Dec 8, 2012 · You need to work on at least 2 dozen practice essays hand-graded by Kweller Prep tutors prior to taking the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam Overall Comments: Format – The essay should be 4-5 paragraphs long; should include: An introduction, 2/3 paragraphs, and a conclusion. ... Aug 1, 2024 · When sixth grade students take the entrance exam for Hunter College High School, they face an array of reading comprehension questions and math puzzles of all sorts. The half-hour essay comes into play when students have met the cutoff score for the multiple choice questions, a number that changes every year. ... Aug 1, 2024 · However, the essay section on the Hunter entrance exam doesn’t shimply ask students to write a generic five paragraph essay in response to a prompt: this writing section is a chance for students to show their descriptive abilities, skills with figurative language, and storytelling capabilities. ... Aug 29, 2024 · The Hunter College High School Admissions Test is an entrance examination for sixth-grade students aiming to join Hunter College High School in New York City. The test evaluates students’ abilities in English Language Arts, writing, and mathematics to determine their readiness for the school’s rigorous academic environment. ... Our Hunter College High School prep course is designed to provide targeted support in all areas tested on the exam: math, reading comprehension, and essay writing. Through structured lessons, timed practice exams, and expert feedback, students build the skills needed to tackle each section confidently. ... Oct 14, 2022 · The most impressive essays from those read will be selected and those students will receive admission to Hunter College High School. Hunter College High School Exam Cut-off Scores 2022. Because Hunter College High School does not disclose scoring details, there is no official information about average test scores nor estimated cut-offs for ... ... Aug 14, 2020 · Many students shudder at the thought of having to write a school admissions essay. Whether it is a college admissions essay, or an essay for Hunter High School, ISEE, ISEE Prime or the SSAT the struggle is the same. There is, after all, a tremendous amount riding on your words. ... Applying to Hunter College | CUNY Hunter and trying to find all the correct essay prompts for 2024-25? Find them here, along with free guidance on how to write the essays. ... Oct 3, 2014 · The Hunter College High School Entrance exam is on Friday, January 9, 2015. ... For some prompts, this method of essay organization works fine, but for others, it is ... ... ">

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Sample exam #1.

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Sample Exam #2

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The Test: Scoring and Student Selection

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Essay Section of the Hunter College High School Admissions Test

On the three hour entrance exam for Hunter College High School, students must show their mastery of English Language Arts, mathematics, and essay writing. However, the essay section doesn’t simply ask students to write a generic five paragraph essay in response to a prompt: this writing section is a chance for students to show their descriptive abilities, skills with figurative language, and storytelling capabilities.

Hunter College High School Admissions Test | Why Does The Essay Matter?

The Hunter entrance exam gets graded in two stages. First, the scores from the multiple choice questions are calculated, and the top five hundred students based on these values move on to the next round. During the second stage, teachers at Hunter read through the essays and determine the top two hundred students, who receive letters of admission to Hunter for the fall of that year. Since the essay is the only criterion for moving on during the second round, students must make sure that their essays are unique, engaging, and show off strong writing abilities.

Hunter College High School Admissions Test | What Do Graders Expect on the Essay?

Most of the essay questions ask students to tell a story, write about a particular event, and use sensory details as they respond to a prompt involving New York City. Since all test-takers must live in one of the five boroughs of NYC, each student will have plenty of details to use as they respond to the prompt. The key is writing something that engages the graders, and a great way to do this is to write about familiar places and strong memories that can be described using plenty of detail.

Hunter College High School Admissions Test | Tips for Essay Mastery

Since there is no time limit for each section on the entrance exam, only a three hour limit overall, it’s essential for students to keep track of their time during the essay. Aiming for a half-hour block of time is a good way to begin the essay, and that way students won’t look up at the clock and see that half their time gone. Starting with a quick brainstorming session about key memories, places, and important details will help test-takers get going, and then it’s smart to jot down a quick outline. No grader wants to be confused or feel unable to follow a student’s reasoning, so clear and logical transitions are important.

