The SHSAT: About the Test & How to Prepare
Learn everything you need to know about the SHSAT, including the test’s format and question types. Try some free sample questions and find out how Elm Academy can help your child feel prepared and confident on test day.
What is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a test administered by the New York City Department of Education to assess students applying for a New York City Specialized High School. The test is only offered to residents of New York City looking for admission to these specific New York schools. As the test is for admission to high school, it is offered mainly to students in 8th grade, but some 9th graders may take the test when seats become available at a Specialized High School.
Registration for the test begins in September and can be done with your school counselor. By October, you should receive information regarding the specific date, time, and location of the test. Testing for 8th graders is done on a weekend in mid-November, while 9th graders who take it do so in early December. Scores are released at some point in March of the following year.
There are a total of nine New York City Specialized High Schools. Out of the nine, eight of them rely solely on the SHSAT for admissions. This makes success on the test crucial for getting into one of these high schools. It is therefore important for students to prepare and be as ready as possible for the test.
SHSAT Test Format
The SHSAT is made up of two sections, English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, for a total of 114 questions. Of the 114 questions, 20 of them are experimental and do not count toward your score, though you will not know which questions these are. The test is timed and takes three hours to complete. Each question is worth one point, and there is no penalty for guessing incorrectly.
Starting in the fall of 2025, the test will be fully digital, meaning it will be administered on a computer. The number of questions and format will remain the same. Starting in the fall of 2026, the format of the test will change to an adaptive format, which means the difficulty of the questions a test taker sees will depend on their performance on previous questions. For example, if a student gets a question correct, the next question will be more difficult; if they get it wrong, the next question will be easier.
ELA
The ELA section of the test has 57 questions, 10 of which are experimental questions and will not count toward your score. All 57 questions are multiple choice. Question types on this section include:
- Editing and Revising. These questions assess a student’s ability to find and correct errors in a piece of writing.
- Reading Comprehension. Students will be presented with 5-6 reading passages, roughly half of which will be fiction, and half of which will be nonfiction. Questions will assess a student’s ability to understand and interpret what they have read in each passage.
Math
The Math section of the test also has 57 questions, 10 of which are experimental questions and will not count toward your score. 52 of the questions are multiple choice, and 5 are grid-in, meaning you will have to write in the answer without any multiple choice options.
This section consists mainly of word problems covering a variety of topics, including basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as subjects like algebra and geometry.
Calculators are not allowed on the SHSAT.
To get an idea of what the SHSAT looks like, check out the sample questions below:
SHSAT Free Sample Questions
ELA
Sample Passage
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that can be replenished, including sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. Unlike fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil, renewable energy is always available. Additionally, fossil fuels have a much greater impact on the environment when compared to clean, renewable energy sources. As concerns about pollution and climate change continue to grow, it is more important than ever to invest in renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power generate electricity without emitting any pollution into the atmosphere. In contrast, when fossil fuels are burned, they release harmful gasses that contribute to climate change. Moving away from fossil fuels and leaning into renewable energy sources will be better for our health and the environment.
There are many challenges that make adopting renewable energy difficult, including high costs and technological advancements, but the long term benefits are clear. Focusing our efforts on clean energy sources will help reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources and ensure a healthier planet for future generations to come.
What is the main idea of this passage?
a. Renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power, can be expensive
b. Burning fossil fuels can cause pollution and lead to climate change
c. Investing in renewable energy is essential despite its challenges
d. Fossil fuels are the best energy source for generating electricity
The correct answer is C. The passage clearly explains what renewable energy is and why it is important.
Math
For what value of x is 7x + 14 = 9x?
This is an example of a grid-in question, where you would not have multiple choice options to choose from. The correct answer is 7. To find the value of x, simply isolate it on one side of the equation:
7x + 14 = 9x
7x + 14 – 7x = 9x – 7x
14 = 2x
7 = x
How to Prepare for the SHSAT
The SHSAT is a long and unique test that can influence your child’s academic career. It is important for your child to be as prepared as possible when going into the test. Elm Academy offers comprehensive courses, as well as one-on-one tutoring, to make sure your child is fully prepared for the SHSAT.
Minimize stress – Standardized testing can be a stressful experience. SHSAT preparation can help lessen the amount of stress your child feels and in turn maximize their test performance.
Become familiar with unique test format and question types – The types of questions on the SHSAT are unique and difficult. By preparing with practice questions built in the same format as the SHSAT questions, your child will be familiar with the style of the question and can focus on reasoning out the correct answer, rather than getting stumped trying to understand what’s being asked.
Simulate a test-taking experience – Completing such a long test with the pressure of a time limit can be difficult for anyone. By having previous experience with a timed, full-length test that mimics the SHSAT’s testing environment, your child will be in a familiar place when they encounter the real test.
Read more about how to prepare for standardized tests.
New York City Specialized High Schools
These are the 9 New York City Specialized High Schools. All except for one require the SHSAT.
- Bronx High School of Science
- Brooklyn Latin School
- Brooklyn Technical High School
- Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (SHSAT not required)
- High School for Math, Science & Engineering at City College
- High School of American Studies at Lehman College
- Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
- Staten Island Technical High School
- Stuyvesant High School
Frequently Asked Questions About the SHSAT
Is the SHSAT a timed test?
Yes. The test takes 3 hours to complete.
On the SHSAT, should my child guess if they don’t know the answer?
Yes. There are no penalties for incorrect answers, so students are encouraged to guess, even if they have no idea what the answer is.
Can I use a calculator on the SHSAT?
No calculators, books, rulers, smartwatches, or mobile devices are allowed.
Is the SHSAT changing?
Yes. Starting in the fall of 2025, the test will be fully digital and administered only via computer. Starting in 2026, the format of the test will change to an adaptive format that will present students with questions based on their performance on previous questions. Despite these changes, the material covered on the test will remain the same.
Do all Specialized High Schools require the SHSAT?
No. Eight out of the nine schools require it, with the exception being Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. The other eight rely solely on the SHSAT during the admissions process, making it crucial to achieve a high score on the test.
SHSAT Tutoring
Elm Academy has partnered with Tannenbaum Tutors to offer one-on-one SHSAT tutoring. Founder Jonathan Tannenbaum has worked with over 600 students, and has brought together a group of dedicated and attentive educators with expertise in all varieties of standardized testing.
Students who have worked with Tannenbaum Tutors have consistently seen huge test-day improvements. Based in New York, Tannenbaum Tutors offers in-person services for those in the region, as well as the option for online tutoring for students across the United States.
Contact Tannenbaum Tutors using the form below for a free 20 minute consultation.
