SHSAT: NYC Specialized High School Admissions Test Guide & Preparation Tips [2025]

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a high-stakes exam that opens the door to NYC’s specialized high schools. At Practice4You, former test developers have crafted this guide to help you understand the SHSAT and how to prepare for it effectively.

What is the SHSAT and who takes it?

The SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) is the sole admissions exam for eight of NYC’s nine Specialized High Schools. (The only specialized high school that doesn’t use the SHSAT is Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, which uses an audition instead.) This means a student’s SHSAT score is the only factor for admission into these elite public schools. All current NYC residents in 8th grade (and eligible 9th graders applying for 10th grade) who want to attend a Specialized High School must take the SHSAT. The test is offered each fall (usually in late October or early November). Since the SHSAT is the only admissions factor, doing well is critical. Preparation and practice are essential.

Which NYC Specialized High Schools use the SHSAT?

Eight Specialized High Schools in NYC require the SHSAT for admission. These selective public schools each tend to have an academic focus (science, math, humanities, etc.) and provide enriched learning for high-achieving students. Here are the 8 schools:

• Stuyvesant High School – Manhattan school with rigorous math and science programs.
• Bronx High School of Science – Bronx school with a strong science and math focus.
• Brooklyn Technical High School – Brooklyn school specializing in engineering, science, and technology.
• Queens High School for the Sciences at York College – Queens school focused on science and math, located on the York College campus.
• High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College (HSMSE) – Manhattan school with an advanced STEM curriculum at City College.
• High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS) – Bronx school emphasizing history and liberal arts at Lehman College.
• Brooklyn Latin School – Brooklyn school with a classical curriculum (Latin and humanities focus).
• Staten Island Technical High School – Staten Island school focused on engineering, technology, and science.

What is the format of the SHSAT exam?

The SHSAT is a 3-hour exam divided into two main sections: English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. Students can choose which section to start with and manage their time between the two as they see fit. The exam contains 114 questions total (57 ELA and 57 Math), and all are multiple-choice except for 5 math grid-in questions where students must write the answer.

• ELA Section (57 questions): This section includes revising/editing questions and reading comprehension passages. The revising/editing items test your ability to correct grammar and improve the clarity of sentences or short passages. The remaining ELA questions are based on multiple reading passages (informational and literary, possibly including a poem), each followed by several questions. These questions assess reading comprehension skills.
• Math Section (57 questions): The math section consists of 52 multiple-choice questions and 5 “grid-in” questions (where you calculate and fill in the answer). Questions cover middle school math topics (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, basic statistics, etc.), often presented as multi-step word problems. If you’re taking the 9th-grade SHSAT, you may encounter a few more advanced concepts (for example, some introductory algebra II or trigonometry), but the majority of topics are those taught through 8th grade.

Scoring: Students earn 1 point per correct answer, with no penalty for wrong answers. Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score; the highest possible SHSAT score is around 700 (combined from ELA and Math). Each specialized high school admits students in rank order of score, so the cutoff score (minimum to get in) differs by school and year.

What are the sections of the SHSAT?

The SHSAT consists of two main sections – English Language Arts (ELA) and Math – each divided into two parts. The ELA section is divided into Revising/Editing and Reading Comprehension. Revising/Editing questions test a student’s grasp of grammar and writing skills by having them correct language errors or improve the clarity of a sentence or passage. This part typically contains around 9–11 questions (some standalone items and others based on a short passage). Reading Comprehension, the largest ELA part, features roughly six passages (including nonfiction, fiction, and even a poem) with about 46–48 questions. These questions assess reading comprehension – for instance, identifying main ideas, key details, or an author’s purpose.

The Math section is similarly split into Math (Multiple-Choice) and Math (Grid-In). The multiple-choice portion includes 52 questions covering topics typically taught through eighth grade – such as algebra, geometry, and word problems. The Grid-In portion has 5 questions where students must calculate the answer and enter it into a grid with no answer choices provided. Grid-in questions can be tricky because students have to find the correct answer and fill in the grid properly without any multiple-choice hints. Overall, the math section has 57 questions (the same number as the ELA section), and students have a total of 180 minutes to finish all questions.

How to prepare for the SHSAT (without getting overwhelmed)

Preparing for the SHSAT can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some SHSAT preparation tips to help you study smart and stay sane:

1. Start Early and Plan: Begin your SHSAT prep well in advance (many students start by the summer before 8th grade). Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types early. Then, create a study plan that spreads out your practice – for example, schedule a few study sessions each week focusing on different sections.
2. Practice Regularly (Full-Length and Drills): Consistent practice is key. Take full-length SHSAT practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina and familiarity. Between full tests, do focused drills on specific topics (like reading or algebra problems) to sharpen your skills.
3. Review Mistakes and Target Weak Areas: After each practice test or study session, always review your incorrect answers. Figure out why you got a question wrong – was it a vocab word you didn’t know, a math concept you misunderstood, or just a careless error? Use that insight to guide your studying. Spend extra time on your weak areas. If reading passages are hard for you, practice reading varied texts and summarizing them. If math is a struggle, review the troublesome topics and do extra practice problems.
4. Maintain Balance and Avoid Burnout: Don’t overdo it. It’s important to have a regular study routine, but make sure you also take breaks and keep up with hobbies, exercise, and sleep. Studying when you’re exhausted or stressed can be counterproductive. By keeping a healthy balance, you’ll stay mentally fresh and absorb material more effectively.

How does the SHSAT compare to the ISEE and SSAT?

If you’re also looking at private high schools, you might be considering exams like the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). Here’s a quick comparison of the SHSAT versus these tests in terms of structure and scoring:

SHSAT FAQs

When is the SHSAT offered?

Usually in late October or early November. 8th graders take it then, and eligible 9th graders can take it the next year for 10th-grade entry.

How do you register for the SHSAT?

Registration is coordinated through the NYC DOE. Public school students get an SHSAT ticket at school; private and homeschool students register through the NYC DOE.

How many times can a student take the SHSAT?

Twice – once in 8th grade and again in 9th grade (for 10th-grade admission).

Are calculators allowed on the SHSAT?

No. Calculators (and all electronics) are not allowed. You’ll be given scrap paper for math work.

Does the SHSAT include an essay?

No – the SHSAT has no essay or writing sample. The exam is entirely multiple-choice (aside from a few math grid-in questions).

Is there a guessing penalty on the SHSAT?

No – the SHSAT does not penalize wrong answers. Wrong answers don’t cost points, so you should answer every question, even if you have to guess.

What score do you need on the SHSAT to get into a specialized high school?

There’s no fixed “passing” score – it varies by school and year. For instance, one recent year Stuyvesant’s cutoff was ~560 (out of 700), while other schools’ cutoffs ranged roughly from the high 400s to low 500s.

When should students start preparing for the SHSAT?

Many students start by spring or summer of 7th grade – roughly 6–12 months before the test. Starting early lets you spread out studying and avoid last-minute cramming.

Is the 9th-grade SHSAT different from the 8th-grade SHSAT?

The main difference is that the 9th-grade SHSAT includes slightly more advanced material (for example, some Algebra II or Trigonometry in math).

Where can I find SHSAT practice tests and study resources?

The NYC Department of Education releases an SHSAT Handbook (free online) with two official practice tests. You can also use reputable prep books or online programs for extra practice – for example, Practice4You’s SHSAT prep pack. Just ensure any study material is up-to-date with the current SHSAT format.