Specialized high schools

There are nine specialized high schools in New York City that accept students from all boroughs. Eight require the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT)—a 2 and a half hour multiple-choice test. The ninth specialized high school, LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts in Manhattan, requires an audition or portfolio to apply (but not the SHSAT). In general, the admissions rate to these schools is less than 10 percent.