Is your student an eighth- or ninth-grader who dreams of going to a specialized high school in New York City? Perhaps they can use some help from a Varsity Tutors SHSAT prep course. The SHSAT, short for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test, is an exam that eighth and ninth grade students take to gain admission to a New York City specialized high school. Contact us to learn more about how an SHSAT prep class can help your student.
The only requirements for a pupil wanting to take the SHSAT is that they have to be in eighth or ninth grade, and they have to be a resident in New York City. They can take it in October or November. (If they just moved to New York City, they would have to take it at the end of summer break.) Eight high schools require the SHSAT exam, and here they are below:
The SHSAT is required for:
- Bronx High School of Science
- Brooklyn Latin School
- Brooklyn Technical High School
- High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College
- High School for American Studies at Lehman College
- Queens High School for Sciences at York College
- Staten Island Technical High School
- Stuyvesant High School
The above schools offer subjects like biology, foreign languages, and AP courses. Our SHSAT prep courses can help your student prepare for the subjects they would face upon enrollment. These SHSAT prep classes give your student one-on-one attention with an instructor who's eager to assist them. The great thing about tutoring is that your student can receive customized lesson plans. For example, a tutor can speak with your student to narrow down what subjects they're struggling with. Then they can spend time in SHSAT courses focusing on ameliorating your student's understanding in said subjects. An SHSAT class also lets your student absorb information in a way that suits them. An SHSAT course tutor can use lectures, display images, or advise your student to make a project to attempt to help them better comprehend a topic.
The SHSAT exam covers English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students have three hours to finish the test. Below are the sections and number of questions it contains:
SHSAT Section | # of Questions |
Revising/Editing | 9-11 |
Reading Comprehension | 46-48 |
Math | 57 |
In order to do well on the test, pupils need to demonstrate proficiency in correcting language errors, analyzing texts, and answering middle school-level math questions. An SHSAT class tutor can help your student review one or more of these sections. An instructor can give your student practice math problems, or if your student needs to review texts, a tutor can give them excerpts from books, essays, or newspapers to assist them with literary interpretation. An instructor can even create a form with sentences littered with errors so that your student can practice their language skills.
A great advantage about our SHSAT courses is that they do a superb job of mixing convenience and flexibility. Many young people are busy with extracurricular activities and find it hard to set aside time for private lessons. We're proud to say that your student can utilize our services on their own time so they wouldn't have to give up activities they care about. Our programs also provide a Live Learning Platform for pupils to communicate with tutors online. Begin signing your student up for an SHSAT course by reaching out to Varsity Tutors today.
Gabriela: SHSAT course instructor
I'm a rising junior at Harvard College. I study African American Studies with a secondary in Women's Studies and I am pursuing a language citation in Spanish. I aspire to one day go to business school. When I am not doing work, I can typically be found reading, writing, or dancing.
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Current Undergrad, African American Studies
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- TACHS
- SAT
- +66 subjects
Education & Certification
- Stony Brook University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- REGENTS
- SAT
- +23 subjects
Benjamin: SHSAT course instructor
...in September on a Fulbright grant to be an English Teaching Assistant at the high school level! My approach to tutoring has always been about understanding each student's individual style as a learner to create lessons best-tailored to his or her specific needs. I try to foster an environment where open communication is emphasized and the student feels comfortable and motivated. Outside of the classroom—even though I was born and raised in Manhattan—I love spending...
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor of Science, Economics & Biopsychology
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Writing and Language
- +37 subjects
Sarah: SHSAT course instructor
...frustrating and incomprehensible to the students becomes a subject that they now enjoy learning about and studying. I believe I am a good tutor and teacher because I am patient, encouraging, and have good communication and classroom management skills. I do not get frustrated if my students do not understand something right away; instead, I look for an alternative way to explain whatever is confusing to my students. My goal is not simply to help...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelors, Classics
- Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London - Masters, Advanced Theatre Practice
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- GED
- +56 subjects
Joshua: SHSAT course instructor
...the Universit de Paris 1 - Panthon-Sorbonne and focused my research on the social exclusion of African immigrants in Western Europe. Since graduation, I have worked at a public school in Harlem as the College Counselor working with students from grades 6-12. In my two years of experience, I have had the opportunity to network with college admissions counselors across the country, and I gladly connect my students to any college admissions departments I am...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- GED
- ISEE
- TOEFL
- +92 subjects
Leticia: SHSAT course instructor
...Boston University May 2015. I am currently a student at both Hunter College and City College, preparing to go to medical school. I have extensive tutoring experience, mostly with high school students. I am outgoing, nice, funny, and can explain concepts in an easy way. I am apt in tutoring in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and SAT. I believe that there is more to life than just studying and receiving good grades. Studying can become...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +54 subjects
Daniel: SHSAT course instructor
...in helping others succeed, but it helps me build a stronger understanding on how to be a better instructor. When I teach, I try not to lecture the student, but engage them by connecting what I teach with real-life scenarios. Especially in hard sciences like biology, this makes it much easier for students to understand the topic. Outside of academia, I am a professional swimmer of 15 years, I love to hike, bike, and scuba...