While there’s no required length for the response, a goal of approximately five paragraphs is a great base. There’s always room to return to the essay after finishing the multiple choice questions. Working to develop strong writing skills in school and practicing descriptive language on test day can help.

Are You Considering Test Prep for Hunter College High School Admissions Test?

Preparation for the Hunter High School Admissions test 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 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 of our 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 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 .

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What is the HCHS Entrance Exam?

The Hunter College High School Entrance Exam is an admissions test for Hunter College High School (HCHS), a highly selective public school in New York City. HCHS is known for its academically rigorous programs and is part of the Hunter College campus of the City University of New York (CUNY).

Students in the 6th grade typically take the entrance exam to seek admission to Hunter College High School for 7th grade.

Exam Requirements

Hunter College High School has released the minimum scores requirements for 6th graders to take the January 2025 Hunter HS Entrance Exam. The minimum qualifications are:

You can find the application form on the Hunter College High School’s Admissions Page once the application is released.

The Exam Breakdown

50 ELA Questions

This exam includes a rigorous English Language Arts (ELA) section comprising 50 multiple-choice questions. Students are tested on their reading comprehension skills and ability to analyze literature. The ELA segment assesses candidates’ language command, critical thinking, and ability to express ideas coherently.

30 Math Questions

This exam includes a comprehensive Mathematics section comprising 50 multiple-choice questions. This section assesses a range of mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving skills. Students face questions that demand critical thinking and a deep understanding of mathematical principles.

Writing Prompt

The writing assignment is a vital component of the exam, requiring students to express themselves coherently and thoughtfully on a given topic. This section aims to evaluate not only the students’ command of language but also their capacity for logical and persuasive argumentation. Aspiring students face the challenge of articulating their ideas in a clear and organized manner, showcasing their ability to engage with complex topics.

How does Khan’s HCHS Exam Program break down?

Weekly Classwork & Homework

Currently, select locations offer the In-Person Program with rolling admission. We’ve curated our curriculum for in-person use. Every class day, students receive a lesson, classwork, and homework.

4 Hours Classes

Our 4-hour classes are small and interactive, ensuring your student gets the individualized attention they need.

Monthly Diagnostic Exams

The HCHSEE Program includes  one signature diagnostic exam every month . Parents will also be able to speak to instructors in regard to the diagnostic exam and the student’s progress. We track your student’s progress with respect to mastering the material.

Our Program Benefits

Experienced Tutors

We carefully select each tutor for their academic qualifications and their ability to connect with students, tailor instruction to individual needs, and create a supportive learning environment. Our tutors guide students through complex math problems, enhance reading comprehension, and help develop clear, structured essays, ensuring students are fully prepared for the exam.

Proven Methods

With a focus on building both knowledge and confidence, our tutors use proven methods to help students reach their full potential. Whether through personalized feedback or targeted practice, we ensure that every student receives the attention and guidance they need to excel.

Talk to Us!

Your consultation is always free and we always provide a free trial week for you to try before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. how does your course help in preparation.

Our Hunter College High School prep course is designed to provide targeted support in all areas tested on the exam: math, reading comprehension, and essay writing. Through structured lessons, timed practice exams, and expert feedback, students build the skills needed to tackle each section confidently. We also teach test-taking strategies that help students manage time effectively, handle challenging questions, and stay focused under pressure. By simulating real test conditions, we help students feel prepared and at ease on exam day.

2. What Is the Format of the Hunter High School Entrance Exam?

The Hunter College High School entrance exam consists of three main sections:

  • Math – This section includes multiple-choice questions covering advanced arithmetic, algebra, and problem-solving skills appropriate for sixth-grade students.
  • Reading Comprehension – Students are given passages to read, followed by questions that test their understanding, analytical skills, and ability to make inferences.
  • Essay Writing – Students are asked to write an essay based on a given prompt. This section assesses writing ability, creativity, organization, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

The exam is timed, requiring students to manage their time effectively across these sections.

