For over 37 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  |   Test Date: January 27, 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 6th grade in NYC

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

See HCHS Website Directly

Minimums for 2027 entry: ELA 478+ and Math 497+. 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

2026 – 2027 Hunter Entrance Exam is updated!


English booklet – 1 hour 50 min.

  • Critical Reading Passages (50Q)
  • 5-6 long reading comprehesions
  • With 40 minute Writing assignment

Math booklet – 1 hour 15 min.

  • 2 Math sections of ISEE (Indepedent School Entrance Exam)
  • Quantative Reasoning (37Q)
  • Math Achievement (47Q)

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

Hunter Saturday Course (In-Person)

October 10, 2026 – January 23, 2027
Saturdays, 10:00 AM  – 2:00 PM (in person)

  • Reading, ISEE-format Math, and Writing
  • Taught live by Kent Test Specialists

Hunter Winter Crash Course (In-Person)

5 Days, December 28, 2026 – January 2, 2027
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Hunter High School Admission

How to begin

1. Complete the interest form below.
2. Sit a 6th Grade diagnostic exam, at no charge. Proctored in person at our Midtown office or remotely.
3. Meet for a consultation. We review the results with you, and build a tutoring schedule around their calendar.