Free SHSAT Practice Tests

The SHSAT is a specialized test for students in eighth and ninth grade to determine admission to New York City's nine specialized high schools. Use a SHSAT practice test to help prepare for this exam.

The SHSAT has endured a lot of evolution through the years so it’s always been a bit shaky as far as finding the right resources. But the core of the test has always remained the same. 

Thanks to the power of the internet, students have access to a lot of valuable resources to help them ace this important test. The key is to find the highest quality resources and then study them carefully. So how do you know if a resource is valuable?

Well that’s a bit tricky. It takes careful research and tedious digging to validate resources found online. So we’ve done all of the work for you and made a list of resources that are sure to help. 

Summary: Try a free SHSAT practice test and other resources below to prepare for the exam.

Free SHSAT Practice Tests

Other SHSAT Study Resources

SHSAT Test Format

The SHSAT is a three hour multiple choice exam. Let’s take a closer look at the format. The format for this test tends to get changed quite a bit but don’t let that intimidate you. Even if the format might be laid out differently, the core material stays the same. 

The SHSAT is designed with a 7th Grade curriculum in mind so always keep that in mind as you prepare and use SHSAT practice tests. Students will need to possess strong knowledge of the common core modules that are taught in 7th Grade. 

To summarize, the SHSAT has two sections –English Language Arts and Mathematics. There are also 10 random questions that are called “field questions” and they don’t count against the score. However, students have no way of knowing which questions these are. 

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Section 1: English Language Arts Section

This section of the SHSAT will test a student’s ability to read and comprehend passages of text, as well as their grasp of advanced English. 

• Revision/Editing: Sentences are presented to the student and they have to determine what’s wrong with it. Students are expected to understand all of the important grammar rules. 
• Reading Comprehension: Students will have to read six passages and answer questions regarding each passage. These questions are designed to gauge a student’s ability to understand complex passages. 

Section 2: Mathematics Section

The math section of the SHSAT will test a student’s ability to perform complex math. It’s comprised of four parts – basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. 

• Basic Arithmetic: First and foremost, this section will test a student’s knowledge of real numbers, prime numbers, and rational/irrational numbers. Fractions, order of operations, and other math basics are also tested here. 
• Algebra: Functions, relations, and inequalities are showcased in this section so students will need to have advanced understanding of algebraic expressions. 
• Geometry: The properties and measurements of angles are tested here. Additionally, students should expect questions related to Pythagorean Theorem and 3D figures. 
• Data Interpretation: This area tests a student’s understanding of advanced data sets including probability, permutations, and statistical analysis.

SHSAT Test Administration, Registration, and Test Dates

Students will have to register with their counselor in order to take the SHSAT. Upon approval, they will receive a ticket that lists the date and time. This ticket also gives them admission into the exam. 

When showing up for the test, students will be required to take the SHSAT in order of personal preference.

SHSAT Exam Requirements

The SHSAT is for students who are looking to apply for a specialized high school and is for 8th and 9th graders, although the majority of applicants are 8th graders. That’s really the only requirement. 

SHSAT Test Scores

Students do not get penalized for incorrect answers. The overall score is determined by the correct answers. That’s known as the raw score. Then that score is converted using a scaling system between 200 and 800 that changes from year-to-year. It’s based on the average of other students’ raw scores. 

Schools use this scale to determine a student’s eligibility so each one will have different requirements based on minimums set by boards and seat availability. 

It’s also worth noting that scores for 9th grade students looking to enter into specialized schools at a 10th grade level are higher than 8th graders. The 9th grade version is also considered more difficult due to the advanced questions that are asked.

How to Score Higher on the SHSAT?

According to the Associated Press, over 30,000 students take the SHSAT every year. That means students need to gain every possible advantage to get the highest possible score. Here are a few tips that will help. 

• Wear a watch so you can keep track of how much time is remaining. Students who don’t wear a watch might start rushing when they don’t need to. 
• Never leave a question blank. If you don’t know the answer, then take a guess. 
• Don’t let yourself get hung up on a single question. Move on from it and come back later. 
• Read questions carefully and identify keywords so you understand what it’s asking. 
• Write out math solutions legibly.
• Don’t rush through “easy” questions. Pay close attention and be sure you get them correct.
• During the Reading Comprehension section, focus more on the questions than you do on the passage itself. 
• Try not to let the volume of this test overwhelm you into being nervous. Trust in your preparation.

SHSAT Frequently Asked Questions

SHSAT Takeaways

The biggest takeaway is that students need to prepare in advance for the SHSAT. It’s designed to filter in students who are prepared for specialized high schools so it’s safe to say that those who properly prepare will be successful. Use our free SHSAT practice tests and flashcards to help prepare for the exam.