3. How Long Should I Study Each Day to Prepare for the Exam?

The ideal daily study time can vary depending on each student’s current skill level and schedule. However, we generally recommend that students dedicate 1 to 2 hours per day to focused preparation in the months leading up to the exam. This time can be divided between math practice, reading comprehension exercises, and essay writing. Consistency is key, so setting a regular study routine helps reinforce skills and build confidence. For those with less time, shorter but consistent study sessions can still be effective with quality materials and guided support, like our program offers.

4. Is There a Final Assessment at the End of the Course?

Yes, our Hunter prep course includes a final assessment designed to simulate the actual Hunter College High School entrance exam. This comprehensive test covers all sections—math, reading comprehension, and essay writing—under timed conditions, allowing students to practice managing their time and applying what they’ve learned. This assessment helps students feel confident and ready for the real exam.

5. How Does Our HCHS Exam Course Compare to Other Prep Courses?

Our course is designed with a personalized and comprehensive approach that sets us apart from other prep courses. At Khan’s Tutorial, we focus on small class sizes to ensure individual attention, allowing instructors to tailor support to each student’s needs. Our curriculum is aligned closely with the specific requirements of the Hunter College High School entrance exam, featuring targeted lessons in math, reading comprehension, and essay writing.

Additionally, we provide proprietary materials that mirror the exam format, along with regular practice tests and feedback. Our instructors are experienced and dedicated, offering strategies and tips that go beyond basic test prep to help students develop confidence and mastery.

6. Can Parents Track Their Child’s Progress in the Course?

Yes, we encourage parents to stay involved in their child’s progress throughout the course. At Khan’s Tutorial, we provide regular progress updates that detail each student’s strengths, areas for improvement, and performance on practice exams. Our instructors are also available for scheduled meetings with parents to discuss individual development and answer any questions. This transparency helps parents understand their child’s readiness for the exam and how they can support learning at home.

7. What If My Child Needs Extra Help in a Specific Subject?

If your child needs extra support in a specific subject, we provide personalized assistance to help them feel confident and prepared. Our instructors are available during class sessions to focus on challenging areas, whether it’s math, reading comprehension, or essay writing. This individualized approach helps ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed on the exam.

Related Programs:

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Hunter College High School Entrance Exam 101

Hunter College High School offers an exceptional academic opportunity to New York City students. The admission process for eligible students includes an entrance exam. In this article, we'll tell everything you need to know about the exam and how best to prepare for it.

Teresa F.

Cover photo by Ajay Suresh

Hunter College High School offers an exceptional academic opportunity to New York City students. The tuition free school is partnered with City University of New York and run by Hunter College and provides a learning environment dedicated to academically advanced 7th-12th students.

Admission into Hunter College High School is only open to rising 7th graders. Students are not admitted in any other year. The admission process for eligible students includes an entrance exam. Students who perform well enough on this exam will be invited to attend their 7th-12th grade years at the prestigious school.

The Entrance Exam for Hunter College is only held once a year. The next one will be administered on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. There are no alternate dates or make-up exams.

What are the requirements for the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam?

To qualify to take the exam, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Candidates must be currently enrolled in 6th grade.
  • Candidates must have their primary residence in one of the five boroughs of New York City at the time of application submission. (Property ownership does not constitute residency.)
  • Candidates must have earned the minimum qualifying score from one of the approved standardized exams.

Exams and Scores:

Most students will provide the scores from the statewide 5th grade exams (NYS). To qualify, students must meet the minimum score in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.

The minimum qualifying scores needed to apply to Hunter and sit for the HCHS January 2025 Entrance Exam are:

  • SP 24, ELA English Language Arts =  474
  • SP 24, STM State Math = 496

Visit the school’s website to learn what other exams can be provided in the event your student did not take the NYS exams.

Important note: There is often a misconception that students must be invited to apply. This is not true: rather, parents or guardians must check that their child’s test scores meet the criteria, or, in the absence of scores, follow the steps listed by the school for permission to take an approved standardized test.

