Hunter Test Prep | What Are My Options?

Wondering whether to invest in test prep for the Hunter test? Read on to find out your options.

Hunter Test Prep | Key Facts

Hunter is one of the top public schools in the country, and children from all over New York City can be accepted if they pass the Hunter entrance exam. With an admittance rate of about 6%, Hunter is a highly selective school. The good news is that only the Hunter test scores are used to admit students: there’s no portfolio to submit, grades to enter, or any additional criteria. That’s why it’s key to ace the entrance exam. Below, you’ll find helpful suggestions for Hunter test prep.

Hunter Test Prep | Rock the State Exams

In order to take the Hunter entrance exam, 5th grade students must first score in the 90th percentile or above on their state exams. The cutoff scores are posted each year on the Hunter website over the summer, and applications to take the Hunter test are released in September each year. The actual entrance exam takes place in January of 6th grade, and students join Hunter in the fall for 7th grade. Interested 5th grade students must make sure their year-end test scores are in top shape if they want a chance to sit for the Hunter test. 

Hunter Test Prep | Understand the Format

The three hour entrance exam has several sections, including mathematics, grammar and reading comprehension, and an essay. All questions are multiple choice, with the exception of the essay. There is no guessing penalty, so students should put down an answer for each question. There is also no specific time limit within the exam; while the test must be completed within three hours, students must pace themselves through each section.

The exam is scored in two stages. First, the scores for the multiple choice sections are calculated, and the top five hundred students move on to the next round of grading. In the second round, teachers at Hunter read through the essays and grade the responses. The top two hundred students get admittance offers for the fall.

Hunter Test Prep | Practice the Essay

Because of the two-step scoring process, students have to be well-rounded and not just good at only one particular subject. After getting some practice math and grammar/reading comprehension questions done, students should make sure to write a few sample essays. Originality and strong writing skills can make the difference between being admitted or rejected, so it’s key to write an awesome essay during the exam.

Hunter Test Prep | Get Extra Help

children look for extra test prep before the Hunter exam. There are a few practice books available, but Hunter does not release old tests, former exam questions, or additional material beyond the one official practice test. There are plenty of weekend test prep schools or evening classes, particularly for students who want to brush up on their math facts or grammar skills before the exam. For students who do better in an individual setting, private one-on-one tutoring can help fill in any gaps before the entrance exam. Doing well on the Hunter test can mean six years of world-class education, so we recommend that students do at least some test prep for the test.

Hunter Test t Prep | Are You Considering Test Prep for Hunter?

Hunter test prep 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 Test, 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 one of our sample tests 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 test.

HUNTER COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL EXAM | TEST PREP BOOK

Origins Tutoring also offers the "Hunter College High School Preparation E-Guide"  The Preparation Guide is the only test prep book on the market devoted to helping students prepare for the HCHS admissions exam. It contains three practice tests and much more. You can learn about the Guide here.