The United States has a complex system for selecting students for various schools, including magnet schools, charter schools, and specialized programs. Designated students are typically chosen based on a variety of criteria, such as academic performance, special talents, or geographic location. One notable example is the selective enrollment process for high schools in New York City, where students are designated based on their performance on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT).

The SHSAT is a standardized test used to determine admission to New York City's specialized high schools, which include Stuyvesant High School, Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical High School, and Queens High School for the Sciences at York College. These schools are known for their rigorous academic programs and high graduation rates. According to data from the New York City Department of Education, approximately 48,000 students took the SHSAT in 2021, with around 5,000 students being designated for admission to these specialized high schools.

The SHSAT is a highly competitive exam, with only a small percentage of applicants being designated for admission. This selective process ensures that the schools maintain their high academic standards and provide a challenging educational environment for their students. However, it also raises concerns about equity and access, as students from lower-income families or those without access to test preparation resources may be at a disadvantage.

The designated student system in the United States is a reflection of the country's diverse educational landscape. While it offers opportunities for students to attend specialized schools and pursue their academic interests, it also highlights the challenges of ensuring equitable access to quality education. The data from New York City's specialized high schools demonstrates the impact of selective enrollment on student outcomes, but it also underscores the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of the system to address issues of equity and access.