All eligibility requirements can be found on the school’s website .

hunter college high school essay prompts

Hunter College High School Entrance Exam Registration Process

Families of students who attend a Department of Education (DOE) public school will be notified to apply for the Entrance exam if they are eligible. Families of students who attend parochial, private, or charter schools and believe they meet the eligibility requirements can initiate a verification process to apply for the entrance exam.

Families of eligible students must also complete the online application. When the application process is opened, this can be found on the Hunter College High School website .

Hunter College High School Exam Fee

There are no fees to apply or register for the test.

Hunter College High School Exam Structure

The Hunter College High School entrance exam has 3 sections: a multiple choice Critical Reading section, a written essay, and a multiple choice Math section.

Students have three hours to complete all three sections of the test.

Critical Reading

Students will be asked to read 5-6 passages from different styles and time periods. After each passage, students will answer questions assessing their ability to understand, interpret, and analyze the passage. This section of the test usually contains 50 multiple questions and each question usually has 5 possible answer choices (A, B, C, D, or E).

Students will be asked to compose a personal essay or a piece of creative writing in response to a prompt. Some years students are only given one prompt and other years students may be asked to choose from a selection of prompts. Students are provided space to jot notes and/or outline their response as well as 2 pages of space for their composition. Students will want to write a response that demonstrates original, effective, and creative writing.

Students will be asked multiple choice questions to assess their mathematical problem-solving abilities. Most questions require multi-step solutions using a variety of concepts and skills, such as estimation, operations (with fractions, decimals, and integers), rate, ratio, averages, probability, time, geometry, and pattern recognition. This section of the test usually contains 30 multiple questions and each question usually has 5 possible answer choices (A, B, C, D, or E).

hunter college high school essay prompts

How Long is the Hunter College High School Test?

Students have 3 hours to complete the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam.

How Difficult is the Hunter College High School Entrance Test?

The Hunter College High School Entrance Exam is very challenging. Out of the few thousands of students who will take the test each year, less than 200 are accepted each year.

Hunter College High School Entrance Exam Scoring

To be admitted to the school, students must first score high enough on the multiple choice sections of the test. After the tests are computer-scored and hand-checked for accuracy, a cut-off score is determined. The cut-off score depends on how many students took the test that year and only allows a certain number of students to advance to the final step of the test scoring–the essay.

The essay is the final portion of the test to be evaluated. Essays are read “blind,” (student identities will never be known by the essay readers because names are replaced with ID numbers). The most impressive essays from those read will be selected and those students will receive admission to Hunter College High School.

Hunter College High School Exam Cut-off Scores 2022

Because Hunter College High School does not disclose scoring details, there is no official information about average test scores nor estimated cut-offs for admissions. Students and families will receive no report detailing performance on the entrance exam.

Hunter College High School Test Preparation Tips

  • Take a practice test. Although Hunter College High School does not publish or share any actual tests with the public, they do provide sample tests on their website . Ivy Tutors Network is happy to administer a diagnostic test, which is the best way for students to asess their strengths and weaknesses in order to creste a plan for furhter study. You can sign up for a diagnostic exam here .
  • Find materials . HCHS provides a small number of study aids on their website . We reccomend students work through those first. There are also test prep workbooks available from non-Hunter sources. HCHS had no partnership with any test prep company, but these can be a great option for students looking to further prepare for the test on their own.
  • Keep up in school . This is VERY important. As mentioned earlier in the article, HCHS has minimum academic requirements for students to even take the exam, so keeping up in school and performing well is essential for all students seeking to gain admission. It wil also indirectly help with the exam, which tests students on material they should already know for their grade level.
  • Work with a pro! Finally, Hunter College High School test prep workshops and private tutoring are great options for a structured and supportive studying program. Check out the great opportunities we have at Ivy Tutors Network for Hunter College High School entrance exam preparation !

