Can You Pass This Kindergarten Admissions Test? See if You’re Smarter Than the 4-Year-Olds Applying to NYC’s Elite Schools

It might be more difficult than you think.

A new test that will be used by some of New York City's most elite private schools aims to assess the math and literacy skills of pre-schoolers — and some are already decrying it as "absurdly difficult" online.

Absurdly difficult test that is apparently used for kids trying to get into NYC private kindergartens. https://t.co/pR2V7eXnwq

— Tom Gara (@tomgara) July 7, 2014

The Admission Assessment for Beginner Learners, created by the Educational Record Bureau, will be administered for the first time in October on an iPad and cost just $65 (the previous test fee was $568).

But that hasn't quelled the concerns of some critics, who contend the few preparatory questions released by Bright Kids NYC prove the test is "insanely difficult."

This quiz to get into an elite kindergarten is insanely tough. Have no idea of first question. https://t.co/8q4WKuVekI pic.twitter.com/IKdvHMqndN

— Joseph Weisenthal (@TheStalwart) July 7, 2014

Here are a few sample questions (answers at bottom):

(Image source: Screen grab via DNAinfo)

(Image source: Screen grab via DNAinfo)

(Image source: Screen grab via DNAinfo)

(Image source: Screen grab via DNAinfo)

(Image source: Screen grab via DNAinfo)

Answers: Question 1.) Choice three. Question 2.) Choice one. Question 3.) Choice four. Question 4.) Choice two. Question 5.) Choice three.

"The AABL is supposed to identify a child's ability and achievement," Emily Glickman, president of Abacus Guide Educational Consulting, told DNAinfo. "That achievement part — how much you learned — is totally new. You usually think of an achievement test as something you take in high school. It's not something you think of for preschoolers."

"The AABL is really requiring more from preschoolers. That is in line with what we're seeing in public schools," Glickman added. "We all know that some of the brightest people are late bloomers, yet more and more schools are rewarding the early achievers."

Thus far, only Horace Mann and Riverdale Country School have announced that they will be adopting the new exam.

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