.png)
SHSAT PREP
The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), created by Pearson, is administered by the New York City Department of Education to assess prospective high school students’ ELA and math skills. The test is administered primarily to 8th graders applying to Specialized High Schools (except LaGuardia, for which you need to audition) and is the only basis for admittance. The test consists of two sections: ELA and Mathematics. The SHSAT is NOT an aptitude test. It is a snapshot of a student’s current academic capabilities, which can be improved through rigorous individualized tutoring sessions.
​
As of Fall 2025, the SHSAT has transitioned to a fully digital format, administered through Pearson’s TestNav interface. In addition to traditional multiple-choice questions, the new digital version includes technology-enhanced items in both the ELA and Math sections. These items may involve drag-and-drop, fill in the blank, hot spots, equation editors, hot text, inline choice, multiple response, table grids, point graphs, shape transformation, or other interactive formats designed to assess students' skills in new ways.
​
Looking ahead to 2026, the SHSAT is expected to become adaptive. We will update this page as more information becomes available.
​
For many students, this is their first time navigating the competitive standardized test landscape. Few are prepared for the rigor, self-discipline, and endurance it takes to achieve an ideal score.
We are here to demystify this process and help your child take charge of their learning!
The SHSAT's Format
English Language Arts: 57 questions
This section tests a student's grammar and editing skill through standalone and passage questions. It also tests a student's reading comprehension through nonfiction, fiction, and poetry passages. Unlike other standardized tests, the SHSAT focuses on the craft and structure of reading passages.
Mathematics: 57 questions
This section tests a student's knowledge of math topics ranging from pre-algebra to geometry. There is no calculator allowed.
Our individualized approach and experienced tutors can help your child achieve dramatic score increases in a short amount of time (provided your child completes the homework we assign!). By working with us and studying for this test, your child can see improvement in their school grades, study habits, and confidence.
Here's how we do it:
EXCEED YOUR SHSAT CUTOFF SCORE
with this free SHSAT TOOLKIT!
Included is:
SHSAT format
important dates
a diagnostic test
test strategies
a study plan
top 6 resources
FAQs
When should my child start studying for the SHSAT?
Please download our free SHSAT Toolkit above to see when your child should start studying for the SHSAT. We give different answers based on a student's diagnostic test score.
​​​
My child scored extremely low on their diagnostic test. Should I be worried?
Generally, no. Most students score very low on their diagnostic test for a few reasons. The first is that they aren't used to the format of the test. The second is that the material is hard and they need to review it or learn it.
​
That said, the lower the score, the sooner a child should start to prepare for the test!
​
What scores does my child need in order to be competitive for their first-choice high school?
This depends on the schools that the child is interested in. Please reach out via our Contact form and Remy will set up a free phone consultation.
When will my child take the SHSAT?
Exact dates are typically released in August. The SHSAT is usually administered in late October or early November for current 8th graders. If they are enrolled in a k-8 public school, they will take it on a school day. If they're enrolled in a k-12 or independent school, they will have the option to take the test on the weekend.
Students who have recently completed 8th or 9th grade and moved to New York City after the previous November are eligible to take the SHSAT in August. They do not need to wait until the fall administration with current 8th graders.
​
Where will my child take the SHSAT?
Students will either take the test at their school or a testing site on the weekend. Please reference your MySchools account for your child's test ticket and test site address. See this MySchools page for more information.
​
Do all Andersen Education tutors approach SHSAT prep the same way?
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all tutoring or tutor processes. Every Andersen Education tutor brings years of specialized experience and their own pedagogical approach. Remy personally vets each tutor through references and a live mock session to make sure their style aligns with our standards for clarity, warmth, and results. Throughout the test prep process, she provides ongoing support and oversight so every student receives comprehensive, personalized care.
​​
Which materials do you recommend using?
Please visit our Books and Tools page to see which materials we use to prepare our students for the SHSAT and SHSAT 9.
​
What's the SHSAT 9 and do you tutor it?
Yes, we tutor students for the SHSAT 9, which is the SHSAT for 9th graders who are looking to apply to specialized high schools. It's more competitive than the regular SHSAT because there are fewer seats available and it features harder math questions.
​
Can we meet in-person?
We do not recommend in-person tutoring for this test. Research shows that it’s best practice to prepare in the same format the test is given. Students need to become familiar with the digital interface and build stamina for working on a screen over an extended period. Additionally, many students are more comfortable working in their own space without a tutor leaning over their shoulder or sharing a laptop screen. This comfort often leads to better focus and more productive sessions.
Can you guarantee a certain score? Based on what I’ve told you about my child, what will they score?
We cannot ethically guarantee a specific score or score increase. What we can offer is expert instruction, personalized feedback, and high-quality materials informed by years of experience. Score improvements depend on a range of factors—some within the student’s control (like effort, practice, and focus), and others outside it (like test-day variables or question set difficulty).
​
My child is interested in two specialized high schools. How should we rank them?
Disclaimer: We are test prep experts, not high school admissions consultants; however, we do have some thoughts on this. Student placement is determined by a combination of factors: test scores, school preferences, and available seats. Students are ranked based on their test performance, and then assigned to their highest-ranked school where openings exist. For example, if a student scores 508 and ranked Stuyvesant first, then Brooklyn Tech, they will probably get into Brooklyn Tech since they didn't score high enough to get into Stuy. But if they ranked Stuyvesant first, then Bronx Science, then HSMSE, then Brooklyn Tech, they might not get into Brooklyn Tech. Don't rank Stuyvesant first because you've heard it's the best and you're hoping your child can get in. Rank your first two choices as the two realistic top choices for your child based on your research and school visits.