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Crafting a Captivating Admissions, ISEE, SSAT or Hunter High School Essay

Updated: Sep 13, 2020

Many students shudder at the thought of having to write a school admissions essay. Whether it is a college admissions essay, or an essay for Hunter High School, ISEE, ISEE Prime or the SSAT the struggle is the same. There is, after all, a tremendous amount riding on your words. This essay could be the difference between getting into that school you’ve always dreamed of and receiving a letter that begins with “We regret to inform you…”

So, the anxiety level is high as you sit at your desk, staring at a blank Word document, wondering where to begin. You type a sentence, then delete it. You have a vague idea of what you want to say but struggle to find the words to communicate it. And all the while, the deadline draws nearer and nearer.

It’s torture.

But it doesn’t have to be. You can write a captivating essay that will grab the attention of school admissions committees and genuinely move them. And that’s a really important goal since the majority of your Hunter High School Elementary, ISEE ( Independent School Entrance Exam ) or SSAT ( Secondary School Admissions Test ) results is impersonal and clinical. For the most part, schools see your name and a number. Your admissions essay is the one place where your personality and voice can shine through.

So, whether you’re trying to figure out how to put together an effective college admissions essay or you’re working on the essay portion of your application to get into New York City’s Hunter High School or writing an admissions essay for the ISEE or SSAT, learning how to craft a powerful essay is essential.

That’s where we can help.

We’ve put together a complete guide to penning the perfect admissions essay. We’ll walk you step-by-step through the process and even leave you with a handful of parting tips to keep in mind if you really want to wow your future school’s admission committee.

So, let’s get right to it…

What’s the point of any admissions essay ? College?Hunter High School? or ISSE and SSAT?

Before you ever put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard), it’s always a good idea to reflect on why you’re writing to begin with. Understanding the reason behind a thing can go a long way toward helping you do that thing well.

So, what’s the point of a high school ISEE or SSAT or even a college admissions essay?

First, it’s important to realize that your admissions essay will not be the only (or even primary) factor in your application. This doesn’t mean that it won’t matter at all. It will. But it probably won’t matter as much as you’re fearing unless it is for Hunter High School. Then it is a make it or break it deal.

So, take a deep breath and relax. Anxiety over essay writing can keep you from writing the best essay possible. Instead, you should understand that your essay is only one important part of a much larger picture that your prospective high school or college will be seeing in most cases.

Once you’ve gotten some perspective, you should consider what a powerful tool your essay can be if you take the time to work through it piece by piece…

· An amazing essay can be the little bit that pushes your ISEE or SSAT results ahead of the competition.

· Your essay writing can help college admissions committees understand who you are at a deeper level than your GPA and a list of after school activities can.

· The essay portion of your ISEE, SSAT, or admissions application will be the one thing committee members remember – and talk about.

So, once you’ve recognized the limits and potential benefits of your admissions essay, it’s time to sit down and get to work.

Start with Your Prompt

When approaching an essay, it’s easy to put the cart before the horse. We read through the prompt once or twice and then we’re off to the races.

But that’s a recipe for disaster.

The best essays are tightly focused. They don’t get distracted by unnecessary details or other rabbit trails. Instead, they’re centered around the prompt and never leave it. But that won’t happen unless you take the time to fully think through your prompt.

Keep in mind that most Hunter High School , SSAT and ISEE essay prompts ask you to weigh on an important issue, consider a timeless truth, or reflect on a significant moment in your life. So, the first step in your journey toward essay success is figuring out which of these things your prompt is actually asking.

Take the time to read (and reread) your prompt. Then, before you start brainstorming, outlining, or writing, write down the goal of your essay in your own words. Let this purpose statement be your guide as you write. And after every paragraph, go back and ask, “Is this paragraph pushing me closer to this goal?”

Let Your Creativity Run Wild… Then Reign it In

When you’re sitting down to write your essay, spend just as much time preparing to write as you do writing, by brainstorming and outlining.

First, you’ll want to let your imagination and creativity run wild. If you’re a visual thinker, create a mind map. Make a list of ideas and words related to the prompt. Try to remember experiences from your life that relate to the topic you’ll be writing on. Get every possible thought you may have in your mind on a piece of paper. Don’t hold anything back.

