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Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT)
600 questions
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About this exam
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is the entrance exam used for admission to eight New York City specialized high schools. NYC students generally take it in eighth grade; eligible first-time ninth-grade students may also test for available tenth-grade seats. The test is intended to assess skills used in high school, and admission is competitive. Offers are based on SHSAT results and the student’s ranked school choices, subject to the admissions process for that year. The High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, LaGuardia, has a separate audition-based admissions process.
The SHSAT has English Language Arts and Mathematics sections and is timed. ELA preparation includes literary and informational passage analysis, identifying central ideas and supporting evidence, drawing inferences from textual evidence, and revising and editing. Math review should cover the concepts and problem-solving skills outlined in the current official handbook. Strong preparation involves learning the test format, practicing under time limits, and reviewing why answers are right or wrong—not simply counting completed questions. Use the NYC Department of Education’s current SHSAT handbook for year-specific instructions and materials.
How to prepare for the SHSAT
- Review literary and informational passages by identifying each passage’s central idea, evidence, and implied meaning; support inference answers with specific details from the text.
- Practice both ELA and math in timed sessions. After each session, keep an error log and revisit questions you missed, guessed on, or answered too slowly.
- Use the current NYC Department of Education SHSAT handbook to confirm the test format, policies, and official preparation materials for your admissions cycle.
FAQ
Who can take the SHSAT?
The SHSAT is generally open to NYC students in eighth grade and eligible first-time ninth-grade students. Ninth-grade testing is for available seats in grade 10. Check the current NYC Department of Education rules for eligibility and registration details.
What is on the SHSAT?
The exam has English Language Arts and Mathematics sections. ELA includes reading comprehension and revising and editing skills; math assesses problem-solving and mathematical concepts. Consult the current official handbook for the applicable format and question types.
How should I study for the SHSAT?
Review reading skills such as central ideas, textual evidence, and inference, along with the math topics in the current handbook. Take timed practice sessions, analyze mistakes, and use official NYC Department of Education materials to guide your review.