3 Biggest Advantages of Taking NYC’s Hunter College High School Entrance Exam in 6th Grade – Even If Your Child Is Not Accepted:
Congratulations, Mom and Dad– your child ranks among the top 5% of the smartest students in their grade in New York City! While this achievement is certainly a point of pride, the journey can be daunting for both young applicants and their parents. The Hunter College High School (HCHS) Entrance Exam is one of the most challenging exams in the nation for rising 6th graders. In addition to that challenge, approximately only about 185 students are accepted each year! Regardless of the outcome, however, there are significant benefits to going through this process. It can elevate your child’s awareness and understanding of the importance of planning early for college.
1. Early Exposure to Rigorous Testing:
In sitting for the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam, your child gains experience with challenging exams, which can build confidence and improve test-taking skills for their next high-stakes exam, the NYC Specialized High School Admissions Test, offered in 8th grade. Many parents often express concerns about the significant disparity between the NYC elementary and middle school curriculum and the rigorous standards of specialized high schools like Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech, and Bronx Science. Though students may find their middle school curriculum and statewide testing easy, they end up struggling with admissions exams like the HCHS Entrance Exam, receiving little to no support from public schools. Consequently, parents must be resourceful, seeking out test-prep classes or hiring last-minute tutors, all while fearing they may be too late. However, “late” is better than “never.” Education is all about the experience: this process becomes an eye-opener for both students and parents, realizing the importance of early preparation for future admission processes. These parents and their children are far better prepared for the next round of nationwide competitive college entrance exams like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT.
2. A sense of pride and confidence from meeting a cohort who share the same intellectual prowess:
Every January, in the midst of the cold winter season, over 2,000 NYC 6th graders, bundled in thick jackets and scarves, gather and fill up the blocks along 98th Street and Lexington Avenue from as early as 6:30 AM to take the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam. This annual city-wide event is broadcast on the news, highlighting the dedication of NYC parents on test day. It is a privilege to experience this event as a participant; students feel proud to be recognized as and to be among the smartest kids in NYC. This builds intrinsic motivation to maintain high standards in education, encouraging children to go beyond school academics and understand why they must focus and continue to excel. Whether they get into Hunter College High School is irrelevant. Qualifying for the test and making the attempt to reach higher goals teaches children to have confidence in challenging themselves towards achieving success in the future.
3. Opportunity to enter Hunter at 9th grade (for wait-listed students)
If your child is waitlisted, don’t lose hope! Hunter College High School will maintain the list for two years, in the event of an opening for 9th grade entry. Some Hunter students do transfer to other high schools that better serve their needs, and Hunter extends a number of 9th grade invitations to waitlisted students to fill these vacancies. Hunter does not offer an admissions exam for 9th grade; however, the waitlist serves as a safety net, leaving an avenue open to one of the most academically rigorous high schools in NYC without further admissions process.
Of course, test scores do not define a child’s academic success; they are merely indicators, representing one component of a holistic approach. However, with the right guidance and early planning, every child can reach their full potential with less anxiety and stress.
