SHSAT Test Prep | How to Prepare for the Specialized High School Test

If students want to attend of the specialized high schools in New York City, they must achieve top scores on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test. This exam covers plenty of different topics, and competition for high school seats can be fierce, so test-takers should take care to prepare carefully before the exam.

SHSAT Test Prep | Why Are Scores So Important?

Every student gets a score from 200-800 after taking the exam, and each specialized high school sets its own cutoff score. Based on these cutoff scores, each specialized high school admits students until they fill up the rising 9th grade class. There’s no portfolio of previous work, or high-stakes interviews, or other considerations for placement at the specialized high schools. That makes it essential to reach a top score if students want their pick of high schools!

SHSAT Test Prep | Tips for Math Mastery

There are fifty multiple choice math questions on the SHSAT, and these problems test students on many topics. Most questions cover algebra, geometry, basic number theory, and similar topics that students should have practiced in class. There are also questions that require students to use their problem-solving skills or brainstorm clever solutions, instead of wasting time on complicated answers.

SHSAT Test Prep | Tips for Verbal Mastery

The verbal section is a little more complicated than the math section, because there are plenty of sub-sections on different Language Arts topics. Within the verbal section, students have to answer ten logic questions, complete five scrambled paragraphs, and answer questions on several different passages to show reading comprehension skills. That means students must brush up on a variety of topics in order to get ready for this section, particularly for logic and scrambled paragraphs.

SHSAT Test Prep | How to Prepare for the SHSAT

There are plenty of practice books available for the SHSAT, and a great way to begin SHSAT prep is to work through an old exam and find areas of weakness. Most students need to spend additional time practicing logic questions and working with scrambled paragraphs, because these types of questions are unique to the SHSAT. Some extra work with challenging math problems or brainteasers can help students feel ready for the math section.

In addition to the practice tests, students may also want to brush up on weak spots with a few test prep tutoring sessions. Since scrambled paragraphs and logic questions can be tricky to start practicing alone, some students can benefit from directed study sessions before the test. Great SHSAT scores will open the door to top high schools around NYC, so put in some effort before the exam can really pay off in the long run!

Are You Considering Test Prep for the SHSAT?

Preparation for the SHSAT does not have to be daunting and exasperating; instead, it can represent an important opportunity along a student’s path to learning mastery. Indeed, the perspectives and abilities acquired during preparation can be transformative and last a lifetime.

Our two-track approach to mastering content and improving test-taking skills means that students will not only thoroughly understand the fundamental concepts and skills tested by the Specialized High School test, but they will also excel in using essential techniques to improve attitude, endurance and focus. Our students hone their independent thinking skills while developing a resilient mindset so they can perform on test day in a powerful, resourceful, creative and calm manner.

Please call 917.287.7927 now for a complimentary consultation to discuss how Origins Tutoring can help your child achieve his or her personal best on the Specialized High School test.