G&T Testing Starts Today — Here’s What You Need To Know

Rachel Silberstein -

Today thousands of incoming kindergarteners, first graders, second graders, and third graders will begin the process to compete for a coveted spot at one of New York City’s Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs.

Parents can submit Request for Testing (RFT) forms starting today, October 7, through Monday, November 9. Prepping a child for an hour-long, multiple choice test is stressful enough, so we’ve jotted down a few pointers to make the G&T admissions process a little bit easier.

What are G&T Programs?

Gifted & Talented programs are how the NYC Department of Education (DOE) supports the needs of exceptional students. G&T programs aim to deliver accelerated, rigorous, and specialized instruction aligned with Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS).

There are two types of G&T programs:

  • District G&T programs. These are located in district elementary schools; they begin in kindergarten and end in the school’s terminal grade.
  • Citywide G&T programs. These admit students from all boroughs without district-based priority.

To qualify for one of these programs, students must take a two-part test designed to evaluate things like abstract reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and verbal reasoning.

How to Apply

You can submit the RFT forms online, or in person. If you are unable to submit an application online, and live in Districts 17 and 22, visit the DOE’s enrollment office at 1780 Ocean Avenue, or call (718) 935-2313; in District 15, visit the enrollment office at 29 Fort Greene Place, or call (718) 935-2371.

Paper applications can also be submitted through your child’s current school. For other district enrollment offices, see the G&T Handbook.

Pro tip: Whether you submit the RFT form online or in person, be sure to get a receipt!

How to Prepare

Application guidelines and practice tests are available in the 2016 New York City Gifted & Talented Handbooks. Handbooks for students born in 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008 are available online and in translation in the following languages:

English and translated handbooks are also available at pre-kindergarten programs, elementary schools, and Family Welcome Centers.

Questions?

For more information, check out the G&T Score Report FAQs for details about programs and admissions. You can also join one of the DOE’s information sessions, which are listed here. Sign up for G&T email updates here.

Finally, if you’re still baffled, call the DOE’s Office of Assessment at (212) 374-6646, or email ServiceCenter@schools.nyc.gov.