What the SHSAT is and who takes it
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is the single test that decides admission to eight of New York City's specialized high schools. Most students take it in 8th grade; a smaller 9th-grade entry test also exists.
Scores are ranked citywide, so admission depends on where your score falls relative to every other test taker that year, not on a fixed passing mark.
SHSAT format, sections and timing
The SHSAT has an English Language Arts section and a Math section inside one 180-minute testing window, and students control how they split their time between the two.
- ELA: revising and editing passages plus reading comprehension
- Math: word problems, ratios, percents, geometry and pre-algebra, including grid-in questions
- No penalty for guessing — every question should be answered
How our SHSAT prep course works
Start with the free diagnostic. The system scores each topic, then builds a study plan that puts your weakest skills first and rotates them back in until accuracy holds under time pressure.
Practice levels unlock in order. After each level you get a mistake-type summary, and the AI specialist for that subject can walk you through every wrong answer before you retry the level.
Weekly full-length mocks then rehearse pacing so test day feels routine.
How long SHSAT prep takes
Most families start in the spring or summer before 8th grade, which allows four to six months of steady work. A realistic routine is 60–90 focused minutes on weekdays plus one longer mock session on the weekend.
Students who start later can still improve significantly by concentrating on high-frequency question types and timed mixed sets instead of trying to cover everything.
Frequently asked questions
- When should SHSAT prep start?
- Spring or summer before 8th grade gives most students four to six months of consistent preparation, which is enough time to repair weak topics before timed practice begins.
- How much does SHSAT prep cost here?
- SHSAT membership is $59 per month with a 3-day trial, or $199 for a 4-month prepaid package. The diagnostic and study plan are free.
- Are the practice questions real released SHSAT questions?
- No. Every question is original and written in the current official style and difficulty, then reviewed against the latest published exam policy.
- Do you also cover Hunter, SAT and ACT?
- Yes. Separate courses exist for the Hunter College High School entrance exam, the digital SAT and the ACT.