Everything You Need to Know When Applying to the Bronx High School of Science

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Why Bronx High School of Science?

Founded in 1938, Bronx High School of Science is one of the top-rated high schools in New York and has been ranked as the best STEM high school in America. The school specializes in Maths and Science but focuses on the all-around academic development of the students. The school attracts a diversity of intellectually gifted students every year. These students are supported thoroughly by a strong Alumni Group, a Parent’s Association, and a group of teachers who are skilled in their fields.

The school enjoys a reputation as one of the finest and best high schools in the country. Bronx High School of Science is also home to one of the finest College Preparatory programs. Here are some key facts that make Bronx High School of Science a popular choice among students.

 The school offers a choice of 20 AP Courses, 28 Post AP Courses, and 20 Advanced Courses.

  • Bronx Science is one of the few schools with a 100% Graduation Rate
  • The students get to choose from 43+ PSAL Sports Teams
  • There are 100+ Clubs to choose from
  • The Alumni include 8 Nobel Prize Winners and 10 Pulitzer Prize Winners
  • The school is open to science as well as non-science background students

 

Bronx High School of Science Academic Information

Students at Bronx High School need to follow a strict and challenging academic structure to make them ready for college and the corporate world. The students need to excel in subjects like English, Global History, U.S. History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, World Language, and Mathematics.

Apart from academics, the students are also involved in sports and other clubs of their choice. They are actively involved in running the school newspaper, weekly news show, speech and debate team, or the yearbook.

The ones interested keenly in engineering and technology can enroll for higher level courses and join the in-house Bronx Science’s IDEAS Institute.

 

Admission Process at Bronx High School of Science

In order to better your chances of making it to Bronx High School of Science, you must prepare well and score a relatively high SHSAT. The school has a high cut-off score, which is the only criterion for admission. The students must be in 8th or 9th grade and 10th and 11th graders are not allowed to apply. The approximate cut-off score for admission to Bronx High School of Science is approx 524.

 

Getting into Bronx High School of Science

The best strategy to get into Bronx High School of Science is by preparing well for your SHSAT. While it is essential to understand the core concepts, you must also be able to concentrate well and be confident. Time management is another important skill that you must practice. It is suggested to seek expert help, take regular practice tests and improve your performance. Understanding key strategies and smart studying tips will help you be more prepared and ace the SHSAT.

At Kitab, we take pride in sharing that 85% of our students have been accepted to Specialized High Schools like Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech. Feel free to reach out to us for thorough SHSAT tutoring.

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    How to Improve SHSAT ELA Section Score

    The SHSAT, or Specialized High School Admissions Test, is the main exam for students seeking admission to one of the eight specialized high schools in New York City. This intensely competitive exam administered by the New York City Department of Education is a two-hour long test divided into two sections viz. Maths and English Language Arts (ELA). 

    The Maths section consists of two parts, algebra and arithmetic and the ELA section comprises two parts, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension. In both these sections, students are required to demonstrate their abilities to gain entry into these highly sought-after schools. 

    Having said that, the ELA section of the exam is especially crucial, as it evaluates students’ ability to read and comprehend complex texts, draw appropriate conclusions, and understand grammar as well. This skill set is essential for pursuing higher education in these premiere schools. 

    Thereby, in order to boost the SHSAT ELA section score, students will need to develop a strategy in advance based on their current abilities and practice hard till they hone the requisite skills. So, read on for key tips to help you better your score in the SHSAT ELA section.

    1- Develop a study plan 

    The foremost aspect of preparing for the SHSAT ELA section is having a proper study plan in place. You may start by taking a practice test and identify what areas you need to primarily focus on. Then, create a study plan that includes a consistent review of the study material and a regular practice with special emphasis on the weaker sections. Doing this will help you become comfortable with both the content and format of the exam.

    2- Read complex texts regularly

    Students are required to read and comprehend a variety of complex texts in the SHSAT ELA section. Therefore, to ace the ELA section, it’s important to read and interpret as many challenging texts as possible. You may begin with anything you like from a range of genres such as mystery, fantasy, science fiction, drama, etc. But, make sure you explore both fiction and nonfiction genres to get a hang of diverse language styles and themes.

    3- Practice analyzing tricky passages

    The SHSAT ELA section requires students to read as well as analyze complex passages and answer questions about them. To get ready for this tricky section of the exam, practice reading complex passages in both fiction and non-fiction genres and analyzing them. Try to identify key themes, ideas, and arguments in the passage, and understand how they relate to one another. Doing so will make you comfortable and ensure you’re prepared to ace this section.

    4- Review test preparation materials

    Apart from reading and analyzing complex texts arbitrarily, it’s important to study the available test preparation materials specially designed for the SHSAT ELA section. These test prep materials entail helpful tips and strategies that can give you a better understanding of the types of questions you are likely to face on the actual test. Reviewing study material can also help you identify the areas that need more focus to improve your score.

    5- Take practice tests

    Last but not least, it’s important to take practice tests regularly to gear up for the SHSAT ELA section. Taking practice tests can help you become familiar with the format and structure of the exam and help you answer questions in the stipulated time. The more you practice, the better you will get!

    By following these easy tips and tricks, students can improve their SHSAT ELA section scores. Having said that, preparing for the SHSAT can be quite challenging considering the extensive syllabus for both sections. You can make Kitab your learning partner to better your chances of getting accepted into a specialized high school. Good luck!

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