To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

Two hours before test time, the students lined up in the cold and snow at Hunter College – even though they were guaranteed a spot to take the three-hour exam.

"We thought we wouldn't find the building, so we came early,” said one student.

"We had to get up at five o’ clock, so I wasn't too happy about that,” said another.

All of the students scored high on their fifth-grade English Language Arts exams, which qualified them for taking the entry test into the elite public school for students grades seven through 12.

Later in the day, other students lined up around the block at the high school itself, where the test was also being given.

"The interaction of teachers and students and the relationship with the college come together for these kids and make it a very special experience,” said Hunter College Campus Director Randy Collins.

Students said they had a variety of ways to prepare for the test, which featured math and English-Language Arts questions, along with an essay.

"I took a practice test but all my teachers are helping me and everyone is helping me to study for it," said one student as to how she had prepared for the exam. "So I'm sure I'm going to pass."

"I'm really looking forward to it. It's really hard to get in, so I'm kind of nervous," said another. "I studied last night and I've been looking over some previous tests. And I've just been paying a lot of attention in school to start getting ready."

"I'm feeling good. There was a practice test that I could take and I went over it a little bit," said a third. "I'm confident."

Parents who joined the youngsters in line said they had their fingers crossed in hopes their kids would pass.

"Just hoping, we just give him confidence, tell him do the best that you can, no matter how you do we are still proud of you,” said one parent. “It's just an honor to be able to take this test."

"It has a stellar reputation and I think it just opens up more opportunities,” said another. “But we are proud just having her take the test, we're proud of her, even if she doesn't get in."

The test results will be mailed out in mid- to late February.