Once you’ve gotten it all out, go through and begin to refine it. Search for the most compelling ideas. Look for thought threads that seem to come up again and again. Analyze how all of these separate pieces may be able to come together into a larger whole.

After you’ve focused and refined your idea, you’ll want to create an outline. An outline will ensure your essay stays on topic from beginning to end. So, write your main idea at the top of your page in large letters so you don’t leave it. It should be the guiding principle of your essay. Then, break down the rest of your paper into smaller chunks, adding any details from your brainstorming session into the appropriate sections.

Although some people prefer the freedom of writing without an outline, using one will help you hit your target more effectively – especially if you struggle with structuring and writing essays.

When you have your outline finished, it’s time to start writing.

This is the easiest step if you’ve prepared well. After all, you now know exactly what the point of your essay is. You understand its overall structure. You’ve even collected some great details to include.

Now, it’s just a matter of fleshing everything out.

Most writers will tell you that the best way to approach writing an essay (or anything else for that matter) is simply to sit down and write. Don’t overthink things. Don’t try to edit as you go. Instead, just follow your outline and get the first draft of your essay on paper.

There will be moments when you aren’t sure about the best way to word something. That’s okay. Don’t exhaust yourself with trying to find the perfect wording. That’s best left for the editing stage. Right now, you simply want a draft that you can start working with.

As you go, there are a handful of key things to remember that will make your writing more vibrant, engaging, and memorable…

Stay focused. Remember the main idea you wrote down at the top of your outline? Go back and look at that occasionally as you write. Let it keep you on track. And do the same thing with the purpose statement you wrote when you analyzed the prompt. If you feel your writing start to drift into distraction, pull it back.

Use strong, clear language. Your writing will be more enjoyable to read and more engaging if you’ll stick with vivid words and simple, direct sentence structure. This is one of the reasons your teachers will tell you to avoid passive voice (“The ball was hit by me”) and to use active voice (“I smacked the ball”).

Avoid verbal decorations. When writing an essay that has a word count, there’s always a subtle temptation to turn what could be a five-word sentence into a thirty-five-word one. Don’t fall for it! Be clear and concise. Refrain from using your words as unnecessary, decorative pieces on your sentences.

Let your personality shine through. Remember, your admissions essay is one of the few ways that your prospective school will get to know you. So, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in the stories you tell, the language you use, and even with any humor you might throw in. And whatever you do, don’t – under any circumstances – plagiarize any part of your essay or ask someone else to write it. This essay is your chance to set yourself apart from the competition. So, do it proudly!

Edit, Edit, Edit.

Once you’ve finished the first draft of your essay, take a well-deserved break. Get a snack or go for a walk. Let your mind decompress and bask for a few minutes in the progress you’ve made. Then, go back to your essay and print it out if you typed it on a computer.

With your essay in one hand and a pen in the other, slowly read the whole thing out loud. By reading it aloud, you’ll be much more likely to catch awkward sentence constructions and other grammatical mistakes. In addition to these issues, look for misspelled words, slang, acronyms, and other things that shouldn’t be there. As you go back and edit, you may even notice whole sentences or paragraphs that need to be removed. Or, on the other hand, you may realize some great idea that you left out and you want to add back in.

Take your time editing. This is where you will transform your essay from mediocre to amazing.

Once you’ve finished and feel good about it, give it to a trusted friend, family member, or teacher who’s willing to give you honest feedback. Let them read it and make any suggestions. Having an additional set of eyes on your writing can help you sharpen unclear passages and ensure your essay is in top form.

A Handful of Parting Tips for any ISEE, SSAT or admissions essay

By the time you finish editing, your essay will be ready to submit. And we’re confident that if you’ve taken each of the above steps in stride, you’ll have a piece of writing you can be proud of – and that will capture the attention of that New York City Hunter High School committee or college admissions board.

