For over 35 years, Kent Prep has helped NYC students prepare for some of the city’s most competitive exams in a supportive and structured environment. Rather than simply doing more work, we focus on helping students understand what they’re learning and how to apply it with confidence.

7th Grade Entry  |  ~170 Seats offered per year  | Anticipated Test Date: January 22, 2027

What It Takes to Get In

Hunter College High School admits only about 170 students per year from across all five NYC boroughs — entirely through a single entrance exam. There are no interviews, portfolios, or teacher recommendations. Every seat is decided on test day.

Currently enrolled in 5th grade

7th grade is the only entry point. There is no lateral admission.

Top 6th grader in NYC residents may apply

To be eligible, a student must both attend school and reside in one of New York City’s five boroughs. Property ownership alone does not meet this requirement. (Click here for more detailed information.)

Qualifying score on 5th grade NYS exams

Minimums for 2026 entry: ELA 486+ and Math 500+. Students without NYS scores may qualify via 90th percentile on an approved standardized exam.

Pass the Hunter entrance exam in January

The exam is held once a year with no make-up date. Roughly the top 500 scorers advance to essay review; approximately 170 are offered admission.

The Entrance Exam

3 hours · Paper-based

Critical Reading (50 questions)
5–6 passages, comprehension & analysis

Mathematics (30 questions)
Problem solving & reasoning

Writing Assignment (1 prompt)
Essay-read only for top ~500 scorers

  • No penalty for wrong answers
  • Sections can be done in any order
  • No retakes or rescoring
  • Results released ~March

How Hunter Selects Its Class

Understanding the selection process changes how students should prepare. The essay is a real factor — but only if the multiple choice gets you there first.

All multiple choice is scored

Reading and Math scores are combined and all eligible students are ranked city-wide. The test has no penalty for wrong answers, so every question should be answered.

Top ~500 essays are read

Only the approximately 500 highest multiple-choice scorers have their essays reviewed by a panel of Hunter English faculty. Writing matters — but only once the MC threshold is cleared.

~170 students receive offers

From those 500 essays, roughly 170 offers are extended in March. A waitlist of 20–30 students is also maintained. There is no reconsideration or appeal process.

What this means for prep: Strong multiple-choice performance is the gate. Students who don’t clear that threshold never have their essays read — no matter how well written. Prep must prioritize Reading and Math speed and accuracy first, with dedicated essay practice once the MC foundation is solid.

2026 – 2027

Hunter Preparation Course

Mock Exam Event

Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mock Exam Fee: $115 (Waived for enrolled students)

A realistic, timed exam experience designed to establish a baseline, identify strengths and gaps, and familiarize students with the Hunter format.

Hunter Saturday + Friday Prep Course (Live Online & In-Person Classes)

October 3, 2026 – January 16, 2027
Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM + Fridays, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

A comprehensive, section-focused program designed to build mastery across all components of the exam:

  • Saturdays: Advanced Reading Comprehension & Math instruction
  • Fridays: Targeted Writing workshops to develop clarity, structure, and strong responses

Through ongoing assessments and structured progression, students steadily improve accuracy, efficiency, and confidence

Hunter Exam Prep Crash Course (Live Online & In-Person Classes)

4 Days, December 28, 2026 – December 31, 2026
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

An intensive, comprehensive final-phase program designed to sharpen skills, reinforce key concepts, and maximize performance in the weeks leading up to the exam.

Includes:

  • Full-length mock exam under timed conditions
  • In-depth review and analysis of each section
  • Targeted instruction on high-yield question types and strategies
  • Practice with Hunter-level and past exam questions
  • Expert guidance to improve accuracy, pacing, and confidence
Hunter High School Admission

Key Dates to Know

Spring 5th Grade

NYS 5th Grade ELA & Math Exams
These scores determine eligibility to sit for the Hunter entrance exam. Minimums for 2026 entry: ELA 486+, Math 500+. Scores are released to parents in fall.

Sep–Nov 6th Grade

Applications Open — Deadline December 5
Eligible students apply via Ravenna. NYS score reports must be uploaded. The application window is short — don’t wait on gathering documents.

January 6th Grade

Hunter Entrance Exam — One Date, No Make-Ups
Held at multiple NYC sites. Students receive an exam ticket mid-December with their assigned location. There is no snow date and no alternate sitting.

March 6th Grade

Offer Letters Released
Approximately 170 offers are emailed out. Students typically have about one week to accept. Hunter does not rescore exams or reconsider decisions.