Overview & Quick Facts
The SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) is required for admission to NYC's eight specialized high schools, including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech. It tests English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics for 8th and 9th grade students.
Quick Facts
2 Sections
Key Takeaway
SHSAT admissions are based entirely on the composite score — GPA, teacher recommendations, and extracurriculars are not considered. A single composite score (400–800) determines placement across all eight specialized high schools.
How to Use This Guide
Use the chapter navigation on the left to explore each section in depth. Start with a specific question type to understand what's tested, then jump to the 4-Week Study Schedule when you're ready to prep.
ELA: Revising & Editing
19 questions testing grammar, mechanics, sentence structure, and rhetorical editing. This section rewards students who read widely and write regularly.
Fix errors in isolated sentences: punctuation, subject-verb agreement, pronoun reference, and parallelism. ~9 questions.
Edit a 3–5 paragraph passage for clarity, coherence, and style. Tests knowledge of transitions, redundancy, and organizational logic. ~10 questions.
ELA: Reading Comprehension
38 questions across 6 passages (roughly 6–8 questions each). Passages include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and historical texts. Pacing: about 1.5 min per question.
Fiction and poetry — test character motivation, tone, theme, and author's craft. Often includes 19th or early 20th century prose with complex syntax.
Science articles, historical speeches, persuasive essays — test central idea, evidence, and author's purpose. These passages reward active annotation.
Mathematics Section
57 questions, no calculator. Covers pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability. Many questions require multiple steps — speed and accuracy matter equally.
Fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, and absolute value. Fast arithmetic is essential — practice mental math and estimation under time pressure.
Linear equations, inequalities, systems of equations, and word problems. The largest content area — expect ~20 algebra questions.
Triangles, circles, area/perimeter, coordinate geometry, and 3D figures. Memorize key formulas — they are not provided.
4-Week Study Schedule
15–20 minutes per day, 4–5 days per week. Build skills progressively.
Week 1
Foundation
- ›Study the test format and all question types
- ›15 min practice daily — untimed
- ›Identify weak areas from practice
- ›Build vocabulary or core reasoning skills
Week 2
Skill Drills
- ›Target weakest question types with focused drills
- ›20 min practice daily with review
- ›Learn strategy approaches for each question type
- ›Begin timed sections
Week 3
Practice Tests
- ›Take first full timed practice test
- ›Analyze results by section — note patterns
- ›Double down on lowest-scoring areas
- ›Continue 20 min daily warm-ups
Week 4
Final Review
- ›Second full practice test under real conditions
- ›Review all wrong answer explanations
- ›Light review only in final 3 days
- ›Good sleep and relaxed mindset before test day
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Score Interpretation
SHSAT ELA and Math scores (each 200–800) are combined into a single composite score used solely to determine admission to NYC's specialized high schools.
Composite Score
ELA and Math scores (each 200–800) are added for a composite of 400–800. Schools fill seats from highest composite score down. The composite, not percentile, is what matters.
Cutoff Scores
Each specialized high school sets a cutoff score based on the number of seats and score distribution. Cutoffs are announced after decisions. Stuyvesant typically has the highest cutoff.
Varies yearly
Track NYCDOE announcements
No Scaling
Unlike the SAT or ACT, the SHSAT score is not scaled to a reference population — it directly reflects the number of correct answers converted to the 200–800 scale for each section.
Recommended Books
Affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Barron's SHSAT: NYC Specialized High Schools
The leading SHSAT prep book with 4 full-length practice tests and detailed ELA and Math review.
Kaplan SHSAT Prep 2024-2025
Kaplan's SHSAT study guide with strategies, practice tests, and online resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is the single criterion for admission to NYC's eight specialized high schools: Stuyvesant, Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical High School, and five others. It is taken in 8th grade (for 9th grade entry).
How is SHSAT admission decided?
Students are ranked solely by their SHSAT composite score. Schools fill seats with the highest-scoring students first. There is no consideration of GPA, teacher recommendations, or interviews — only the score.
What is a competitive SHSAT score?
Cutoff scores change each year based on demand. Stuyvesant and Bronx Science typically have the highest cutoffs. Historically, Stuyvesant's cutoff composite has been around 550–560 (out of 800 per section), though this varies annually.
What does the SHSAT ELA section test?
The ELA section has 57 questions: Revising/Editing (19 questions — grammar and rhetoric) and Reading Comprehension (38 questions — 6 passages). Students may encounter literary and informational texts.
How should I prepare for the SHSAT?
Most students prepare 6–12 months ahead. Focus on: (1) math fluency and problem-solving speed, (2) reading comprehension with complex texts, (3) full-length timed practice tests under real conditions. The NYCDOE releases official practice tests annually.