SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test – NYC)
What is the SHSAT and how do I prepare for it?
The SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) is the entrance exam for eight of NYC’s specialized public high schools, including Stuyvesant and Bronx Science. It includes two sections—English Language Arts and Math—with a total of 114 multiple-choice questions. The test is 3 hours long and scored on a scale of 0–800. Students in 8th or 9th grade can register through the NYC DOE. To prepare, focus on timed practice tests, grammar and math review, and understanding question formats to improve both accuracy and speed.
What Is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is an exam used to determine admission to New York City’s top specialized public high schools. These schools are known for their academic excellence, competitive programs, and strong college-preparatory focus. The SHSAT is open to 8th and 9th grade students who reside in New York City and want to apply to one of the city’s Specialized High Schools (except for LaGuardia High School, which has a separate audition-based process).
SHSAT-Eligible Schools
Students who take the SHSAT can apply to the following specialized high schools:
Stuyvesant High School
Bronx High School of Science
Brooklyn Technical High School
Brooklyn Latin School
High School for Math, Science and 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
What’s on the SHSAT?
The SHSAT is divided into two main sections:
| Section | Description | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts (ELA) | Reading comprehension and revising/editing skills | 90 minutes |
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems, and logic | 90 minutes |
Each section has 57 questions, and students are given 3 hours total to complete the entire test. Students can choose how to allocate their time between sections.
SHSAT Scoring
The SHSAT uses a scaled scoring system. Each section is scored separately, and the scores are combined to produce a composite score. Admission to specialized high schools is based solely on this score. Each school sets its own cutoff, which varies year to year depending on the number of applicants and available seats.
There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students should attempt every question.
How to Register
Students must register through their middle school guidance counselor or via the NYC Department of Education’s official MySchools portal. Registration typically opens in the fall, with the exam administered shortly afterward.
How to Prepare for the SHSAT
Because of the SHSAT’s high level of difficulty and competitiveness, preparation is key. Here’s how to get started:
1. Understand the Format
Familiarize yourself with the test structure, timing, and question types. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
2. Practice Regularly
Take full-length SHSAT practice tests under timed conditions. This improves endurance and pacing.
3. Review Core Subjects
Focus on grammar, reading comprehension strategies, algebra, geometry, and logical reasoning.
4. Analyze Mistakes
Review incorrect answers to understand errors and avoid repeating them.
5. Use Official SHSAT Prep Materials
Use resources provided by the NYC DOE and reputable prep services that follow SHSAT guidelines.
SHSAT Sample Questions
English Language Arts – Revising/Editing
Question:
Choose the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence:
The museum exhibit, which had many rare artifacts and displayed well, was popular with tourists.
A) which has many rare artifacts and is displayed well
B) with its many rare artifacts and excellent display
C) which had many rare artifacts and was displayed well
D) displaying many rare artifacts and was well received
Correct Answer: C
English Language Arts – Reading Comprehension
Passage Excerpt:
“Maria hesitated at the edge of the diving board, the water below shimmering in the afternoon light. She could hear her teammates cheering her on, but the fear in her chest made her freeze.”
Question:
What is the most likely reason Maria hesitated?
A) She was unsure if the water was deep enough
B) She was overwhelmed by fear
C) She couldn’t hear her teammates
D) She didn’t want to get wet
Correct Answer: B
Mathematics – Algebra
Question:
If 3x−7=113x – 7 = 11, what is the value of xx?
A) 4
B) 5
C) 6
D) 7
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: 3x=18⇒x=63x = 18 \Rightarrow x = 6
Mathematics – Word Problem
Question:
A train travels 60 miles in 1.5 hours. What is its average speed in miles per hour?
A) 30
B) 40
C) 45
D) 50
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: 601.5=40\frac{60}{1.5} = 40
How the SHSAT Is Scored
The SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) uses a unique scaled scoring system to determine which students qualify for admission to New York City’s specialized high schools. Here’s how it works:
1. Raw Score
Each correct answer on the test earns 1 point. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students should answer every question. The raw score is simply the total number of correct answers in each section (ELA and Math).
2. Scaled Score
Raw scores are converted into scaled scores using a process that adjusts for slight differences in test difficulty from year to year. Each section (ELA and Math) receives a scaled score between 0 and 400.
3. Composite Score
The ELA and Math scaled scores are then added together to create the composite score, which ranges from 0 to 800. This is the final score used for admissions.
How SHSAT Scores Are Used
Admissions are based entirely on the composite score.
Students list their school choices in order of preference when registering.
Offers are made to students with the highest scores who meet the cutoff for their top-choice school and if seats are available.
Cutoff scores vary each year and by school. Highly competitive schools like Stuyvesant High School typically have the highest cutoff scores.
Tip: Because your score determines which specialized school you may attend, strong performance in both sections—ELA and Math—is essential. Practice consistently and use official SHSAT-style questions to maximize your score.
SHSAT FAQ – Specialized High Schools Admissions Test
The SHSAT is the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test used for admission to eight elite public high schools in New York City. It is administered by the NYC Department of Education and is the only criterion for entry into these schools (excluding LaGuardia High School).
Eligible 8th and 9th grade students who reside in New York City can take the SHSAT. 8th graders test for 9th-grade seats, while 9th graders test for limited 10th-grade spots at select schools.
Eight NYC specialized high schools require the SHSAT:
Stuyvesant High School
Bronx High School of Science
Brooklyn Technical High School
Brooklyn Latin School
High School of American Studies at Lehman College
High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
Staten Island Technical High School
Note: LaGuardia High School uses a separate audition-based admission process.
The SHSAT has two sections:
English Language Arts (ELA): Revising/editing and reading comprehension
Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems, and logic
Each section contains 57 questions, and students have 180 minutes total to complete the exam.
Each section is scored separately, then combined into a composite score (0–800). Only correct answers count, and there is no penalty for guessing. Each school sets its own cutoff score, which changes annually.
No. Students can only take the SHSAT once per year, and only in 8th or 9th grade.
You can register through your school guidance counselor or via the NYC MySchools portal. Registration typically opens in early fall.
