Only 8 Black Students Got Into Stuyvesant. Here’s the Real Reason Why
And what we’re doing to make sure that number never stays this low again.
Once again, the headlines are buzzing: only 8 Black students were offered admission to Stuyvesant High School — out of nearly 800 seats.
In a city where Black students make up almost 25% of the public school population yet only 3% place into Specialized High Schools, this number isn’t just disappointing. It’s alarming. But to those of us doing the work, it’s not surprising.
The problem isn’t that Black students aren’t smart enough. The problem is they’re not being prepared — and that’s a choice we can change.
What’s Really Happening
The low number of Black and Brown students admitted to Specialized High Schools isn’t the result of one broken link. It’s an entire chain of systemic issues:
Pipeline Breakdown
Under the Bloomberg administration, many Gifted & Talented programs were dismantled without alternatives to challenge advanced learners. Without accelerated coursework, too many of our brightest students are excluded from competing on the SHSAT.Academic Gaps
Although NYC public schools are nearly 70% Black and Latino, less than 3% score at the highest proficiency level in both math and ELA. Out of 57,000 students, only about 1,710 are academically positioned to compete for a Specialized High School seat.Lack of Early Awareness
Too many families don’t learn about the SHSAT until 8th grade — far too late. Preparation must start in 5th or 6th grade to be effective.Unequal Access to Prep
Top-tier SHSAT programs can cost $3,000–$7,000. That’s simply out of reach for many working-class families, even those who deeply value education.Private School “Scooping”
Programs like Prep for Prep and A Better Chance recruit top-performing Black and Brown students into private schools — an amazing opportunity, but it leaves fewer strong candidates competing for SHSAT seats.Information Withheld
Some charter and K–12 schools actively discourage students from taking the SHSAT to retain their highest achievers. Meanwhile, many guidance counselors lack knowledge or hold biases that prevent them from recommending Specialized High Schools to Black and Latino families.Test Prep Timing and Commitment
Even among students who take the exam, many start preparing too late, don’t receive enough prep, or underestimate the difficulty of the test.
What AdmissionSquad Is Doing
At AdmissionSquad, we refuse to accept these numbers as normal. We exist to rewrite this story.
Our mission is simple: identify talented Black and Brown students early, prepare them thoroughly, and walk with them every step of the way.
Here’s how:
Affordable, high-impact SHSAT prep that rivals the city’s most expensive programs.
Culturally responsive teaching that makes academic excellence feel relevant and achievable.
Mentorship from alumni of Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, and other top schools.
Data-driven progress tracking so families can measure growth every step of the way.
Community building where students encourage each other to strive for excellence.
And it’s working. Our students — many from historically overlooked zip codes — have earned seats at NYC’s top Specialized High Schools. We’ve proven that with the right preparation, our students can and do compete at the highest levels.
Where We Go From Here
If we want different outcomes, we need different investments. This is a team effort:
Families: Don’t wait until 8th grade. Get informed early. Start in 6th grade. Sign up for our SHSAT info session.
Guidance Counselors & Teachers: Encourage every eligible student. Share SHSAT resources and connect your brightest scholars with us.
Parents: Prioritize SHSAT prep in 6th and 7th grade, not just state tests. A month of cramming is not enough.
Students: Push yourself to be a grade level ahead. Choose your peer groups wisely. Give up a little free time now to secure your future.
Community Leaders & Donors: Sponsor scholarships, expand awareness, and amplify this movement. One scholarship can change a life.
City Leadership: Expand G&T programs, increase the number of Specialized High Schools, and ensure that ALL students take the SHSAT with free, accessible prep.
The Bottom Line
Black students are not underperforming because they’re incapable. They are underrepresented because the system isn’t designed to support their success.
We refuse to accept “8” as the best we can do.
We are building the pipeline, preparing the students, and holding everyone accountable.
Together, we can change this story.
👉 [Join the Movement | Apply for Prep Today | Partner With Us]
