offer letter, usually sent out in March. This letter will include instructions on how to apply.
Eligible students must submit their application to their current school counselor by the specified deadline. If the application is accepted, the student can attend the program listed in their offer letter.
The SHSAT Discovery Program is a crucial initiative that helps bridge the gap for students who are on the cusp of qualifying for New York City’s specialized high schools. By providing targeted support and instruction, the program empowers students from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their academic goals and gain admission to these prestigious institutions.
At Khan Tutorial, we are dedicated to helping students navigate the SHSAT and take full advantage of opportunities like the Discovery Program. By offering comprehensive support, personalized instruction, and effective strategies, we strive to ensure that every student can reach their full potential and succeed in their educational journey.
To be eligible for the SHSAT Discovery Program, students must come from low-income households, live in temporary housing, or be English Language Learners (ELLs) who have been in New York City for less than four years.
If your child is eligible for the SHSAT Discovery Program, they will receive information about the program in their SHSAT offer letter. If your child does not receive this information, they have not been selected for the program.
