The 2026 SHSAT is bringing notable updates that every aspiring specialized high school student needs to understand. Whether you're targeting Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, or Brooklyn Tech, staying ahead of these changes is critical to your success.
What's Changing in 2026?
The NYC Department of Education has announced several adjustments to the SHSAT for the 2025-2026 testing cycle. These changes reflect broader trends in educational assessment and aim to better evaluate student readiness for rigorous high school programs.
Updated Math Section
The math section now places greater emphasis on:
- Data interpretation and statistics — expect more questions involving charts, graphs, and data analysis
- Multi-step problem solving — problems that require combining multiple concepts
- Real-world applications — word problems grounded in practical scenarios
Refined ELA Section
The English Language Arts section has been updated to include:
- More diverse passage types — including scientific articles and historical documents
- Expanded revising/editing — with a focus on rhetorical effectiveness, not just grammar
- Evidence-based reasoning — questions that ask you to cite specific textual evidence
How These Changes Affect Your Study Plan
If you've been using older SHSAT prep materials, it's time to update your approach. Here's what we recommend:
Start with a Diagnostic
Take a practice test that reflects the 2026 format. This will help you identify which new question types you need to focus on and establish a baseline score.
Focus on Data Literacy
Many students are strong in algebra and geometry but weaker in statistics and data interpretation. Dedicate extra time to:
- Reading and interpreting graphs
- Understanding mean, median, mode, and range in context
- Analyzing data sets and drawing conclusions
Build Your Reading Stamina
The 2026 ELA section features longer and more complex passages. Practice reading academic texts for 30+ minutes at a time. Annotate actively and summarize each paragraph in your own words.
What Top Scorers Are Doing Differently
We surveyed students who scored in the top 5% on recent practice tests. Here's what they have in common:
- They practice under timed conditions — every single session
- They review every wrong answer — understanding why they got it wrong, not just what the right answer is
- They read widely — newspapers, scientific journals, and literary fiction
- They teach concepts to others — explaining a concept is the best way to solidify understanding
- They take care of their health — sleep, exercise, and nutrition are non-negotiable
Timeline for 2026 SHSAT Preparation
Here's a month-by-month breakdown of how to prepare:
January–March: Foundation Building
- Master core math concepts (fractions, algebra, geometry)
- Build vocabulary through daily reading
- Take your first diagnostic test
April–June: Skill Development
- Focus on weak areas identified in diagnostics
- Practice new question types (data interpretation, evidence-based reasoning)
- Take bi-weekly timed practice sections
July–August: Intensive Practice
- Full-length practice tests every week
- Detailed review sessions after each test
- Work with a tutor on persistent weak areas
September–October: Final Preparation
- Simulate test-day conditions
- Focus on time management and test-taking strategies
- Light review only — avoid cramming
The Bottom Line
The 2026 SHSAT changes are significant but manageable. Students who start early, adapt their study strategies, and stay consistent will be well-positioned to earn their spot at a specialized high school.
The key is not to panic about changes, but to embrace them as an opportunity to develop stronger, more versatile academic skills that will serve you well beyond the test.
Ready to start your 2026 SHSAT preparation? SHS Prep's adaptive practice platform is already updated with the latest question formats and strategies.
