Discovery Program SHSAT
The SHSAT Discovery Program is a summer course for students from low-income households who scored just below the cut-off scores on the SHSAT. These 3-5 week programs give students the opportunity to make up for their missing points and show that they are prepared for the academic rigors of the Specialized High Schools.
What is the Discovery Program for SHSAT?
The SHSAT Discovery Program is a summer course for students from low-income households who scored just below the cut-off scores on the SHSAT. These 3-5 week programs give students the opportunity to make up for their missing points and show that they are prepared for the academic rigors of the Specialized High Schools.
Currently 20% of 9th grade seats at the Specialized High Schools are reserved for students who successfully completed Discovery Programs.
What are the requirements for the SHSAT Discovery Program?
In order to qualify for the SHSAT Discovery Program, students must come from a disadvantaged background. This means that they (1) come from a low-income household, (2) live in temporary housing, or (3) are an English-language learner who has been in NYC for less than 4 years.
In addition to falling into at least one of these categories, students must also come from a high poverty school with an Economic Need Index (ENI) of 60% or higher. If a student is home-schooled or attends a private or parochial school, they must live in a high poverty area. See here for details on all of these requirements.
Finally, students must also have scored within a certain range on the SHSAT. The score range is not publicly specified by the DOE.
When does the Discovery Program SHSAT begin?
The Discovery Program takes place during the summer, starting in July. There are variable dates for each of the schools. The programs are approximately three to five weeks long. For specific information on the dates of the Discovery Programs, visit the official website here.
Ashley Reyes: A Success Story of the SHSAT Discovery Program
Ashley Reyes, a determined and talented student from a low-income household, epitomizes the impact of the SHSAT Discovery Program. Despite narrowly missing the SHSAT cut-off scores, Ashley's participation in the Discovery Program enabled her to bridge the academic gap and highlight her abilities.
Throughout the SHSAT Discovery Program, Ashley received personalized instruction, unwavering support, and access to invaluable resources from our tutors; propelling her skills and academic readiness for the Specialized High Schools. Her dedication and perseverance paid off as she showcased her capabilities and secured admission to Bronx Science!
Ashley's journey serves as a testament to the invaluable opportunities provided by Ivy’s Discovery Program. By leveling the playing field, and offering personalized support, this program empowers deserving students like Ashley to thrive academically and unlock their full potential.
How to apply for the SHSAT Discovery Program?
Students can only apply to the SHSAT Discovery Program if they have received Discovery Information in their SHSAT offer letter (March). If they did not receive application information, they cannot apply.
If you did receive information, follow the instructions and submit your application to your current school counselor by the April deadline. If your application is accepted, you can only attend the program listed on your offer letter.
At Ivy Tutors Network, our experienced team of SHSAT tutors is dedicated to providing comprehensive support, personalized instruction, and effective strategies to help students navigate the SHSAT with confidence and achieve their educational goals.
We also offer SHSAT Classes, a small group online workshop where students are able to take a diagnostic exam, review materials and learn the best strategies for excelling on this challenging test.
Contact us today to discover how we can support your student in conquering the SHSAT and navigating applying to a specialized high school!
