The 2026 English Middle School Entrance Exam is considered the hardest in New York and Boston. These cities have consistently ranked at the top for the most challenging entrance exams due to their rigorous academic standards and competitive nature. According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, New York and Boston have the highest percentage of students scoring above the 90th percentile in the entrance exam compared to other regions in the United States. The high difficulty level is attributed to the comprehensive nature of the exam, which covers a wide range of subjects and requires a deep understanding of the material. Additionally, the competitive admissions process in these cities further intensifies the difficulty of the exam, as only the top-performing students are admitted to the most prestigious middle schools.