School Counselors & Social Worker
Counseling & Social Worker Corner
Dear Parents and Guardians,Welcome back to a new school year! As our 8th graders begin their final year of middle school, we are excited for the months ahead. This year will be filled with academic growth, special events, important transitions, and the high school application process.Below you will find everything you need to know about high school applications, key deadlines, school exploration resources, and upcoming senior activities.
High School Application OverviewThere are three high school application paths available in NYC. Your child can participate in one, two, or all three:
1. General High School Application
Submit via: MySchools.nycStudents may apply to up to 12 high school programs, ranked in order of preference. Offers are made based on school priorities, availability, and how the schools are ranked.You can explore all available NYC public high school options using the NYC High School Directory:
https://www.myschools.nyc/en/schools/high-school/
2. Specialized High Schools (SHSAT)Students interested in one of NYC's eight Specialized High Schools must take the SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test). These schools include:
Stuyvesant High School Bronx High School of Science Brooklyn Technical High School Brooklyn Latin School High School for Math, Science and Engineering High School of American Studies at Lehman College Queens High School for the Sciences Staten Island Technical High SchoolRegistration for the SHSAT is separate from the main high school application and must be completed in MySchools.
3. LaGuardia High School (Audition-Based)LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts admits students based on an audition in one of several studio areas, such as:
Dance Drama Instrumental Music Fine Arts Technical Theater Vocal Music Audition Materials Submission: Online via MySchoolsEach studio has specific requirements, which can be viewed in the MySchools account once auditions open.
Important Timeline of Dates
Tuesday, October 7, 2025:High School Application, LaGuardia Audition Registration, and SHSAT Registration open on MySchools.nyc Friday, October 31, 2025:
SHSAT Registration closes Wednesday, November 12, 2025:
SHSAT School Day — students registered for the SHSAT will take the test during the school day.Note: This year, the SHSAT will be conducted digitally. More information about implementation is forthcoming. Wednesday, December 3, 2025:
High School and LaGuardia Applications close
Steps to Register for High School Open Houses on MySchools
Visit MySchools: Go to www.myschools.nyc. Log In/Create Account: Sign in or create a new MySchools account. Search for High Schools: Use the “Find a School” tab to search for high schools and apply filters like “Open House”. View Open House Details: Click on individual schools to view their open house dates, times, and registration info. Register for the Event: Follow the instructions on the school’s page to RSVP or register (if required). Add to Calendar: Once registered, note the event details and add it to your calendar (Google, Apple, etc.) with a reminder ( https://www.myschools.nyc/en/calendar/?event_type=3&tag=1 )Please see the link below to navigate the Myschool Directory to search for High SchoolsPractice SHSAT test- https://nycshsat.myassessmentsupport.com/practice-tests/?utm_source=
What You Should Do Now
Create or log into your account at MySchools.nyc Use the High School Directory to explore options Talk with your child about school preferences and goals Watch for upcoming communications about school events and HS workshops Reach out with any questions about the processWe understand that high school applications can feel overwhelming, but we are here to support your family throughout the entire process. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help with applications, MySchools, SHSAT registration.Let’s make this 8th-grade year a successful and memorable one!
College tour at Harvard University