Education & Certification
- Stony Brook University - Bachelor of Science, Clinical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- ACT
- +25 subjects
Naftali: SHSAT course instructor
...Writing. In my experience, there is no best approach for how to tutor students. Every student is different and should be taught in a way that helps them better understand both the subject matter in front of them and themselves as a student. I believe that the healthy combination of creativity and patience can lead to the solution of almost any problem in life. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (graphic and classic) novels,...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad, Dramatic Writing
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- ACT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +54 subjects
Margot: SHSAT course instructor
...matter the academic situation. I began working as a tutor and teacher in high school, and have loved working with students of all ages ever since. I've worked with students from Pre-K through high school and college, teaching and tutoring a wide range of levels and subjects from basic reading and math skills to AP essay writing and college test prep. While I enjoy tutoring a wide range of subjects, some of my favorites include...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelors, Double Major in Music and Theater
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- TACHS
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +57 subjects
Reshad: SHSAT course instructor
...senior at Queens College majoring in Urban Studies. I am writing a thesis on South Asians living in New York City. I have spent the last two semesters mentoring kids from a local shelter every Saturday during the school year. My specialties are SAT prep, SHSAT Prep, English and Social Studies. As a tutor, I am persistent and creative in my teaching techniques. I will explore every option to teach students the material.
Education & Certification
- CUNY Queens College - Current Undergrad, Urban Studies
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +34 subjects
Zarrin: SHSAT course instructor
...students in their academic goals and endeavors. I have 6+ years of experience tutoring in STEM and Humanities from grades K-12. I also have experience tutoring in college level Biology and Chemistry classes. As a NYC native, and a Bronx High School of Science graduate I understand that students are constantly under pressure and competition. My goal is to make sure students understand and believe in their own prowess while continuing to improve their skills...
Education & Certification
- Mount Holyoke College - Bachelors, Neuroscience and Behavior / Child Development
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +81 subjects
Anne: SHSAT course instructor
...can truly get in the mindset of a student who is learning something - NO question is out-of-bounds or silly - it all comes from a place where the mind is trying to incorporate new information. There is nothing worse than an expert "teacher" who has forgotten what the various stages of learning was like! I work with students of all ages and in all the subjects I've listed. I look forward to hearing from...
Education & Certification
- Bard College - Bachelors, Russian Studies
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Grad Student, Physical Therapy
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- TACHS
- ACT
- SSAT
- +70 subjects
Jay: SHSAT course instructor
...I tutored fellow classmates for the SAT/ PSAT/ SSAT/ SHSAT, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, and AP US History exams. This is in addition to serving as Class President in the Student Government. The medical profession is a long journey with many tests along the way. The key to success as a student is to have a goal, stay structured, and find ways to make the learning fun and enjoyable. This approach has helped...
Education & Certification
- Sophie Davis at City College - Bachelor of Science, Bio-Medical
- SUNY Downstate College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- Advanced Placement
- GED
- SSAT
- +67 subjects
Moriah: SHSAT course instructor
...Reading portions of standardized tests but have at times assisted students in the math and science portions as well usually one-on-one. I strongly believe that every students has their own style of learning and must learn at their own pace. Although, sometimes giving them too much leeway may not always be the best solution, I am there to also provide encouragement and challenge to make the learning process enjoyable and beneficial. Apart from work, I...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Music
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- SSAT
- HSPT
- +61 subjects
Adnan: SHSAT course instructor
...subject to tutor is the MCAT and Physics. I've never taken a break from tutoring, which has honed my intuition for not only acing exams but for understanding exactly how to work with students of all backgrounds and temperaments. My teaching style involves Socratic Questioning and is highly interdisciplinary. It is never a one-way stream of information. I will be asking you a lot of questions along the way. The two most lessons that I...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +136 subjects
Emmelina: SHSAT course instructor
...help students not only understand the material or tests, but be able to noticeably improve their scores and cognitive skills. In high school I tutored students for the SHSAT as well as provided homework help after school near Stuyvesant HS. In college in Chicago, I also volunteer-tutored local kids as well as worked as an educational consultant and private tutor at an elite Chicago-area company. Thus, I have experience working with kids from all backgrounds,...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Environmental Science
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +51 subjects
Allison: SHSAT course instructor
...my senior year. It was rewarding to watch the students grasp new concepts, test new teaching strategies, and see the results. After graduation, I joined the US Peace Corps where I provided community health education at a village health center. Instructing village health staff in community education techniques allowed me to refine my own abilities to transmit information. Working with a language barrier, I learned how to break down complex ideas into more concrete and...
Education & Certification
- Barnard College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- TACHS
- PSAT
- +42 subjects
Yikai: SHSAT course instructor
I currently study computer science at New York University with scholarship. I have tutored students of varying ages on various subjects and I have found that self-studying leaves gaps in one's knowledge. I enjoy challenging myself to explain difficult concepts as simple as possible to help students succeed. My favorite subjects are math and science and my hobbies include chess, running, and swimming.
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad Student, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- +29 subjects
Caroline: SHSAT course instructor
...I also volunteered at an after school program for underprivileged kids called Atlanta Union Mission where I worked with small groups of elementary, middle, and high school students on homework assignments. After I graduated from Georgia Tech in May, I moved to Munich and worked as an au pair for five months. I used this opportunity to travel around Europe and learn German. Although I studied Spanish throughout high school and college and am fluent...
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelors, Global Economics and Modern Language (Spanish)
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- TACHS
- ACT
- +42 subjects
Jeff: SHSAT course instructor
...to be my greatest achievement at this point in my life. In the teaching process, I consider patience to be my strongest quality, as I've found that students are able to perform better in a subject once they are shown problems or the study material in a different way that is more relatable or easier to understand. My teaching philosophy is to try to be as engaging of an instructor as possible--from my own education,...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Undergrad, Neuroscience/Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- TACHS
- ISEE
- +37 subjects