Who can apply to Hunter College High School
Hunter College High School admits students in 7th grade, and families apply while their child is in 6th grade. Unlike the specialized high schools, Hunter first screens applicants on 5th-grade test scores, then invites eligible students to its entrance exam, which now draws on ISEE Middle Level material.
Who can apply
Your child must be in 6th grade at a NYC or neighboring school, or be homeschooled, and live full-time in one of the five boroughs.
The score cutoffs for fall 2027 entry
| 5th-grade test | Minimum to apply |
|---|---|
| NYS English Language Arts (spring 2026) | Scale score of 478 |
| NYS Mathematics (spring 2026) | Scale score of 497 |
| ERB CTP 5, Iowa, TerraNova 3 or Stanford 10 | 90th national percentile in both reading and math |
Students who come just short of a cutoff may still qualify through Hunter's Academic Insights Profile pathway.
The entrance exam
Since January 2026, Hunter's entrance exam mixes its own questions with licensed material from the ISEE Middle Level. Hunter gives the exam itself; it is not the ISEE that families sign up for through ERB.
| Part | What's on it | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| English | Reading Comprehension (50 multiple-choice) and a Writing Assignment | 70 + 40 minutes |
| Math | Quantitative Reasoning (37 multiple-choice) and Mathematics Achievement (47 multiple-choice), ISEE Middle Level content | 35 + 40 minutes |
Hunter calls this format a pilot, and says every part of next year's exam is subject to change. Families don't receive scores, and taking Hunter's exam doesn't limit a child from taking the ISEE later.
It's free
There is no fee to apply.
Dates
Hunter publishes the application window and the exam date on its admissions page; check there.
How we help
Many of the families we work with are weighing Hunter, the specialized high schools and private schools at once. Our ISEE prep covers the reading, math and essay skills Hunter's exam now tests.
Try your first class freeSources: Hunter College High School, Eligibility for Fall 2027 Entry; Hunter College High School, Entrance Exam 2026. ISEE is a trademark of ERB. Hunter College High School is not affiliated with Sanidas Tutoring.