SHSAT Test Prep | How to Prepare for the Specialized High School Test

If students want to attend of the specialized high schools in New York City, they must achieve top scores on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test. This exam covers plenty of different topics, and competition for high school seats can be fierce, so test-takers should take care to prepare carefully before the exam.

Why Are Scores So Important?

Every student gets a score from 200-800 after taking the exam, and each specialized high school sets its own cutoff score. Based on these cutoff scores, each specialized high school admits students until they fill up the rising 9th grade class. There’s no portfolio of previous work, or high-stakes interviews, or other considerations for placement at the specialized high schools. That makes it essential to reach a top score if students want their pick of high schools!

Tips for Math Mastery

There are fifty seven multiple choice math questions on the SHSAT, and these problems test students on many topics. Most questions cover algebra, geometry, basic number theory, and similar topics that students should have practiced in class. There are also questions that require students to use their problem-solving skills or brainstorm clever solutions, instead of wasting time on complicated answers. Five of the questions are grid-in questions. These require students to calculate and enter the exact numerical answer without providing any answer choices.

Tips for Verbal Mastery

Within the verbal section, students have to answer approximately ten revising/editing questions that test grammar and answer questions on several different passages to show reading comprehension skills. That means students must brush up on a variety of topics in order to get ready for this section.

How to Prepare for the SHSAT

There are plenty of practice books available for the SHSAT, and a great way to begin SHSAT prep is to work through an old exam and find areas of weakness. Some extra work with challenging math problems or brainteasers can help students feel ready for the math section.

In addition to the practice tests, students may also want to brush up on weak spots with a few test prep tutoring sessions as some students can benefit from directed study sessions before the test. Great SHSAT scores will open the door to top high schools around NYC, so put in some effort before the exam can really pay off in the long run!

Are You Considering Test Prep for the SHSAT?

Preparation for the SHSAT does not have to be daunting and exasperating; instead, it can represent an important opportunity along a student’s path to learning mastery. Indeed, the perspectives and abilities acquired during preparation can be transformative and last a lifetime.

Our two-track approach to mastering content and improving test-taking skills means that students will not only thoroughly understand the fundamental concepts and skills tested by the Specialized High School test, but they will also excel in using essential techniques to improve attitude, endurance and focus. Our students hone their independent thinking skills while developing a resilient mindset so they can perform on test day in a powerful, resourceful, creative and calm manner.

Please call 917.287.7927 now for a complimentary consultation to discuss how Origins Tutoring can help your child achieve his or her personal best on the Specialized High School test.