Hunter College High School Admissions and Homeschooled Kids

In order for children to join the Hunter College High School community, they must achieve top scores on the Hunter entrance exam. However, not just any student gets to sit for this test. Only students who reach high scores on the New York State exams at the end of 5th grade can take the admissions test.

You might think that this rule blocks homeschooled students from taking the entrance exam, but that’s not true at all! Here’s a first-hand account of a homeschooled student who attended Hunter and then Amherst College, and below you’ll find all the info that homeschooled students need.

Hunter College High School Admissions and Home Schooled Kids | What Gather State Test Equivalent Scores

Most students who sit for the Hunter test meet minimum cutoff scores for the math and ELA state tests at the end of 5th grade. For any homeschooled applicants who sat for these exams, the cutoff scores get posted on the HCHS website over the summer. These scores are based on the 90th percentile for the exams, so they change slightly every year.

If students took equivalent tests (including the Iowa test, California Achievement test, State Education Department test, Metropolitan Achievement test, or similar exam), they may still be eligible to take the Hunter entrance exam. As long as a homeschooled student has evidence of 90th percentile rank in an equivalent test, he or she can sit for the exam, but these test scores must be reported directly to the Admissions office at Hunter.

Hunter College High School Admissions and Home Schooled Kids | Submit the Application

Each year in September, the application opens up for the Hunter test. In addition to meeting cutoff scores or showing 90th percentile rank, students must complete this application and pay a $70 fee ($35 for lower-income families). For more information and a link to the application, look at the Hunter exam procedures on the Hunter website.

Hunter College High School Admissions and Home Schooled Kids | Prep for the Exam

Once the application is submitted, all homeschooled students need to do is get ready for the entrance exam!  Hunter provides two sample tests on its site, so going through these official questions is a great way to begin test prep. By using this exam as a baseline, homeschooled students can find areas of weakness and figure out which sections need the most practice before the exam.

It can be scary for homeschooled students to think about spending six years at a public high school, but Hunter provides a wonderful education for no cost. The benefits of attending Hunter are worth considering, so homeschooled students should take their entrance exam prep seriously!

Hunter College High School Admissions and Home Schooled Kids | Are You Considering Test Prep for Hunter?

Preparation for the Hunter College High School Admissions Exam does not have to be daunting and exasperating; instead, it can represent an important opportunity along a student’s path to learning mastery. Indeed, the perspectives and abilities acquired during preparation can be transformative and last a lifetime.

Our two-track approach to mastering content and improving test-taking skills means that students will not only thoroughly understand the fundamental concepts and skills tested by the Hunter College High School Admissions Exam, but they will also excel in using essential techniques to improve attitude, endurance and focus. Our students hone their independent thinking skills while developing a resilient mindset so they can perform on test day in a powerful, resourceful, creative and calm manner. Each student in our program receives the undivided attention and expertise of a dynamic and experienced coach who provides the framework to support each student on his unique path to becoming a master learner.

All students who work with Origins Tutoring undergo a diagnostic evaluation and are provided with full-length 'sample' Hunter practice tests. You can also access for free some sample questions here: 

Please call 917.287.7927 now for a complimentary consultation to discuss how we can help your child achieve his or her personal best on the Hunter High School Admissions Exam.

HUNTER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL EXAM | TEST PREP BOOK

Origins Tutoring also offers the "Hunter College High School Preparation Guide"  The Preparation Guide is to help NY students prepare for the HCHS admissions exam. It contains three practice tests and much more. You can learn about the Guide here.