The Specialized High School Admissions Test or SHSAT is the only exam taken by 8th and 9th graders in New York City who wish to be admitted to one of eight reputable, specialized high schools in the city. The 3-hour test features two sections - English Language Arts and Mathematics - that are equal in length. Our expert tutors have helped many students realize their dreams of attending a specialized high school, and we are always ready to help. Sign up for a consultation today.
What is the SHSAT exam?
It is a rigorous exam students take to enter any of 8 of New York City's specialized high schools.
The SHSAT is a standardized exam taken by approximately 30,000 middle school seniors in New York City who wish to attend any of these eight specialized high schools located across the city's five boroughs:
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Stuyvesant High School (in Manhattan)
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High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College (in Manhattan)
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Bronx High School of Science (in Bronx)
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High School of American Studies at Lehman College (in Bronx)
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Brooklyn Technical High School (in Brooklyn)
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Brooklyn Latin School (in Brooklyn)
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Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (in Queens)
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Staten Island Technical High School (in Staten Island)
Get to know the schools: View brief profiles on each of these 8 schools below.
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The SHSAT is taken on a school day sometime between mid-October and early November each year, and the results are released by the following mid-March. Of the thousands who sit the exam, only about 10% earn admission, most of them entering a school of their choice.
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The 3-hour test has 114 questions; the time and number of questions are evenly shared between English Language Arts and Math. Students have about 1 minute and 35 seconds per question. The English section covers Sentence Revision (9 questions) and Reading Comprehension (48 questions), while the Math section tests your understanding of math and problem-solving. All questions except the first five in Math are multiple choice with four options.
The SHSAT is quite challenging, testing students on material that is usually beyond their grade level. It is also highly competitive, so students usually start preparation years in advance to enhance their chance of success.
Why should students take the SHSAT?
Get on track to earn scholarships to attend America's best colleges.
Specialized high schools can serve as pipelines to America's best colleges and universities. The academic rigor students are exposed to in these high schools helps to prepare them to do well on standardized exams such as the Digital SAT and go on to thrive in college.
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Succeeding in the SHSAT and attending one of the specialized high schools present students with more academic opportunities, extracurricular activities, and access to college scholarships. Students are offered more diverse academic curricula that emphasize the Arts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Computer Studies, more foreign language studies, Advanced Placement (AP) subjects, and college-credit courses. In addition, there are dozens of sports and clubs that enrich the high school experience in ways not typically afforded at other high schools. ​
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​Other aspects that are less voiced, but similarly as influential, are the reputation and legacy of these schools. The alumni include many highly accomplished individuals in academia, government, business, and entertainment. Students forge valuable, lifelong connections and friendships that benefit them in many ways in and out of school. In addition, the pedigree of these schools command the attention of many colleges and universities and presents favorable options for students who record earn high grades throughout their high school career.
Why OnlyTestPrep is your best SHSAT option?
Earn your best score and more.
We have been preparing students for the SHSAT since the early 2000s, helping many gain admission to the specialized high schools of their choice since 2009. Our success stems from a focus on direct teaching and proven strategies, tailored to each student’s unique needs. This approach not only boosts SHSAT scores but also equips students with the skills they need for long-term academic success.
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What sets us apart is that we support students in more than just SHSAT prep. We believe the test is just one piece of the puzzle. We teach essential study habits, time management, and problem-solving skills that benefit students in high school and beyond. We also help students connect ideas across subjects like math, reading, and writing, ensuring they perform well on the SHSAT and in their future academic endeavors.
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In addition to academics, we guide students in finding scholarship opportunities, preparing them for both the financial and academic challenges ahead. We also teach them how to advocate for themselves, ask for help when needed, and take ownership of their education—skills that will serve them well far beyond the SHSAT. We’re ready to support your student’s journey to success. Sign up for a consultation today!