But if you want to go above and beyond, you may want to consider a couple more parting tips. These are the things that will send your Hunter High School, ISEE or SSAT essay sailing past the competition…

Honesty is the best policy. As you reflect on your life, including the challenges, defeats, and victories, be willing to be genuine. Admit when you’ve made mistakes. Don’t sugarcoat your missteps. Authenticity speaks far louder than a fake, smoothed over past that everyone can see through anyway.

Use humor carefully . Humor is a powerful weapon when wielded well. But when it falls flat, it can be disastrous. So, only use humor if it fits the tone of your essay and if you’re absolutely certain that the middle-aged committee members reading it will find it as funny as you do.

Don’t procrastinate . It’s easy to put your essay off until tomorrow… that is, until it’s due today. So, don’t procrastinate when penning your essay. Give yourself plenty of time to do each of the above steps and to do them well. Writing under pressure may produce, but it seldom produces your best.

Show, don’t tell . This is some of the most classic pieces of writing advice you’ll ever get. Rather than telling the committee how trustworthy you are, show them with a brief story. Actions speak louder than words, as they say.

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hunter college high school essay prompts

Hunter College | CUNY Hunter

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Hunter College | CUNY Hunter’s 2024-25 Essay Prompts

Honors college short response 1.

Describe an experience/time that impacted your life. It could be when you learned something new, faced a situation that challenged you, or anything academic, personal, or professional related that has made an impact on you.

Honors College Short Response 2

Why do you want to go to college and what are some of your areas of academic interest or career goals? How does your specific Macaulay campus choice fit with those plans? What do you expect to contribute and gain from the campus-based and Macaulay communities?

Scholarship Short Response

What have you learned about the specific scholar cohort of your choice that makes you interested in applying?

Daedalus – How were you first introduced to Computer Science? How have you continued to develop your computer science skills? How have you sought out additional exposure to computer science? Describe an experience which helped you develop your interest in computer science. A wide range of perspectives ideas, and cultures make for a productive learning environment, tell us about your background and experiences and how they make you unique and influence you.

Muse – Tell us about a time you encountered a work of art in any artistic discipline (fine art, music, dance, theater) that resonated with you and how that informed your creative/artistic practice or intellectual pursuits related to the arts?

Scholarship Essay

Nursing – Nurses make up the largest profession within healthcare providing round-the-clock care to all patients in many different settings. What are the elements of caring needed by a nurse today? How have you shown this in your life thus far? One of nursing‘s most important responsibilities is to advocate for the individual, as well as, the global community. How do you think a nurse would achieve this? Have you ever advocated for an individual or group? The Nursing Scholar Program at Hunter College is a rigorous, fast paced curriculum which requires students to take and excel in advanced courses such as Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology. In 1-2 paragraphs, please explain why you think you are prepared to take on such a rigorous curriculum and why you think you will excel in such an environment?

Public Issues Short Response

Roosevelt – Describe an issue of public concern that you feel strongly about. What have you learned about it so far, and what are some things you still want to know? (For example: immigration, criminal justice, social mobility, housing, sustainable cities, affordable education, international human rights, public health, job security, access to voting).

Career Aspirations Short Response

Yalow – Are you considering a career in any or all of the following: Scientific Research (ex. chemistry, biology, physics, math, psychology, bioMedical), Medical School (ex. physician, dentist, veterinarian) or Allied Health fields (ex. physical therapy, optometry, genetic counseling, pharmacy etc. – excluding nursing)? Briefly describe and share any related experiences that speak to or affirm the interest(s).

Select-A-Prompt Essay

An essay of 500 words or less is required along with your CUNY Admission Application to Hunter College. Review the essay topics below.

Tell us something meaningful about yourself that is not reflected in your application. You may choose to speak about your interests, aspirations and/or background.

It is often said that the road to success is paved with setbacks. Tell us about a time you faced a challenge or obstacle. What did you learn from it, and how did it contribute to your success?

