Complete Guide to SHSAT
Master the Specialized High School Admissions Test with our comprehensive preparation guide
8 Schools
Elite specialized institutions
25,000+
Annual test-takers
800 Points
Maximum score possible
What is SHSAT?
The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is the entrance exam for NYC's elite specialized high schools. It's a comprehensive test measuring student aptitude in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.
3 hours duration
Multiple-choice format
No penalty for wrong answers
Who Can Take It?
8th-grade students (primary candidates)
9th-grade students (limited seats)
NYC resident or attend NYC school
Free for eligible students
Schools & Cut-off Scores
Stuyvesant High School
Score: 561
Seats: 850
Bronx High School of Science
Score: 526
Seats: 750
Staten Island Technical High School
Score: 519
Seats: 350
High School for Math, Science and Engineering
Score: 542
Seats: 140
Brooklyn Technical High School
Score: 507
Seats: 1450
Queens High School for Sciences
Score: 524
Seats: 120
High School of American Studies
Score: 514
Seats: 100
Brooklyn Latin School
Score: 492
Seats: 400
English Language Arts
Revising/Editing
Grammar & Punctuation
Sentence Structure
Writing Clarity
Reading Comprehension
Main Ideas & Themes
Inference & Interpretation
Author's Purpose & Tone
Mathematics
Topics Covered
Algebra & Functions
Geometry & Measurement
Statistics & Probability
Problem Types
Word Problems
Numerical Comparisons
Grid-In Questions
Success Tips
Time Management
Practice with timed conditions
Allocate time per section
Study Strategy
Focus on weak areas
Use official materials
Test Day
Answer every question
Review if time permits