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Admissions

The High School for Math, Science and Engineering (HSMSE) is one of NYC's eight specialized public high schools, established to serve the needs of academically gifted students. Admission is based solely on the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT). HSMSE does not consider grades, state test scores or attendance records for admission.

SHSAT OVERVIEW

The SHSAT is required for admission to the city’s eight specialized high schools:

  • The High School for Math, Science at Engineering at City College (HSMSE)
  • The High School for American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS)
  • The Queens High School for The Sciences at York College
  • The Bronx High School of Science
  • Brooklyn Technical High School
  • Brooklyn Latin School
  • Stuyvesant High School
  • Staten Island Technical High School

The test is offered to all eighth and ninth grade students living in the five boroughs of New York City and is administered in the fall, on a date designated by the DOE. Accepted students are notified in the spring when they receive all other public high school offers. Find more information at NYC Public Schools about registration dates and test locations.

Prior to taking the test, students rank their preferred specialized high schools in order. After the exam, each high school designates a cut-off score based on the results and the number of seats available. Students who do not score high enough for their first choice school may be assigned to their second, third or lower choice if their score meets the cutoff requirements.

OPEN HOUSE

HSMSE offers an open house in the fall for prospective 8th- and 9th-graders. Our open house includes an information session, tour, and the opportunity to speak with teachers and students. The open house date is published each year on our school calendar.

Accepted students and their parents are invited to visit HSMSE in the spring before final high school decisions are due. Students are able to tour classrooms, meet teachers and students, and ask questions at that time.

HSMSE FAQs

  1. Are students challenged by the humanities at HSMSE?

    Our humanities department is a vital, rigorous, respected part of our school, and our renowned teachers have helped lead students to city, regional and national competitions in history, languages, literature and art. Students working on our school newspaper, The Echo, have earned awards for reporting, opinion writing, photojournalism and more.

  2. What if a student excels in the STEM subjects, but struggles with the humanities?

    The strength of our school lies in its small size and the dedication of our experienced teachers. We get to know each student, and the staff is available for tutoring in all subjects. Our grade advisors monitor the progress of all students, and through our advisory program, teachers are paired with a small group of students for their four years at HSMSE.

  3. How does HSMSE prepare students for careers in engineering and architecture?

    Our engineering and architecture program sets HSMSE apart from every other high school. Courses are taught by educators with extensive professional experience who bring real-world insight into the classroom, and students engage with the types of technical and design challenges that professionals tackle daily. The curriculum was designed to encourage analytical thinking and creativity, and to develop practical skills. We connect students to meaningful extracurricular opportunities and internships that deepen their interests and prepare them for success well beyond high school.

  4. How does the STEM curriculum benefit students who will not pursue those fields?

    The required engineering courses at HSMSE should not be confused with university courses for engineering majors. Our courses serve the school's mission to broadly prepare students for life in a highly technological society and a world of work where critical thinking and clear communication are essential skills. Our classes are designed to develop problem-solving skills, promote effective group work on long-term projects, make persuasive presentations, communicate ideas, and carefully document research, design decisions, and results.

  5. How much homework can be expected?

    Homework loads vary depending on the student and the year, but HSMSE classes meet every other day, so students can take advantage of the A Day / B Day schedule to manage their time. Homework is never due the next day. HSMSE teachers also try to keep the workload manageable so students are able to participate in sports, clubs and other extracurricular activities.

  6. Do students who have passed the Algebra I Regents exam need to take it again?

    Freshman who have taken an Algebra I course and passed the Regents exam will be placed in Foundations of Mathematics.

  7. Do all students take German for their World Languages requirement?

    HSMSE offers Spanish to students who take the Spanish Checkpoint A Exam and pass with at least a 65. These students are placed in Spanish Level 2. All other students take German Level 1.

  8. Why German?

    German opens doors in global business; Germany is the largest market in Europe and the fifth largest trading partner of the US. German is an important language in the science and engineering fields. Studying German also levels the playing field: Each student begins at the same point and has an equal chance for success. Students can take AP German Language and Culture in their fourth year.

  9. Are tutoring services available?

    Teachers have office hours either before or after school. Peer tutoring is also available.

  10. Is college credit available at HSMSE?

    Students will receive college credits for HSMSE courses taught by teachers who are dually certified by the DOE and CCNY. Students may also take College Now courses starting their sophomore year.

  11. What is HSMSE's community service requirement?

    Students are expected to complete at least 100 hours of community service before graduation. Students can find volunteer opportunities at HSMSE (i.e., school-wide activities) to help meet the requirement.

  12. How do students at HSMSE handle a long commute?

    We encourage students to consider the commute time and how it may impact their ability to arrive at school on time and manage the workload. Some of our most successful students also had the longest commute (a past valedictorian hailed from Staten Island!), but fully committing to four years of a long commute is an important consideration.

  13. Is the neighborhood safe?

    CCNY is a bustling college campus where students, staff and faculty walk to and from subways all hours of the day. Security is present on our campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  14. Where do students eat lunch?

    HSMSE students can bring lunch, buy lunch at the NAC Food Court, food stands, and nearby delis, or take advantage of free lunch offered to all NYC students. On nice days our students often eat outside on the Quad; on not-so-nice days, the NAC has room for everyone.