SHSAT (fall 2026, for September 2027 entry)
Source: NYC Public Schools' Specialized High Schools page. Registration for fall 2026 closed on October 30. Your school counselor confirms the date and site.
| Who | When |
|---|---|
| 8th graders at NYC public middle schools that end in 8th grade | Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at their own school |
| Other 8th graders (private, charter and 6-12 schools, homeschooled) | Saturday, November 14 or Sunday, November 15, 2026 |
| 9th graders | Saturday, November 21, 2026 |
ISEE
The ISEE is given at test centers, at schools and online at home, on many dates through the year. ERB splits the year into three seasons (fall, winter, spring/summer); a student may take it once per season, up to three times in a year.
For fall entry, most families test between October and January, since many schools' application deadlines fall in December and January. Book early: popular dates fill up.
SSAT
The SSAT has standard test dates about once a month from October to April, plus flexible dates at test centers and at home. Check The Enrollment Management Association's site for this season's dates and fees.
Many boarding schools ask for scores by January or February.
When to start
Eight to twelve weeks before the test is enough for most students: short sessions three or four days a week, a full timed test every two or three weeks, and the last week light. The parent report builds a week-by-week plan from your child's weak topics once you add the test date.