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 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.

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 using grid-in and multiple choice questions. 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 will see improvement in their school grades, study habits, and confidence.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

We use a diagnostic test from the DOE handbook to get the most accurate baseline. The diagnostic test shows us where a student's strengths and areas of improvement are. We will start with the areas of improvement and methodically cover all of the material that will be on the test.

TEACH CONTENT & STRATEGY

For this test, it’s not enough to know tips and tricks (though we have quite a few, and we're happy to share them!). Especially for the grammar and math sections, students need to know the concepts and rules that are being tested. We expertly weave teaching content and executive strategy into our sessions.

RETEST

A regular practice test schedule helps a student practice pacing, overcome test anxiety, and test their retention. It’s also a great way to measure a student’s progress (which isn’t always linear, please keep in mind). We will ensure that your child has a practice test schedule they can follow to achieve maximum efficiency.

Here's how we do it:

Mary B, Williamsburg parent

"Remy!! E got into Brooklyn tech! We are super excited. Thanks for all your help last year. You’re the best."

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?

Students will take the test in November. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Ready to prepare your child for the SHSAT?

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