Hunter High School Admissions and Exam | Timelines and Steps in the Process

This article tells you what you need to know about timelines and steps in the admissions process for Hunter High School.

Hunter College High School is one of the top free schools in the country, but it has a demanding entrance exam that potential students must take. However, this exam isn’t open to everyone: 5th grade students first have to ace their year-end New York State exams before they’re allowed to sit for the Hunter test.

After getting top test scores, students fill out an application in September, then sit for the Hunter test in January of the following year. Read on for more details about this process!

Hunter High School Admissions and Exam | What Qualifies Students for the Hunter Test?

Every year, most 5th grade students in New York City take the language arts (ELA) and math exams administered by New York State. Once these scores come out in the summer, children can see their percentile rank and scores for both math and ELA exams. Each year, Hunter sets cutoff scores based on the 90th percentile of students in the state, and children who have exceeded this scores are eligible to take the Hunter test. These cutoff scores change every year: for 2015, the math cutoff was 357 and the ELA score was 346. For 2016 admission, these values will be changed slightly to meet the 90th percentile of 5th grade test-takers.

Hunter High School Admissions and Exam | What About Independent/Parochial School Students?

Not every 5th grade student takes these state exams, because some schools in New York City have different academic requirements. For students from these schools, they must achieve scores in the 90th percentile for whatever year-end exam administered by the school. This could be the Iowa test, California Achievement test, State Education Department test, Metropolitan Achievement test, or a similar assessment. Once a student reaches a score in the 90th percentile, both for reading comprehension and math, the child’s school can forward these scores directly to the Admissions office at Hunter.

Hunter High School Admissions and Exam | Is There An Application?

In September of each year, the application process opens up for the Hunter test. In addition to achieving a 90th percentile score or exceeding the cutoff scores on the state exams, students must also complete a short application with their education information, address within the five boroughs of New York City, and test scores. There is a $70 fee for this application, but a reduced fee of $35 is available to families who meet income level requirements. This application closes in November of each year, and students take the exam in the following January. For more information and a link to the application, look at the Hunter exam procedures on the Hunter website.

Hunter High School Admissions and Exam | Are You Considering Test Prep for Hunter Exam?

Preparation for the Hunter High School Admissions Exam does not have to be daunting and exasperating; instead, it can represent an important opportunity along a student’s path to learning mastery. Indeed, the perspectives and abilities acquired during preparation can be transformative and last a lifetime.

Our two-track approach to mastering content and improving test-taking skills means that students will not only thoroughly understand the fundamental concepts and skills tested by the Hunter High School Exam, but they will also excel in using essential techniques to improve attitude, endurance and focus. Our students hone their independent thinking skills while developing a resilient mindset so they can perform on test day in a powerful, resourceful, creative and calm manner. Each student in our program receives the undivided attention and expertise of a dynamic and experienced coach who provides the framework to support each student on his unique path to becoming a master learner.

All students who work with Origins Tutoring undergo a diagnostic evaluation and are provided with full-length 'sample' Hunter practice tests. You can also access for free one of our sample tests here:

Please call 917.287.7927 now for a complimentary consultation to discuss how we can help your child achieve his or her personal best on the Hunter High School Admissions Exam.