Based on research conducted by The New School's Center for New York City affairs, we've learned the following about NYC Middle Schools and the SHSAT.
50% of all high performing students in New York City are located in only 45 middle schools. There are over 600 middle schools in New York City.
60% of the students who went to Specialized High Schools come from only 45 middle schools.
The bottom 124 middle schools in New York City have no high performing students whatsoever.