All SHSAT students will take an initial Diagnostic Exam to establish a baseline before tutoring begins. Based on the results, we will create a personal and unique learning plan that will lead to a realistic target score. Once tutoring begins, students will take several practice exams along the way in order to track progress. At ATC, we believe the more data we have, the better the result!
There are two sections on the SHSAT: ELA and math. Both of these sections consist of 57 questions. The ELA section consists of two parts—Revising/Editing and reading comprehension. The Math section consists of word problems and computational questions in either a grid-in or multiple-choice format. There are five grid-in questions and 52 multiple-choice questions. The Math questions involve application of mathematical skills, mathematical terms, and general concepts from the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics. However, as one of the purposes of this test is to identify students who will benefit from an education at a Specialized High School, the SHSAT Math items will require you to apply familiar Math skills to complex, multi-step problems.
Students are allowed three (3) hours and can use their time as they see fit. The time constraint is one of the hardest aspects of the SHSAT, so our tutors will help your child manage their time efficiently.
Students in grades eight or nine who want to enroll in one of New York City’s specialized high schools must take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT).The eight Specialized High Schools in NYC are as follows (in no particular order):
No, each Specialized High School has their own cutoff score. Offers to the eight testing Specialized High Schools are based on each student's SHSAT score, school preference order, and the number of seats at each school. These offers are made to each school in descending SHSAT score order until all seats at each school are filled. Based on data we will collect on practice exams, our tutors will guide your child to a realistic and attainable target score. In 2023, the lowest score that received an offer to a Specialized High School was 493.
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