What Families Need to Know About the 2026 Hunter College High School Exam
The Hunter exam is the key to admission at Hunter College High School, and it’s changing in January 2026. With a new format that includes ISEE-style math sections alongside Hunter’s reading and writing components, families need to prepare differently. This guide explains what’s changing, who’s eligible, and how students can prepare strategically for the updated Hunter College High School entrance exam.
Photo by Andy Barbour
If you’re a parent of a 6th grader with big academic aspirations, or a student intent on joining one of the most selective public high schools in the nation, understanding the Hunter College High School (HCHS) entrance process is mission-critical. Every year, thousands of bright young minds compete for a handful of coveted spots, and the Hunter exam is the centerpiece of that process.
Now, since the test has significant changes rolling out in January 2026, families preparing for the next admissions cycle must pay attention. This article breaks down what’s new, why it matters, and how you can make informed, strategic preparation decisions.
What Is the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam?
Hunter College High School, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is renowned for its rigorous academics and thought-driven community. Admission is limited to 7th grade entry, based primarily on performance on the Hunter College High School entrance exam, known colloquially as the Hunter exam. Approximately 2500 students are eligible to take the exam every year and about 180 students are offered admission.
For many families, the Hunter exam represents not just a test, but the gateway to an educational environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, deep learning, and academic excellence.
Who Can Take the Hunter Exam?
The entrance exam is open to current 6th grade students who are applying for 7th grade admission. Students must live in New York City and meet required qualifying scores on NYC standardized tests such as ELA and Math OR approved alternatives. This year, the minimum qualifying score for ELA is 486 and 500 for Math. The qualifying scores change every year but generally fall in the 90th percentile. Only students who meet these eligibility requirements may register for and take the exam.
What’s Changing on the Hunter Exam in January 2026?
The most noteworthy update for 2026 is the overhaul of the Hunter exam format. In January, students will take a pilot test which now combines:
- Hunter-developed English components - Reading Comprehension and a Writing Assignment
- Mathematics sections drawn from the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) - Middle Level suite of math content
This hybrid structure marks a big shift from previous years where math content was fully internally developed by Hunter. Now, students will encounter two distinct math sections that mirror ISEE styles:
- Quantitative Reasoning - tests logic, patterns, and comparisons
- Mathematics Achievement - tests computation, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation
This is great news because there are lots of amazing materials and ISEE Middle Level mock tests available for students to use as practice.
What does the New Hunter Exam Format look like?
The January 2026 Hunter exam will include two booklets, ELA and Math. Students will start with ELA and have a total of 110 minutes to finish it. They will then continue with the Math booklet for 75 minutes. The below table shows recommended time per section but students may work flexibly within each booklet.
| Section | Content | Type of Questions | Timing (Suggested) |
| Reading Comprehension | Complex passages with analytical questions that measure the ability to understand, interpret, and analyze a variety of writings. | 50 multiple choice | 70 min |
| Writing Assignment | Essay or creative response to demonstrate the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively. | One or multiple prompts | 40 min |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Word problems, logic & comparisons to measure the ability to reason mathematically. | 37 multiple choice | 35 min |
| Mathematics Achievement | Curriculum-based math skills that involve multi-step problem solving, geometry, algebraic thinking, interpreting graphs, data & charts, and number operations. | 47 multiple choice | 40 min |
Photo by Greg Rosenke
How does this Change Affect Preparation?
What’s Staying the Same
Reading comprehension and writing still matter. These parts remain Hunter-developed and are weighted heavily in assessing critical thinking and expressive abilities. Hunter does not share individual section scores and so you won’t get a numeric breakdown to guide future prep. Essays are read ”blind” without identifying student information and play a role in the final selection process.
What’s Different and Why It Matters
The switch to ISEE math sections means that students face quantitative reasoning questions more focused on logic than rote computation. The traditional “puzzle-style” math questions that characterized previous exam versions are being replaced with questions aligned to national standards. It's very important that practice materials and tests reflect this new style in order to be truly effective.
How to Prepare for the Hunter Exam under the New Format
Making the most of your study time requires strategic focus. Here’s how to prepare effectively for the new Hunter exam:
Best Reading and Writing Skills to Focus on for Hunter
Reading & Comprehension
- Practice reading complex nonfiction and literary passages.
- Focus on identifying main ideas, making inferences, and citing evidence.
- Annotation skills are invaluable so practice how to mark key points.
Writing
- Write timed essays responding to prompts.
- Practice brainstorming quickly, outlining before writing, and developing a clear thesis.
- Seek feedback on clarity, organization, and use of evidence.
How to Prepare for ISEE-Style Math Questions
- Work with ISEE Middle Level sample questions or curriculum aligned materials.
- Drill quantitative comparisons and word problems.
- Build comfort with data interpretation and geometry basics.
Ready to Prepare?
Our test prep tutors are experts in building a personalized program for each student by finding the right strategies to help your child move from question to question with ease, and identify concepts relating to specific topics on the exam. Whether you’re starting Hunter exam prep now or refining your strategy, we will help you stay focused on the skills that count most.
Want help creating a personalized study plan? Schedule a free consultation today and let’s tackle the Hunter exam together!
