SHSAT Time Management, Timing & Pacing Tips: Use these techniques to manage the clock, avoid time traps, and finish the NYC Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) confidently.
SHSAT Time Management — Quick Snapshot
180 minutes for 114 questions. Average pace about 95 seconds per question. Plan on 70 to 80 seconds per question when possible, then bank the saved time for tougher items. ELA usually needs more total reading time, while individual Math questions often need more work steps.
SHSAT Time Management General Directions
As of January 2026, the latest general directions on SHSAT timing can be found here: General Directions Grade 8
When this is updated for adaptive test, we will update this section as well.
SHSAT Time Management: Build Your 90-second Pacing for Success
- Timer-off sprints: Answer 5 questions, then check the clock. Target 7 to 8 minutes total.
- Metronome check: Set a phone timer to beep every 90 seconds during a 10 minute drill. Learn that cadence, then remove the beeps.
- Reading bursts: For passages, practice 2 minute skims followed by 3 questions answered in under 4 minutes total.
- Math setup speed: Spend the first 20 seconds labeling diagrams and writing knowns before solving. The setup saves time later.
Developing an internal sense of time is one of the most important SHSAT skills. Many students lose points not because they lack knowledge, but because they misjudge how long they’ve spent on a single question. Training your internal clock helps you recognize when to commit to an answer confidently and move forward without hesitation.
Confidence boost: Start each section with three quick wins. Banking early points lowers stress and locks in a steady pace for the tougher items ahead.
SHSAT Time Management: Adaptive SHSAT Pacing Strategy
- One question at a time: Each question must be answered before moving forward. There is no skipping and no return.
- Time guardrails: Aim to decide within 70–90 seconds. If you are still unsure after that window, make your best choice and move on.
- Confidence over perfection: Adaptive scoring rewards steady accuracy. Spending too long on one question increases pressure later.
- Micro-resets: Every 10–15 questions, pause for 5–10 seconds, breathe, and refocus before continuing.
SHSAT Time Management Tips: ELA
- Revising and Editing Passages: Fix structure and transitions before fine word choice. Short questions should average under 60 seconds.
- Reading Comprehension: Skim for gist and paragraph purpose, then answer by line reference. Keep rereads to the exact sentence window the question cites.
- Evidence Pairs: Answer the inference, then pick the smallest strong quote that proves it.
- On-screen Flow: Because questions cannot be revisited, confirm you fully understand each question before selecting an answer and moving forward.
SHSAT Time Management Tips: Math
- Identify SHSAT Time Traps: Long multi-step word problems, intricate geometry with many givens, and heavy fraction arithmetic. Recognize quickly and decide efficiently. If a problem is taking too long, commit to your best answer and continue.
- First 20 Seconds: Write the equation or diagram, box the target, and estimate a ballpark result.
- Back Solve and Plug In: For choice questions, test answers starting from the middle values. For proportions, cross multiply first to avoid fraction drift.
- Grid-ins: Watch significant digits and sign. Right align your entry, then read it aloud quietly to catch mistakes.
SHSAT Time Management: Build Your Game Plan (and Stick to Checkpoints)
Build a plan ahead of test day and stick to clear checkpoints. The SHSAT gives you one block of 180 minutes for both sections. You choose how to allocate time between ELA and Math, so decide your order and pace now, then practice it until it feels automatic.
Two Example Game Plans
- Math-first plan: Begin with Math while focus is highest, maintaining a steady 70–90 second rhythm per question, then transition directly to ELA.
- ELA-first plan: Start with ELA to establish reading focus, answering carefully before moving forward, then complete Math with consistent pacing.
Checkpoint rhythm: Every ~15 minutes, briefly check that your overall pace feels steady and focused. If you feel rushed, simplify your decision-making and commit sooner. If you feel comfortable, maintain the same rhythm without slowing down.
About unscored “field‑test” questions: The SHSAT includes a small number of trial questions mixed into each section. They look identical to regular items and aren’t counted toward your score, so don’t try to spot them. Treat every question normally and keep your pace steady.
SHSAT Time Management: Checkpoint Goals for the Full 180 Minutes
Use these optional targets to stay on pace. Adjust based on your strongest section.
- @ 45 minute mark: Roughly one quarter of the test completed.
- @ 90 minute mark: About halfway through the exam.
- @ 135 minute mark: Final stretch with focused decision-making.
- Final minutes: Stay calm and maintain rhythm through the last question.
SHSAT Time Management: Practice Plan to Lock In Timing
Build a plan ahead of test day and stick to clear checkpoints. Some students perform best finishing Math first; others prefer to warm up on ELA. Pick your style now and rehearse it.
- Daily: 10–20-minute timed drills answered in sequence. Practice committing to answers without hesitation.
- Weekly: One timed ELA set and one timed Math set completed straight through without revisiting questions.
- Bi‑weekly: One full 180‑minute simulation. Run it once with Math‑first and once with ELA‑first; choose the smoother flow and commit.
- Error Log: Track any problem that exceeded 2 minutes and write why (set‑up, arithmetic, reread). Fix the habit, not just the question.
- Checkpoint Rehearsal: Practice the 15‑minute self‑checks so they’re automatic on test day; no blank responses, pace on track.
SHSAT Time Management: FAQ
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