The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is one of the most important exams for middle school students in New York City. With the right preparation strategy, you can maximize your score and increase your chances of admission to one of NYC's elite specialized high schools.
Understanding the SHSAT Format
Before diving into study strategies, it's crucial to understand exactly what you're preparing for. The SHSAT consists of two main sections:
English Language Arts (ELA)
- Revising/Editing: 20 questions testing grammar, sentence structure, and revision skills
- Reading Comprehension: 37 questions based on literary and informational passages
Mathematics
- Multiple Choice: 52 questions covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics
- Grid-In: 5 questions requiring numerical answers
You'll have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete both sections. Time management is critical—many students struggle not because they don't know the material, but because they run out of time.
Creating Your Study Schedule
The most successful SHSAT students don't cram—they follow a consistent, well-structured study plan. Here's a recommended timeline based on when you start preparing:
6+ Months Before the Test (Ideal)
- Focus on building foundational skills in math and reading
- Study 1-2 hours daily, 5 days a week
- Take one full-length practice test per month to track progress
- Work through concept lessons before practice problems
3-6 Months Before the Test
- Increase study time to 2-3 hours daily
- Take practice tests bi-weekly
- Focus heavily on weak areas identified in practice tests
- Begin timed practice sessions
1-3 Months Before the Test
- Take weekly full-length practice tests under realistic conditions
- Review all incorrect answers thoroughly
- Focus on test-taking strategies and time management
- Reduce new content learning; focus on reinforcement
Pro Tip: The 20-Minute Rule
Research shows that studying in focused 20-minute blocks with short breaks is more effective than marathon study sessions. Try the Pomodoro Technique: 20 minutes of focused study, followed by a 5-minute break.
Math Preparation Strategies
The math section often determines acceptance into the most competitive schools like Stuyvesant. Here's how to maximize your math score:
Master the Fundamentals First
Before attempting complex problems, ensure you have solid foundations in:
- Order of operations (PEMDAS)
- Fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Basic algebraic manipulation
- Geometry formulas (area, perimeter, volume)
- Ratio and proportion
Learn Problem-Solving Strategies
Many SHSAT math problems can be solved faster using strategic approaches:
Backsolving
For multiple-choice questions, try plugging answer choices back into the problem. Start with choice C (middle value) to determine if you need a larger or smaller answer.
Picking Numbers
When a problem contains variables, substitute simple numbers (like 2, 3, or 10) to make the math concrete and manageable.
Drawing Diagrams
For geometry and word problems, always draw a picture. Visual representation often reveals the solution path.
ELA Preparation Strategies
The ELA section tests both your grammar knowledge and reading comprehension skills. Here's how to excel in each area:
Revising/Editing Section
This section tests your ability to identify and correct errors in written passages. Key areas to study:
- Subject-verb agreement: Ensure verbs match their subjects in number
- Pronoun clarity: Pronouns should clearly refer to specific nouns
- Parallelism: Items in a list should follow the same grammatical structure
- Sentence structure: Identify and correct run-ons and fragments
- Punctuation: Focus on commas, semicolons, and colons
Reading Comprehension Section
Success in reading comprehension comes from developing strong annotation habits:
The SOAR Method
- Skim the questions first (know what you're looking for)
- Organize the passage structure mentally
- Annotate key points, main ideas, and transitions
- Refer back to the passage for every answer
Test Day Tips
All your preparation leads to this moment. Here's how to perform your best on test day:
The Night Before
- Get 8+ hours of sleep
- Prepare your materials (admission ticket, pencils, calculator if allowed)
- Eat a light, healthy dinner
- Do NOT cram—review notes briefly, then relax
Test Morning
- Eat a protein-rich breakfast (eggs, yogurt, nuts)
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Use the bathroom before the test starts
- Take deep breaths to calm nerves
During the Test
- Read every question carefully—don't rush
- Skip difficult questions and return to them later
- Never leave a question blank (there's no penalty for guessing)
- Check your work if time permits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Spending too much time on one difficult question
- Not reading all answer choices before selecting
- Making careless arithmetic errors
- Misreading the question (especially "NOT" or "EXCEPT" questions)
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the SHSAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent, focused preparation over time will yield far better results than last-minute cramming. Remember:
- Start early and create a realistic study schedule
- Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing formulas
- Take regular practice tests to track your progress
- Learn from your mistakes—review every incorrect answer
- Take care of your mental and physical health throughout the process
With dedication and the right strategies, you can achieve your target score and open the door to an incredible high school experience. Good luck!
