NYC SHSAT Study Guide for NYC Families

Your hub for the ultimate SHSAT study guides.

Preparing for the NYC SHSAT can feel overwhelming for both students and parents. There is no single “magic” worksheet or shortcut. Success comes from understanding the test format, mastering core skills, and practicing consistently over time.

This NYC SHSAT Study Guide brings together everything NYC families need in one place. Each guide below focuses on a specific part of SHSAT preparation, from math strategies and reading comprehension to timing, pacing, and study planning. Whether your child is just starting 7th grade or entering the final stretch before test day, these study guides are designed to meet students where they are.

Parents often ask where to begin. A good starting point is understanding the structure of the SHSAT and building a realistic study timeline. From there, targeted daily practice and periodic full-length tests help reinforce skills and track progress. Use this page as a roadmap; you don’t need to read everything at once. Pick the sections most relevant to your child’s needs and return as preparation evolves.

NYC SHSAT Study Guide: Quick Notes

What is the SHSAT? The NYC Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a 3‑hour standardized exam of 114 questions, 57 ELA and 57 Math, and the sole criterion for admission to NYC’s eight specialized high schools: Bronx Science, Brooklyn Latin, Brooklyn Tech, HSMSE, American Studies, Queens Science, Staten Island Tech, and Stuyvesant.

What is a Specialized High School? NYC’s Specialized High Schools are nine selective public high schools for gifted students, known for rigorous academics in STEM, humanities, or the arts, with most admissions based on the SHSAT, except for LaGuardia HS, which uses auditions. Learn more here: NYC Specialized High Schools

Who takes it? Current NYC 8th graders or first‑time 9th graders applying to a specialized high school.

When? Administered each fall; registration opens September, SHSAT test dates are usually in late October to mid December. Digital format launches Fall 2025. Adaptive format launches Fall 2026. More details can be found here: SHSAT Website Updates

Free Practice Tests: Official NYC SHSAT Portal

NYC SHSAT Study Guide: TOC

SHSAT ELA Ultimate Guide: Stand‑Alone Editing

Stand-alone revising and editing questions focus on grammar, sentence structure, and clarity. These questions are often overlooked, but they are among the most score-efficient points on the exam when practiced regularly.

SHSAT ELA Ultimate Guide: Revising‑and‑Editing Passage

Revising and editing questions test grammar, sentence clarity, and logical flow rather than long reading passages. Because these questions are short and pattern-based, students who learn the common rules and structures can improve ELA scores quickly with focused daily practice.

SHSAT ELA Ultimate Guide: Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension questions test more than vocabulary — they assess a student’s ability to identify main ideas, interpret tone, and support answers with evidence. Learning how to read actively and answer questions with confidence is one of the fastest ways to improve ELA scores.

SHSAT Math Section: Ultimate Guide

The SHSAT math section rewards strong fundamentals and efficient problem solving. Topics such as ratios, algebra, geometry, and grid-in questions require both accuracy and speed. Strategy guides help students recognize common question patterns and avoid time-consuming mistakes.

SHSAT Study Plan: How Many Months of Prep?

A clear study timeline helps families avoid last-minute cramming. Whether starting 9 months out or preparing on a shorter schedule, understanding how to allocate time between learning, practice, and review is key to long-term progress.

SHSAT Time Management, Timing & Pacing Tips

Time management plays a critical role on the adaptive SHSAT. Students must maintain steady focus and make confident decisions without the ability to return to previous questions. Timing strategies help students stay calm and consistent throughout the test.

Why Use SHSAT Buddy?

SHSAT preparation does not have to be confusing or overwhelming. With the right plan and consistent practice, students build confidence alongside skills.

SHSAT Buddy is designed to support families at every stage — from free diagnostics to daily quizzes and full-length practice tests. Use the resources above to guide preparation, then reinforce learning with short, focused practice sessions that fit into busy schedules.

Start With a Free Diagnostic TEST