If your student yearns to attend a specialized high school in New York City, consider reaching out to Varsity Tutors to ask about our SHSAT prep services. The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a standardized exam eighth and ninth grade students take to be considered for enrollment in specialized high schools. Do you think your student can use some assistance from an SHSAT preparation option? Then contact us to learn more about our SHSAT test prep services.
In order to take the SHSAT exam, a student has to be in eighth or ninth grade and be a New York City resident. Pupils can take it in October or November, and even at the end of summer break, if they're new to New York City. The test contains two sections: English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students have 180 minutes to complete it. Each section has 57 questions, though only 47 questions per section receive a score. Ten of those questions are field test questions. Because your student won't know which questions get scores and which ones are field questions, it's imperative for them to treat all the questions alike. Below are the SHSAT sections in detail:
SHSAT Sections
- Revising/Editing
- Recognize and correct language errors and improve overall quality of writing
- Questions about sentences and written passages
- Reading Comprehension
- Understanding, analyzing, and interpreting texts
- 6-10 Questions per reading passage
- Math
- Word problems and computational questions
- Grade 8 test forms come from material in the New York City curriculum through Grade 7
- Grade 9 test forms are based on material through Grade 8
Our SHSAT tutoring services grant your student one-on-one attention, which eliminates distractions from other pupils. Each session is guided by expert SHSAT tutors who know the necessary academic concepts like the back of their hands.
In an SHSAT prep program, your student can learn how to build effective study skills they would need upon entering high school and beyond. Does your student have difficulty taking good notes? An SHSAT course tutor can assist them by providing an outline for them to neatly fill in important facts. Our SHSAT classes even accommodate students who are prodigies. Is your student entering high school at a very young age? These SHSAT class instructors can cater to their gifted minds by exposing them to higher-level texts and math problems. An SHSAT test preparation program also allows your student to work on a subject that's troubling them. An SHSAT prep tutor can help them try to understand math or reading comprehension by breaking lessons down into smaller pieces and explaining things slowly.
Before test day begins, you should ensure that your student brings the necessary tools for the exam. Here's a list of them below:
What To Bring To The SHSAT
- SHSAT Test Ticket signed by parent/guardian with student's Specialized High School choices
- Sharpened Number 2 pencils
- An eraser
- Assistive Technology (if indicated on the IEP and Test Ticket)
SHSAT courses can help your student make sure they have what they need before the exam. An SHSAT test prep tutor can suggest that your student makes a list of things they need, then check them off as they put each item into their backpack before they leave home.
All of our SHSAT test prep programs possess a flexible schedule, so your student can meet up with a tutor at a time that works for them. They also take place in online environments, making it simple for pupils to engage in lessons at anywhere with a stable internet connection. Do you want more information about our SHSAT prep services? Then call or email a Varsity Tutors educational consultant, and they can help you sign up your student for an SHSAT test prep program.
Gabriela: SHSAT test prep 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
- TACHS
- REGENTS
- SAT
- +66 subjects
Kody: SHSAT test prep instructor
...I excel in to get where I currently am. I am an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University majoring in Mathematics, so you could say that Math and me really click. I have worked with others, trying to better help them obtain a better understanding of math and they have shown bright results. My hobbies include some outdoor activities like going row boating or hanging with friends. I sometimes spend time working on my Youtube...
Education & Certification
- Stony Brook University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- REGENTS
- +23 subjects
Benjamin: SHSAT test prep instructor
...as well and am extremely excited to be returning to Madrid 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...
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor of Science, Economics & Biopsychology
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- SAT
- Psychology
- +37 subjects
Sarah: SHSAT test prep instructor
...as the challenges begin to slip away and what was previously 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...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelors, Classics
- Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London - Masters, Advanced Theatre Practice
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +56 subjects
Joshua: SHSAT test prep instructor
...prep -- SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, and GRE -- I particularly love tutoring writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a standardized exam, we should always be relating the work to your passions, pursuits, and educational goals to make the work that much more meaningful. In my spare time, you'll often find me learning bits of new languages for fun or writing. I...
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
- TOEFL
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +92 subjects
Leticia: SHSAT test prep instructor
...Physics, and SAT. I believe that there is more to life than just studying and receiving good grades. Studying can become a burden when it gets complicated and difficult to understand and can get in the way of you just living. I am here to help you to make it less of a problem for you, and find your own unique method of studying to prevent studying from becoming such a nuisance.... No one is not smart. Anyone can learn any concept; it is just the amount of dedication and desire to learn and internalize the concept that divides us.
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- Advanced Placement
- +54 subjects
Daniel: SHSAT test prep instructor
...love my teaching position as it not only brings me happiness 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...
Education & Certification
- Stony Brook University - Bachelor of Science, Clinical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- +25 subjects
Naftali: SHSAT test prep instructor
...broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English and 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....
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad, Dramatic Writing
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- HSPT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +54 subjects
Margot: SHSAT test prep instructor
...am passionate about making every student feel confident and prepared, no 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...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelors, Double Major in Music and Theater
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +57 subjects
Reshad: SHSAT test prep instructor
I am a 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...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Queens College - Current Undergrad, Urban Studies
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- HSPT
- SSAT
- TACHS
- +34 subjects
Zarrin: SHSAT test prep instructor
...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 and capacities. I hope that we will have an opportunity...
Education & Certification
- Mount Holyoke College - Bachelors, Neuroscience and Behavior / Child Development
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- REGENTS
- +81 subjects
Anne: SHSAT test prep instructor
...also played drums and wrote music professionally! As a result, I 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...
Education & Certification
- Bard College - Bachelors, Russian Studies
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Grad Student, Physical Therapy
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT
- +70 subjects
Jay: SHSAT test prep instructor
...Laude as a Biomedical major at Brooklyn Technical High School, where 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...
Education & Certification
- Sophie Davis at City College - Bachelor of Science, Bio-Medical
- SUNY Downstate College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +67 subjects
Moriah: SHSAT test prep instructor
...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 do enjoy reading, jogging, exploring New York City, and playing...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Music
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- HSPT
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- +61 subjects
Adnan: SHSAT test prep instructor
...my research. I tutor well over 135 subjects, but my favorite 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...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- WISC IV
- PSAT
- +136 subjects
Emmelina: SHSAT test prep instructor
...practice and hone as well as the appropriate work schedule to 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...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Environmental Science
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- MAP
- REGENTS
- SAT
- +51 subjects
Allison: SHSAT test prep instructor
...I taught non-violent conflict resolution skills to fourth grade students during 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...
Education & Certification
- Barnard College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- TACHS
- PSAT
- +42 subjects
Yikai: SHSAT test prep 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
- AP Computer Science A
- +29 subjects
Caroline: SHSAT test prep instructor
...in sixth grade who pushed and encouraged me and made me love it. I then went on to take advanced math classes throughout middle and high school and then attend a technical university with a heavy math emphasis. I believe that many students are disinterested in academics because they feel discouraged, and I hope to turn this around in the same way that my sixth grade math teacher did for me through persistence and positive...
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelors, Global Economics and Modern Language (Spanish)
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- SAT
- +42 subjects
Jeff: SHSAT test prep instructor
...work helping them prepare for tests and gain acceptance into colleges 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...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Undergrad, Neuroscience/Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- SSAT
- ACT
- +37 subjects