Share an essay on any topic. You may use an essay that you have previously written or one that discusses a topic of your choice.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Kweller Prep Blog: Advanced Prep for Advanced Kids

Kweller Prep offers Advanced Test Preparation in Small Group Settings. It is a family-friendly center, recently expanded to support our families' needs with locations in Forest Hills, Queens, and midtown Manhattan. Try us out! 1 (800) 631-1757

Friday, October 3, 2014

Hunter homework and descriptive essay tips.

hunter college high school essay prompts

Using transitional w ords and phrases

Consequence:, contrast and comparison:, exemplif y i ng:, generali z ing:, illus t ratio n :, simil a rity:, restatement:, summari z ing:, 2 comments:.

hunter college high school essay prompts

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  1. Hunter College Essay .docx

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  2. Hunter College High School Essay

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  3. Persuasive Essay Prompts for High School Students

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  4. 61 Great High Writing Prompts

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  5. Hunter College High School Entrance Exam 101

    hunter college high school essay prompts

  6. Hunter College High School Entrance Exam

    hunter college high school essay prompts

COMMENTS

  1. HCHS - Admissions Entrance Exam

    A percentage of students who write the most impressive essays are selected for admission to HCHS. HCHS also maintains a pool of wait listed students. If admitted students decline admission or withdraw from HCHS, families may be contacted regarding entry into the high school. Please note that the wait list is not ranked.

  2. Hunter Entrance Exam Essay Tips - Blogger

    Dec 8, 2012 · You need to work on at least 2 dozen practice essays hand-graded by Kweller Prep tutors prior to taking the Hunter College High School Entrance Exam Overall Comments: Format – The essay should be 4-5 paragraphs long; should include: An introduction, 2/3 paragraphs, and a conclusion.

  3. Hunter High School Admissions Exam | How to Ace the Essay on ...

    Aug 1, 2024 · When sixth grade students take the entrance exam for Hunter College High School, they face an array of reading comprehension questions and math puzzles of all sorts. The half-hour essay comes into play when students have met the cutoff score for the multiple choice questions, a number that changes every year.

  4. Essay Section of the Hunter College High School Admissions ...

    Aug 1, 2024 · However, the essay section on the Hunter entrance exam doesn’t shimply ask students to write a generic five paragraph essay in response to a prompt: this writing section is a chance for students to show their descriptive abilities, skills with figurative language, and storytelling capabilities.

  5. Hunter High School Admissions Test Prep: A Comprehensive Guide

    Aug 29, 2024 · The Hunter College High School Admissions Test is an entrance examination for sixth-grade students aiming to join Hunter College High School in New York City. The test evaluates students’ abilities in English Language Arts, writing, and mathematics to determine their readiness for the school’s rigorous academic environment.

  6. Hunter College High School Entrance Exam Prep - Khan's Tutorial

    Our Hunter College High School prep course is designed to provide targeted support in all areas tested on the exam: math, reading comprehension, and essay writing. Through structured lessons, timed practice exams, and expert feedback, students build the skills needed to tackle each section confidently.

  7. Hunter College High School Entrance Exam 101 - Ivy Tutors Network

    Oct 14, 2022 · The most impressive essays from those read will be selected and those students will receive admission to Hunter College High School. Hunter College High School Exam Cut-off Scores 2022. Because Hunter College High School does not disclose scoring details, there is no official information about average test scores nor estimated cut-offs for ...

  8. Crafting a Captivating Admissions, ISEE, SSAT or Hunter High ...

    Aug 14, 2020 · Many students shudder at the thought of having to write a school admissions essay. Whether it is a college admissions essay, or an essay for Hunter High School, ISEE, ISEE Prime or the SSAT the struggle is the same. There is, after all, a tremendous amount riding on your words.

  9. Hunter College | CUNY Hunter’s 2024-25 Essay Prompts

    Applying to Hunter College | CUNY Hunter and trying to find all the correct essay prompts for 2024-25? Find them here, along with free guidance on how to write the essays.

  10. Hunter Homework and Descriptive Essay Tips - Blogger

    Oct 3, 2014 · The Hunter College High School Entrance exam is on Friday, January 9, 2015. ... For some prompts, this method of essay organization works fine, but for others, it is ...